Nashville, TN

Zoning & Building Rules in Nashville, TN

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. with aggressive development and ADU allowances through zoning overlays. The city has experienced rapid densification.

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Key Facts About Nashville

Population
690K
ADU Status (TN)
varies
Median Home Price (TN)
$350K
Common Zones
R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2
Zoning Overview

Nashville (Metro Nashville-Davidson County) uses a traditional Euclidean zoning system managed by the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Key residential zones include R (general residential), RS (single-family), RM (multi-family), and the BL (Base Lot) zones introduced for infill. Nashville also has SP (Specific Plan) districts for mixed-use developments. Check your Nashville property's zoning instantly with ReadyPermit.

Source: Metro Nashville Planning Department / Metro Council

Zoning Districts in Nashville

R

General Residential

Single-family, two-family, and multi-family depending on lot size

RS

Residential Single/Two-Family

Single-family and duplexes on lots meeting minimum size; RS5, RS7.5, RS10, RS15, RS20, RS40

RM

Residential Multi-Family

Apartments, condos, townhomes; RM2, RM4, RM6, RM9, RM15, RM20, RM40, RM60

BL

Base Lot

Infill development: allows smaller lots for single-family, duplexes, and cottage clusters in walkable areas

MUN/MUL/MUG

Mixed Use

Residential and commercial mixed-use at neighborhood (MUN), limited (MUL), or general (MUG) intensity

SP

Specific Plan

Custom site-specific zoning — uses and standards negotiated during approval process

CN/CL/CS/CF

Commercial

Neighborhood (CN), limited (CL), shopping (CS), and freeway (CF) commercial

IWD/IG

Industrial

Warehousing/distribution (IWD) and general industrial (IG)

Development Standards

  • RS5: 5,000 sq ft min lot, 35 ft height, 1-2 family, 3 ft side setbacks
  • RS10: 10,000 sq ft min lot, 35 ft height, 1-2 family, 5 ft side setbacks
  • RM20: 20 units/acre density, 3 stories/45 ft height, multi-family
  • BL: minimum 2,000 sq ft lots, allows attached and detached single-family, reduced setbacks for infill
  • SP districts: standards set per approved plan — density, height, and use vary widely
  • MUL/MUG: mixed-use with 3-6 story height, ground-floor commercial encouraged

Permit Process & Timeline

Timeline

4–8 weeks for residential by-right; 6–18 months for SP or rezoning

Permit Costs

$1,500–$6,000 for residential; $10,000+ for commercial or SP

  • • Metro Nashville Codes Department handles building permits
  • • Metro Planning Department handles zoning, rezonings, and specific plans
  • • By-right projects reviewed administratively
  • • SP and rezoning requests require Metro Planning Commission and Metro Council approval
  • • Community plans adopted by Planning Commission guide rezoning decisions

How to Check Zoning & Get Permits in Nashville

  1. 1

    Check your zoning

    Use ReadyPermit or Nashville's parcel viewer (parcelviewer.nashville.gov) to find your zoning district, community plan policy, and overlay designations.

  2. 2

    Determine if your project is by-right

    Review Metro Nashville Zoning Code Title 17 to confirm your intended use is permitted in your district. If not, you may need a rezoning or SP approval.

  3. 3

    Submit permit application

    File your building permit through Metro Nashville Codes Department. Include site plan, floor plans, and structural calculations.

  4. 4

    Plan review

    Codes Department reviews for building code, stormwater, and fire compliance. Standard review takes 4–8 weeks.

  5. 5

    Rezoning or SP hearing (if applicable)

    SP and zone change requests require public hearing before the Planning Commission and Metro Council vote. Allow 6–18 months.

  6. 6

    Pay fees and obtain permit

    Pay applicable building permit, plan review, and Metro Nashville Water tap fees.

  7. 7

    Construction and certificate of occupancy

    Build per approved plans with required inspections. Obtain certificate of occupancy after final inspection.

Zoning & Building FAQ for Nashville

How do I check zoning in Nashville?+
Use ReadyPermit for instant results or Nashville's parcel viewer at parcelviewer.nashville.gov. The parcel viewer shows your zoning district, community plan designation, historic overlay status, and pending development applications.
What are BL zones in Nashville?+
BL (Base Lot) zones were introduced to allow smaller-lot infill development in walkable Nashville neighborhoods. BL zones permit lots as small as 2,000 sq ft with reduced setbacks, enabling duplexes, cottage courts, and compact single-family homes in areas previously zoned for large lots.
What is an SP district in Nashville?+
A Specific Plan (SP) is a custom zoning district where uses, density, height, and design standards are negotiated during the approval process. SP rezonings are common in Nashville for larger mixed-use and multifamily developments. Standards are site-specific and set through Council approval.
Can I build a duplex in Nashville?+
Yes, in RS (residential single/two-family) zones on lots meeting minimum size requirements. Two-family dwellings are generally permitted in RS5, RS7.5, and RS10 districts. Some R zones also allow duplexes. Check your specific district standards for lot-size and setback requirements.
How long does a rezoning take in Nashville?+
Rezonings and SP approvals in Nashville typically take 6–18 months. The process involves community meeting, Metro Planning Commission public hearing, and Metro Council vote (three readings). Community plan consistency is a key factor in approval decisions.
Can I build an ADU in Nashville?+
Yes. Metro Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in RS and R residential zones. Maximum size is 700 sq ft. Owner-occupancy is required. The DADU must be in the rear yard and match the architectural style of the primary dwelling.

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