Metro Title 5 limits the number of dogs and cats a household may keep without a kennel permit. Standard residential lots typically cap at a small number of each species, with kennel licensing required for higher counts.
Metro Code Title 5 sets household pet limits to balance pet ownership with neighborhood compatibility. Residential parcels in standard zoning may keep a limited number of dogs and cats over a certain age (typically capped per species) without obtaining a kennel permit. Once limits are exceeded, the property is treated as a kennel and must comply with kennel licensing through MACC, which includes facility standards, inspections, and zoning verification. Foster volunteers working with MACC or licensed rescues may exceed limits temporarily under a foster authorization. HOAs may further restrict counts. Multi-unit buildings and condos often impose stricter pet limits in lease addenda.
Exceeding pet limits without a kennel license can result in MACC civil penalties starting around $50 per animal, plus orders to relocate animals and per-day fines if not corrected.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no general Metro Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must sta...
Nashville, TN
Nashville has no specific Metro Code ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain on the propert...
Nashville, TN
Nashville does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety, nuisance, and historic district rules apply...
Nashville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Nashville require Metro Codes permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Built-in grills wi...
Nashville, TN
Nashville treats smokers and solid-fuel cooking devices under the International Fire Code Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code. Use on combustible balconies ...
Nashville, TN
Nashville follows the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 308 as adopted by Metro Code Title 10. Use of propane grills and open-flame cooking devices on co...
See how Nashville's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.