A Resident's Guide to Nashville's Local Ordinances

As one of the larger cities in Tennessee, Nashville has a substantial set of local ordinances that govern everything from noise levels to what you can build in your backyard. With about 689000 residents, the city maintains 203 distinct rules across 50 categories. This guide gives you the big picture.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in Nashville require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Nashville does not have additional local commercial drone regulations.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Nashville for details.

Animal Ordinances

Animal Hoarding: Metro Nashville prosecutes animal hoarding under Title 5 cruelty provisions and Tennessee state law, allowing seizure when conditions endanger animals. MACC officers and MNPD investigate, and convictions can include forfeiture and treatment orders..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Cat Rules (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Nashville for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: All consumer fireworks are banned within Metro Nashville under Metro Code Chapter 10.68. Nashville is one of only a few Tennessee cities to ban consumer fireworks, which are legal statewide under TCA §68-104-101..

Also covered: Brush Clearance (moderate), Propane Storage (moderate), Wildfire Zones (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Nashville for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Nashville follows federal EPA lead-based paint disclosure requirements for all pre-1978 housing. Tennessee does not have a comprehensive state lead paint law beyond federal requirements.

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Childcare Center Rules (strict), Door Locking Hardware (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Nashville for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Registration Rules: Every Nashville short-term rental must obtain an STRP permit from Metro Codes Administration before advertising or operating, under Section 17.16.250 and Chapter 6.28.030. The current permit fee is $313, permits expire 365 days after issuance, and the permit number must appear on every online listing (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (strict), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Host Presence Rule (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Nashville for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Nashville does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Tennessee follows standard landlord-tenant law (T.C.A.

Also covered: Security Deposit Rules (moderate), Source-of-Income Discrimination (permissive), Tenant Anti-Harassment (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Nashville for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Bridge Housing Siting: Nashville's bridge-housing inventory includes Strobel House, Patton Place, and Mission Single Adult Campus, operating under low-barrier rules that admit guests without sobriety, ID, or background screening prerequisites and without imposing length-of-stay caps..

Also covered: Sit-Lie Rules (moderate), Encampment Sanitation (moderate). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Nashville for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Metro Public Health Department inspects Nashville food service establishments at least twice yearly under TN Department of Health rules, scoring 0-100 with a passing threshold of 70. Inspection placards must be posted visibly near the main entrance..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Bed-Bug Rules (moderate), Syringe Disposal (permissive). See the full public health rules guide for Nashville for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Tennessee. State law (T.C.A.

Also covered: Personal Cultivation Limits (strict), Commercial Cannabis Zoning (strict), Buffer Zones (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Nashville for details.

Single-Use Items

Polystyrene Foam Rules: TCA 68-211-1101 also blocks Nashville from banning expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers or coolers. Metro can encourage alternatives through its sustainability program but cannot prohibit foam at restaurants, schools, or special events..

Also covered: Plastic Bag Rules (permissive), Plastic Straw Rules (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for Nashville for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Tennessee TCA 39-17-1504 sets the minimum age to purchase or possess tobacco, hemp-derived cannabinoid, and vapor products at 21, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 law. Nashville retailers must check IDs for any customer who appears under 30..

Also covered: Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive), Vape Retail Rules (permissive). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Nashville for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Metro Nashville requires stormwater management under Title 15, Chapter 15.64 of the Metropolitan Code. All development must comply with the Metro Stormwater Management Manual.

Also covered: Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Sustainable Procurement (permissive), Vehicle Idling Restrictions (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Nashville for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Nashville requires tree removal permits for protected trees under the Metro Tree and Landscape Code (Title 17, Chapter 17.40, Article X). Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 12 inches or more on development sites are considered protected.

Also covered: Protected Tree Species (strict), Parkway Planting (moderate), Urban Forest Equity (permissive). See the full tree protection guide for Nashville for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Metro Water Services may declare drought stages that limit outdoor irrigation. Stage 1 advises voluntary conservation; Stage 2 imposes odd-even or day-of-week irrigation schedules; Stage 3 bans most outdoor watering except for hand-held hoses on new plantings..

Also covered: Leak Reporting Duty (permissive), Recycled Water Rules (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Nashville for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Metro Planning applies transit-oriented design standards along major WeGo Public Transit corridors and high-frequency bus routes. Higher densities, reduced parking minimums, and pedestrian-oriented frontages are encouraged through specific plan and urban design overlay districts..

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Nashville for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Shared E-Scooter Rules: After several years of pilot programs, Metro Council significantly tightened shared electric scooter rules under Metro Code Title 12. NDOT permits a limited number of operators, requires designated parking corrals downtown, and bans riding on most sidewalks and on Lower Broadway during peak hours..

Also covered: Bike Lane Rules (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Nashville for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Nashville imposes a 6% Metro hotel occupancy privilege tax plus a 1% tourism surcharge on top of the 7% Tennessee state sales tax for stays under 30 continuous days..

Also covered: Hotel Worker Retention (permissive), Hotel Living Wage (permissive). See the full hotels & lodging guide for Nashville for details.

Local Taxes & Fees

Business Tax Classification: Nashville businesses must obtain a standard business license and pay Metro and state business taxes based on classification 1-5 set by Tennessee, with rates from 0.001875 to 0.003 of gross receipts..

Also covered: Parking Tax (permissive), Vacancy Tax (permissive). See the full local taxes & fees guide for Nashville for details.

Immigration Policy

E-Verify Mandates: Tennessee requires all employers with 35 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm new hire work eligibility under TCA 50-1-703. Nashville businesses face state penalties for noncompliance..

Also covered: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (strict). See the full immigration policy guide for Nashville for details.

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: Nashville cannot require paid sick leave or paid family leave from private employers. Tenn.

Also covered: Worker Scheduling Preemption (permissive), Minimum Wage Preemption (strict). See the full employment preemption guide for Nashville for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: Nashville regulates sexually oriented businesses under Metro Code 6.54 with mandatory licensing through the Metro Sexually Oriented Business Licensing Board, strict zoning buffers, and personnel-level permits for performers..

Also covered: Secondhand Dealers (moderate). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Nashville for details.

Public Conduct

Public Alcohol Use: Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on Nashville public streets and sidewalks except within designated entertainment districts and special-event boundaries, with Lower Broadway honky-tonks held to strict door-control rules..

Also covered: Loud Party Ordinance (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Nashville for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: All residential swimming pools in Nashville must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching at 54 inches or above.

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate), Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Nashville for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Metro Nashville allows tiny homes only as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on a permanent foundation, capped at 700 sq ft (or 850 sq ft on lots 10,000+ sf), and only in the Urban Services District, DADU overlays, or qualifying UDO/SP plans. Tiny houses on wheels are not permitted as full-time residences..

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Impact Fees (permissive), ADU Rental Restrictions (strict). See the full accessory structures guide for Nashville for details.

Trash & Recycling

Pickup Rules & Schedules: Metro Nashville Public Works provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residential properties. Trash is collected weekly and recycling is collected every other week.

Also covered: Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Nashville for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Nashville's Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Chapter 2.226 require tree removal permits for protected, retained, or heritage trees. Unauthorized removal triggers replacement requirements at the owner's expense..

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Nashville for details.

Firearms

Local Firearms Preemption: Metro Nashville-Davidson County cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1314 preempts the entire field of firearm transfer, ownership, possession, transportation, and ammunition regulation. Statewide rules apply uniformly inside Nashville..

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Permanent outdoor kitchens in Nashville require Metro Codes permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Built-in grills with natural gas connections require gas permits and Tennessee-licensed gas installer.

Also covered: BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate), Smoker Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Nashville for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Nashville does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety, nuisance, and historic district rules apply.

Also covered: Inflatable Display Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Nashville for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Nashville's noise ordinance under Metro Code Title 9 prohibits sounds plainly audible beyond a property boundary that disturb neighbors. Amplified sound restrictions apply during late-night hours; the Department of Codes and Building Safety enforces violations..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Nashville for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Nashville requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain permits under Title 11, Chapter 11.08 of the Metro Code. Solicitors must register with the Metro Clerk's office, provide identification, and obtain a solicitor's permit before canvassing neighborhoods.

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Nashville for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Nashville requires food trucks to obtain multiple permits including a Metro Health Department food service establishment permit, a Metro business license, and a Metro Codes mobile food vendor permit. Food trucks must comply with the Tennessee Food Service Establishment Act and Metro Nashville health regulations under Title 10 of the Metro Code..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Nashville for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Structure Height Limits: Nashville's zoning code imposes height limits that vary by district. Residential zones typically limit structures to 3 stories or 35 feet.

Also covered: Setback Rules (strict), Lot Coverage Limits (strict). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Nashville for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Nashville does not require permits for residential garage sales or yard sales. Homeowners may hold garage sales on their property without advance registration or approval from Metro government.

Also covered: Frequency Limits (permissive), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Nashville for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Nashville enforces property standards through Title 16, Chapter 16.24 of the Metro Code. Properties must be maintained free from conditions constituting blight, including accumulated trash, overgrown vegetation, structural deterioration, and abandoned vehicles.

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Garage Sale Rules (permissive), Trash Bin Storage (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Nashville for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Nashville does not have a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is addressed generally through the zoning code (Title 17) which requires that commercial and multifamily lighting be directed downward and shielded to reduce glare on adjacent properties.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Nashville for details.

Sign Regulations

Holiday Displays: Nashville does not have specific regulations targeting holiday displays on private residential property. General sign code provisions (Chapter 17.32) and property standards apply.

Also covered: Political Signs (moderate), Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Nashville for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Solar panel installations in Nashville require building and electrical permits through Metro Codes Administration. Residential rooftop solar is treated as a building alteration under the Metro Building Code (Title 16).

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (moderate). See the full solar energy guide for Nashville for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Fences in Nashville do not require a building permit unless they exceed 7 feet in height. However, fences in Historic Preservation overlays require a Preservation Permit, and floodplain fences need prior approval..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Nashville for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home businesses in Nashville are prohibited from displaying any visible signs from the dwelling indicating the nature of the business. No exterior commercial signage is allowed in residential zones..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Nashville for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Oversized vehicles and RVs cannot be parked on Nashville streets or public property. They must be parked at designated RV parks or campgrounds.

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Nashville for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Nashville Metro Parks close at 11 PM and reopen at dawn unless otherwise posted. Under Metro Parks regulations, being in a park during closed hours is prohibited.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (strict). See the full curfew laws guide for Nashville for details.

HOA Rules

Architectural Review: HOA architectural review in Nashville is governed by each association's CC&Rs. Tennessee does not have standardized architectural review regulations for HOAs.

Also covered: Board Procedures (permissive), Assessment & Dues (moderate), Dispute Resolution (permissive). See the full hoa rules guide for Nashville for details.

Filming & Production

Street Closures: Street closures for film production in Nashville require NDOT coordination and are processed through the Film and Special Events permit. Full closures need advance notice and police officer hire for traffic control.

Also covered: Location Permits (moderate), Production Noise (moderate). See the full filming & production guide for Nashville for details.

Special Events & Permits

Sidewalk Cafe Rules: Nashville requires Sidewalk Encroachment Permits from the Davidson County Clerk for outdoor dining in the public right-of-way. Restaurants must maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian clearance.

Also covered: Block Party Permits (moderate), Park Event Permits (moderate). See the full special events & permits guide for Nashville for details.

Street Vending

Vendor Permits: Nashville regulates street vending through Metro Code Section 13.08.040 and the Metropolitan Traffic and Parking Commission. Vending on public sidewalks in the downtown entertainment district including Lower Broadway is prohibited.

Also covered: Vending Zones (strict), Cart & Stand Rules (moderate). See the full street vending guide for Nashville for details.

Code Violation Reporting

Response Times: Nashville Property Standards inspectors prioritize complaints by severity. Emergency safety hazards receive priority response.

Also covered: How to Report (moderate), Common Violations (moderate). See the full code violation reporting guide for Nashville for details.

Privacy & Surveillance

Recording & Consent Laws: Tennessee is a one-party consent state under TCA 39-13-601. Only one participant in a conversation needs to consent to recording.

Also covered: Privacy Screening (permissive), Security Camera Rules (permissive). See the full privacy & surveillance guide for Nashville for details.

Invasive Plant Rules

Bamboo Restrictions: Nashville does not have a specific ordinance banning or restricting bamboo. Tennessee does not list bamboo as a noxious weed.

Also covered: Prohibited Species (moderate), Front Yard Gardens (permissive). See the full invasive plant rules guide for Nashville for details.

Permit Requirements

Shed & Outbuilding Permits: Nashville requires building permits for sheds and carports 10x10 feet (100 sq ft) or larger. Smaller sheds may be exempt but must comply with setback requirements.

Also covered: Fence Permits (permissive), Deck & Patio Permits (moderate), Renovation Permits (moderate). See the full permit requirements guide for Nashville for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Nashville, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.