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Nashville, TN Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
Operational fire permit to operate a daycare
Issued by
Nashville Fire Department (fire code official)
Code basis
2024 International Fire Code, as amended
No-permit penalty
300% of permit/inspection fees

Summary

Metro Nashville requires an operational fire permit to run any daycare facility, issued under the Metropolitan Fire Prevention Code's 2024 International Fire Code amendments.

105.5.61 Daycare occupancy. An operational permit is required to operate a daycare facility within the jurisdiction.

Source: TN Department of Human Services Child CareView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

The Metropolitan Fire Prevention Code, Metro's locally amended 2024 International Fire Code, requires anyone operating a daycare facility in Nashville and Davidson County to hold an operational permit from the fire code official (Nashville Fire Department). This sits alongside the separate operational permit Metro requires for state-licensed residential board and care facilities. The permit is enforced fire-code-wide, in addition to any state childcare licensing from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. The Fire Prevention Code applies throughout Metro's General Services District; the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop) enforce their own adopted codes.

Violations & Fines

Operating a daycare, or starting any fire-code-regulated work, without the required permit is 'strictly prohibited' under § 10.64.012 (adding IFC § 105.3.9); a penalty equal to 300% of the permit and inspection fees applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Nashville daycare need a special fire permit?
Yes. Metro's Fire Prevention Code requires an operational permit specifically to operate a daycare facility, separate from any building or business license.
Does this apply in Belle Meade or Goodlettsville?
No. Those satellite cities keep their own municipal and fire codes, not Metro's Fire Prevention Code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsAnti-MansionizationSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeFew RestrictionsDoor Locking HardwareSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsFew RestrictionsElevator MaintenanceSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Nashville rules

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