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Nashville, TN Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Adopted code
2023 National Electrical Code
Permit issued by
Dept. of Codes Administration
No-permit penalty
Permit fee tripled
Homeowner permits
Allowed on own principal home
Governing chapter
Metro Code Title 16, Ch. 16.20

Summary

Metro Nashville requires an electrical permit from the Department of Codes Administration before installing, connecting, or altering any electrical system, wired under the 2023 National Electrical Code adopted by Metropolitan Code of Laws § 16.20.140.

The 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code, Article 90 through Chapter 9 inclusive are adopted and incorporated into this chapter as the technical section of the electrical code of the metropolitan government, by reference, as fully as though copied into this chapter. ... It shall be the duty of every person legally entitled to apply for and receive an electrical permit, to make application for and to obtain the required electrical permit from the department of codes administration prior to the installation of any electrical system or part thereof.

View 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

Metro adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code (Article 90 through Chapter 9) and the 2024 International Residential Code electrical chapters as its technical electrical standard. Section 16.20.160 requires a permit before any electrical installation, connection to a power source, or new device or fixture is installed anywhere in Metro Nashville and Davidson County. Minor repairs and maintenance that add no new conductors are exempt, as is limited low-voltage wiring in one- and two-family homes. Only registered metropolitan electrical contractors, or homeowners permitted to work on their own principal residence, may pull the permit. Work performed before a permit issues triples the required fee.

Violations & Fines

Starting electrical work before the permit issues triples the fee under § 16.20.250(B); unregistered contractors who pull permits violate the registration requirement in § 16.20.190, risking permit revocation and stop-work orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for minor electrical repairs in Nashville?
No. Section 16.20.160(B) exempts normal maintenance and minor repairs that do not involve installing new conductors in an existing electrical system.
What happens if I start electrical work without a permit?
Metro triples the required permit fee under § 16.20.250(B), on top of any other penalty, if electrical work begins before the permit is issued.
Can a homeowner get their own electrical permit in Nashville?
Yes, for their own principal residence, if they do the work themselves, obtain only one permit per year, and pass the codes department's review under § 16.20.040.

Sources & Official References

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