Nashville, TN Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Codes Administration
- Required stages
- Foundation, frame, mechanical, final
- Governing chapter
- Metro Code Ch. 16.32
- Past-inspection rule
- Needs director's written approval
Summary
Metro Nashville building permits require staged inspections, foundation, frame, mechanical rough-in and final, before work may continue past each point or a certificate of occupancy issues.
The director of codes administration...shall make the following inspections of buildings...: A.Foundation Inspection. The foundation inspection is to be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected.B.Frame Inspection. The frame inspection is to be made after the roof, all framing, fire-blocking, bracing and insulation is in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete.C.Final Inspection. The final inspection is to be made after the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
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's Department of Codes Administration inspects every permitted project in stages under Metropolitan Code of Laws Chapter 16.32. Foundation inspection happens after trenches are excavated and forms erected; frame inspection after the roof, framing, fire-blocking, bracing and insulation are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete; final inspection once the building is complete and ready for occupancy; plus separate mechanical rough-in and mechanical final inspections. The permit holder or agent must notify the director before each stage, and under Section 16.32.060 no further work may proceed past an inspected point without the director's written approval.
Violations & Fines
Continuing construction past an inspected stage, or occupying a building, without the director of codes administration's written approval violates Chapter 16.32 and can halt work or block a certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does Metro Nashville require during construction?
Can work continue before an inspection is approved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.