Metro Nashville caps Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) and building footprint by district. RS5 lots typically limit to 45-50% impervious. Stormwater rules trigger at 5,000 sq ft disturbance under Metro Code Title 15.
Metro Zoning Code establishes maximum lot coverage and Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) by district. RS5 typically allows 45-50% ISR. R6 allows up to 60%. Downtown DTC and MUN districts allow near-100%. Coverage includes primary structure, accessory buildings, driveways, patios, pools, and paved walkways. Metro Stormwater Regulations (Title 15) require water quality treatment on any site disturbing 5,000+ sq ft or adding 5,000+ sq ft impervious — especially important in Cumberland River, Harpeth, and Stones River watersheds with flooding history. Green infrastructure credits available for permeable pavers, bioswales, and green roofs. Hillside Protection Overlay areas have stricter limits.
Exceeding ISR: correction order, required removal of impervious surface. Stormwater violations: up to $10,000 per day per TDEC/Metro Water Services. Building permit holds until compliance.
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County and Metro Nashville have no leaf blower-specific equipment or fuel type restrictions. Gas-powered blowers remain legal. General noise ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Code §12.40.120 allows removal of vehicles parked on public streets over 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles on private property must be enclosed or screened...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires 48-inch minimum pool barriers per IRC Appendix G as adopted. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch 54 inches above grade. Ins...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any height with surcharge. Engi...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville allows backyard hens in most residential zones without a specific permit cap, but prohibits roosters under the general noise/nuisance ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County has no designated wildfire hazard zones or defensible space requirements. TN Division of Forestry manages statewide wildfire response. Outdoo...
See how Davidson County's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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