Davidson County, TN Ordinances (2026)

Metro Nashville allows backyard hens in most residential zones without a specific permit cap, but prohibits roosters under the general noise/nuisance ordinance. Coops must meet setbacks under Metro Code §8.12 and zoning code §17.16. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep…

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulates wildlife feeding under TN §70-4-125 and TWRA Proclamation 00-14. Intentional feeding of deer and bears prohibited statewide. Nashville enforces through hubNashville referrals to TWRA.

Davidson County's leash laws are set by Metro Code Chapter 8.04. Physical control (leash, cord, or chain) is required when dogs are off the owner's property. Violations: $50 per animal. Escalating penalties for repeated violations.

Backyard beekeeping is permitted throughout Davidson County. State registration with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is required. Hives near property lines require a flyway barrier to direct bee flight upward.

Davidson County prohibits keeping many exotic and wild animals under Metro Code Chapter 10.28 and Title 8. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) permits are required for any allowed Class II wildlife. Most large or dangerous exotic species are banned.

Davidson County has no breed-specific legislation. Metro Code Chapter 8.08 uses a behavior-based two-tier dangerous dog system. Tennessee state law preempts local breed bans under TCA §44-8-413.

Metro Nashville zoning code (Title 17) allows wood, vinyl, wrought iron, masonry, and chain-link fences in residential districts, with chain-link restricted in front yards in some conservation overlays. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zoning districts…

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. Engineered plans required over 4 feet.

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. Inspection required before pool is filled.

Davidson County has no required setback from the neighboring property line for fences and no boundary fence cost-sharing ordinance. Fence disputes between neighbors are civil matters not enforced by Metro Codes.

Standard residential fences in Davidson County generally do not require a building permit. Exceptions apply for fences over 7 feet, fences in Historic Preservation overlays, and fences in floodplains.

Davidson County fence height limits are set by the Metropolitan Zoning Code. Solid fences within 10 feet of street right-of-way are limited to 30 inches. Side and rear fences may reach 8 feet.

Metro Nashville Public Works provides weekly curbside trash collection in the Urban Services District and bi-weekly curbside recycling. General Services District (suburban/rural areas) receives contracted service or private hauling. Carts must be at curb by 7 AM on collection…

Metro Nashville requires trash and recycling carts placed curbside with lids closed by 7 AM on collection day, at least 3 feet apart, with handles toward the house. Carts must be retrieved within 24 hours of collection and stored out of public view between pickups. Alley pickup…

Metro Nashville Public Works offers free bulky item pickup by appointment through hubNashville 311 for USD residents, plus monthly brush and bulk collection in GSD. Appliances require refrigerant removal. Construction debris, hazardous waste, and electronics excluded. Metro…

Metro Nashville offers bi-weekly curbside single-stream recycling to USD residents accepting paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, steel, and plastics #1-#7. Recycling is not mandatory but strongly encouraged under Metro's Zero Waste Master Plan. Contaminated carts are skipped…

Metro Nashville requires a building permit for all in-ground pools, above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, spas, and permanent hot tubs under Metro Code §16.04 and the 2018 IRC/2021 ISPSC adopted by Tennessee. Metro Codes Department plan review covers setbacks, electrical…

Metro Nashville requires an electrical permit for hot tub 240V circuits. Lockable hardcover meeting ASTM F1346 can substitute for perimeter barrier under IRC Appendix G. Must meet 5-foot rear setback.

All residential pools in Davidson County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool alarms (≥50 dB) are required for pools built in 2011 or later.

Davidson County residential pools require building permits and Metro Codes inspections. The Metro Nashville Public Health Department separately regulates public and semi-public pools. Anti-entrapment suction fittings and proper bonding/grounding are required.

Above-ground pools extending over 12 inches require a permit in Davidson County. Setbacks are at least half the zoning district's required setback (minimum 3 feet). Full barrier and pool alarm requirements apply.

Metro Nashville does not operate a centralized No-Knock Registry. Residents rely on posting 'No Soliciting' signs at entry, which is enforceable under Metro Code §6.28.070. Solicitors who ignore posted signs face citations. Religious and political canvassers remain…

Metro Nashville requires door-to-door commercial solicitors and peddlers to obtain a Transient Vendor/Peddler Permit from Metro Codes under Metro Code §6.28. Background check (TBI), photo ID badge, and proof of insurance required. Soliciting hours 9 AM to 8 PM (or sunset…

Davidson County and Metro Nashville have no leaf blower-specific equipment or fuel type restrictions. Gas-powered blowers remain legal. General noise ordinance under Metro Code Title 11 Chapter 11.12 applies, so leaf blower use is restricted during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM)…

Davidson County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. TN Code §39-17-305 applies.

Davidson County residents are subject to Metro Nashville's animal noise ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors violates Title 8 (Animals) and Title 9 (Noise). Metro Animal Care and Control enforces county-wide.

Metro Code §9.30.010 prohibits construction noise exceeding 70 dB(A) near residential areas between 9 PM and 6 AM county-wide. No construction is allowed Sunday (midnight to midnight) without a special permit from the Director of Codes Administration.

Davidson County is governed by the Metro Nashville-Davidson County consolidated government. All noise regulations from Metro Code Title 9 (Noise and Amplified Sound) apply county-wide, including unincorporated areas.

Metro Nashville requires tree replacement under the TDU (Tree Density Units) system in §17.24. Development must meet post-construction TDU targets. Fee-in-lieu payments go to the Metro Tree Bank.

Metro Nashville Tree Protection Ordinance (Metro Code §17.24) requires tree density replacement on development sites. Single-family home owners may remove trees on their own lots without permit, but street trees require Metro Public Works approval.

Metro Nashville protects Landmark Trees under Metro Code §17.24. Trees designated by Metro Tree Advisory Committee for size, age, or significance cannot be removed without Planning Commission approval.

Metro Nashville Code §6.20 and zoning code §17.24 restrict food truck operations by zoning district. Trucks may operate on private property with owner consent. Public right-of-way vending restricted, with Lower Broadway and the Gulch having special rules. Distance from…

Metro Nashville requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Metro Health Department Mobile Food Service Establishment permit, a Nashville business tax license, and a Metro Codes zoning clearance. Trucks must be registered with TDCI and carry liability insurance. Annual renewal with…

Davidson County property owners must keep lots free of excessive brush, weeds exceeding 12 inches, and combustible debris under Metro Code §8.24 (property standards) and the 2021 International Fire Code adopted by the Nashville Fire Marshal. While Middle Tennessee has lower…

Davidson County has no designated wildfire hazard zones or defensible space requirements. TN Division of Forestry manages statewide wildfire response. Outdoor burning permits required Oct 15-May 15 under TN Code §68-102-143. Metro Nashville is primarily urbanized with low…

All consumer fireworks are banned in Davidson County under Metro Code Chapter 10.68. This local ban applies even though consumer fireworks are legal statewide in Tennessee under TCA §68-104-101.

Portable fireplaces and fire pits are permitted at single- and two-family homes throughout Davidson County. Requirements include non-combustible construction, 15-foot setback from structures, solid fuel only, and constant attendance. Apartment/condo residents may not use them on…

All open burning is prohibited throughout Davidson County under an EPA air quality regulation in place since the 1980s. Metro Nashville does not issue residential burn permits. Yard waste must go to curbside pickup or drop-off sites.

Recreational drone use in Davidson County is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC §44809). Nashville BNA airport Class C airspace covers much of Davidson County requiring LAANC authorization. Metro Parks prohibits drone takeoff/landing…

Commercial drone operators in Davidson County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Nashville BNA Class C airspace covers most of the urban area requiring LAANC authorization for all commercial flights. Metro Parks commercial drone permits required for filming in…

Davidson County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Metro Nashville parks close 11 PM to 6 AM per Metro Code §11.12.070. Centennial Park, Percy Warner, Shelby Bottoms, and Cumberland Park all enforce. After-hours access is criminal trespass.

No general long-term rental registration required in Metro Nashville. Only Short-Term Rental Property permits required under Metro Code 17.16.250. Long-term landlords subject to standard property maintenance codes only.

No just-cause eviction law in Tennessee. Metro Nashville follows TN URLTA (Title 66-28). Landlords may terminate month-to-month with 30 days notice for no cause. 14-day cure or quit for non-payment, 30-day cure for material lease violations.

Rent control banned statewide. TN Code 66-35-102 preempts all local rent control ordinances, meaning Metro Nashville cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent any amount with 30 days written notice on month-to-month tenancies.

Metro requires a grading permit from Metro Codes for land disturbance over 10,000 sq ft or any disturbance in a floodplain. Drainage may not adversely affect adjacent properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineered permits.

Metro requires EPSC (Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control) plans for grading permits under Metro Code 15.64 and TDEC CGP. Certified EPSC Level 1 inspector required on larger sites. Silt fence, stabilized construction exits, and inlet protection standard.

Metro Nashville Stormwater Regulations (Metro Code Title 15.64) require permits for land disturbance of 1 acre or more and water quality treatment for the first inch of runoff. Metro Water Services administers the MS4 permit.

Davidson County is inland (no coast) but Metro regulates development along the Cumberland River, Mill Creek, Richland Creek and floodplains. Water Quality Buffer Zones of 30-60 feet apply to blue-line streams under Metro Code 15.64.

Davidson County has extensive FEMA Zone AE flood hazard areas along the Cumberland River and its tributaries. Floodplain development requires Metro Water Services permits. Updated FIRM maps from February 2022 added 1,000+ properties to flood zones.

Metro Nashville requires a building permit for any carport regardless of size. Attached carports must meet primary structure setbacks; detached treated as accessory per Metro §17.16.070.

Metro Nashville adopted IRC Appendix Q allowing tiny homes under 400 sq ft on foundations. DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units) permitted in most R-zones per §17.16.250. THOW (wheels) treated as RVs and restricted in residential zones.

DADUs are permitted by right in most Davidson County residential areas within the Urban Services District under BL2025-1007. The alley requirement was removed, size limits raised to 700–850 sq ft, and the process streamlined.

Converting a garage to living space in Davidson County requires a building permit. Converting to a DADU requires a contractor permit (no self-permitting). The space must meet all IRC habitability requirements.

Sheds and accessory structures 100 sq ft or larger require a building permit throughout Davidson County. Smaller structures are exempt from the permit but must still comply with setbacks. No living space is permitted in sheds.

Metro Nashville yard sales must respect quiet hours under Metro Code §11.12 (10 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 10 PM to 8 AM weekends). Daytime sales acceptable, no specific end time mandated.

Metro Nashville does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales. Sales must comply with Metro sign code (§17.32) and property maintenance rules. Commercial-scale sales may trigger business license requirements.

Metro Nashville has no strict numeric cap on annual garage sales, but frequent sales can be reclassified as home business requiring zoning compliance under Metro Code §17.16.250C.

Metro Nashville property standards (Title 16) apply to yard sales. Items cannot remain in front yard or right-of-way between sale days. Signs must be removed promptly to avoid illegal sign citations.

Metro Code §10.20 requires vacant lot owners to cut grass/weeds over 12 inches and remove trash. Metro Public Works abates non-compliant lots and bills owners. Vacant property registration required for buildings vacant 90+ days under Metro §16.24.350.

Metro Public Works requires Urban Services District carts set out no earlier than 6pm day before collection, retrieved by end of collection day. Bins stored out of public right-of-way sight between pickups per Metro §10.20.

Metro Nashville Property Standards Code (Code §16.24) prohibits blight including peeling paint, broken windows, overgrown vegetation, and junk accumulation. Metro Codes Department issues notices with 10-day compliance period. Civil penalties up to $500 per day under TN Code…

Metro Nashville has no mandatory sidewalk snow clearing ordinance. Nashville averages only 5 inches of snow annually. Property owners encouraged but not legally required to clear sidewalks.

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Davidson County. Tennessee has no state-level restriction on residential collection. Metro Water Services encourages rain barrels and offers occasional rebate programs.

Metro Nashville permits artificial turf without a specific ordinance. Stormwater rules require proper drainage substrate. Turf counts as impervious surface for stormwater calculations in some cases.

Metro Nashville encourages native plantings through NashvilleNext and Metro Tree Advisory Committee recommendations. Tennessee has no statewide HOA xeriscaping protection, but Metro does not restrict native gardens on private residential property.

Davidson County enforces weed abatement under TN Code §6-54-113. Overgrown properties subject to city abatement at owner’s expense.

Property owners in Davidson County may trim trees on their own property without a permit as long as no protected trees are removed. Trees in the public right-of-way require NDOT and Metro Water Services approval before trimming.

Davidson County's Property Standards Code (Chapter 16.24) prohibits excessive weed and grass growth on residential and commercial properties. Metro Codes enforces violations county-wide. Failure to comply allows Metro to mow at the owner's expense.

Davidson County has no permanent mandatory outdoor water restrictions. Metro Water Services issues voluntary staggered watering advisories during drought. Nashville averages ~47 inches of rainfall annually and is not subject to arid-region restrictions.

Removing protected, retained, or heritage trees in Davidson County requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Metro Zoning Administrator. Unauthorized removal requires replacement at equivalent tree density. Heritage trees are 24"+ in diameter.

Metro Code 17.32 limits garage sale signs to 6 sq ft on private property with owner permission. Signs prohibited in public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on Metro street signs. Must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.

Political signs allowed on private property under Metro Code 17.32 with content-neutral size limits (typically 16 sq ft residential, 32 sq ft non-residential). Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. Must be removed within 10 days after election.

Metro does not require permits for residential holiday displays. Decorations must not obstruct sight triangles, sidewalks, or create fire hazards. HOA and historic overlay (Germantown, Edgefield, etc.) may add restrictions.

Tennessee DHS licenses home-based childcare at four tiers. Nashville zoning permits Family Home (up to 7 children) in all R-zones; Group Home (up to 12) requires special permit. Metro §17.16.030.

Tennessee's Domestic Kitchen exemption (TN §53-1-102) allows home production of non-hazardous foods with no revenue cap. No license required. Metro Nashville does not add local restrictions.

Home Occupation Permits are required for any business operating in a residential zone throughout Davidson County. The permit limits business space to 20% of the home or 500 sq ft, and allows only one non-resident employee on-premises.

No exterior signs advertising a home business are permitted in Davidson County residential zones. Metro Code Chapter 17.32 prohibits any sign visible from the street indicating a business type at a residential property.

Davidson County home occupation rules limit customer visits to 3 per hour and 6 per day. Home businesses must not create excessive traffic, noise, or other disturbances in the residential neighborhood.

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 Nashville Zoning Code Title 17 sets setbacks by district. R6 requires 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear. RS5 requires 20/5/20. Urban Zoning Overlay reduces front setbacks to contextual averages.

Metro Nashville limits residential heights to 35-45 ft depending on district. Downtown DTC zones allow 30+ stories. BNA Airport Part 77 airspace caps heights near flight paths. Historic overlays impose stricter limits.

Metro Code 17.28.030 caps light trespass at 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Residential-to-residential complaints handled through Metro Codes as nuisance. No specific residential spillover ordinance exists.

Metro Nashville zoning code regulates outdoor lighting through Metro Code Title 17.28.030. Full-cutoff fixtures required in most districts and parking lots limited to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.

Metro Nashville requires building and electrical permits for solar PV under Metro Code Title 16 and NEC. Metro Codes offers expedited solar permitting. Nashville Electric Service (NES) requires interconnection agreement before activation.

Tennessee has a limited solar access law (TN Code 66-9-205) protecting new solar easements but does not prohibit HOA solar bans. Unlike California or Florida, Tennessee HOAs may restrict or prohibit rooftop solar panels through CC&Rs.

Metro Code 17.16.250 caps STRP occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 4, not to exceed 12 overnight guests total regardless of bedroom count. Party houses banned. Max occupancy must be posted inside the unit.

Metro Nashville requires STRP operators to carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance per Metro Code §6.28.030.E. Proof required at permit application and annual renewal.

STR guests throughout Davidson County must comply with Metro Code Title 9 noise standards. The STR responsible party (within 25 miles) must be reachable to address complaints. Repeat violations risk permit non-renewal.

STR guests in Davidson County must comply with all Metro Code Chapter 12.40 parking regulations. Residential permit parking zones restrict non-resident vehicles. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.

Davidson County STR operators owe a $313 annual permit fee plus Nashville's Hotel Occupancy Tax (6–7% + $2.50/night). Combined with state sales tax, total lodging taxes reach approximately 15–16% plus the nightly flat fee.

All short-term rentals in Davidson County require a Metro Codes permit under §6.28.030. The consolidated Metro Government applies uniform STR regulations across the entire county. Non-owner-occupied permits are banned in most residential zones.

Metro Nashville has no general overnight street parking ban, but residential permit parking zones and posted restrictions apply. No parking 2am-6am on some downtown and commercial corridors.

Metro Nashville permits residential Level 2 EV charger installation with an electrical permit. No EV-ready mandate in residential code; commercial parking facilities over 50 spaces must provide EV-capable spaces.

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 under §17.12.080. TN §55-16-104 governs abandoned vehicle towing.

Oversized vehicles and RVs are prohibited from parking on Davidson County public streets. They must be kept at designated RV parks or campgrounds. Towing applies after 48 hours of illegal public parking.

Davidson County follows Metro Code Chapter 17.20 for off-street parking requirements. Blocking driveways or parking on sidewalks is prohibited under §12.40.040. New curb cuts require an NDOT permit.

Large commercial vehicles may not park overnight on Davidson County residential streets. A Commercial Permit Parking program exists for businesses in designated commercial zones under Ordinance BL2017-941.

Street parking in Davidson County is governed by Metro Code Chapter 12.40. General parking is permitted unless posted otherwise. Standard fine is $50. Many areas have permit zones, timed restrictions, or metered parking.

Home cannabis cultivation is prohibited in Davidson County. Tennessee has no medical or recreational marijuana program. Only CBD with under 0.9% THC (for specific conditions) is legal under TN §39-17-402. Hemp farming licensed through TDA.

Cannabis dispensaries are illegal statewide in Tennessee. Metro Nashville cannot permit or zone for marijuana sales. Only CBD retail (under 0.3% THC hemp-derived) is legal. TN Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Act regulates Delta-8/THCA products effective 2025.