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Nashville, TN Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Metro Zoning Code, Title 17
Permitted districts
Downtown, industrial, select mixed-use only
Parking, citywide
1 space per slip or berth
Parking, UZO district
1 per 5 berths plus storage space
Residential/agricultural districts
Not a permitted use

Summary

Metro Nashville's zoning code lists 'boat dock (commercial)' as a permitted use only in downtown, industrial, and select mixed-use districts, requiring one parking space per slip or berth under the citywide land use and parking tables.

Boat dock (commercial) 1 space per slip or berth. UZO district: 1 space per 5 berths plus 1 space per 500 square feet of dry storage.

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's zoning ordinance (Title 17) treats a boat dock as a commercial land use, not a residential accessory. The district land use table (§ 17.08.030) marks 'Boat dock (commercial)' 'P', permitted by right, only in downtown, industrial, and a small set of mixed-use and shopping-center zoning districts; it carries no entry, and so is not allowed, in any residential or agricultural district. The parking table (§ 17.20.030) then sets a specific standard: one parking space per slip or berth citywide, or, inside the Urban Zoning Overlay District, one space per five berths plus one space per 500 square feet of dry storage. There is no separate category for a private homeowner's dock.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating a boat dock without the required zoning classification is a misdemeanor and draws a $500-per-day civil penalty under §§ 17.40.610-.620; the zoning administrator can triple permit fees if work starts before a permit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a private boat dock at my Nashville home?
Metro's zoning code only classifies 'boat dock (commercial)' as a listed use; it has no separate private-dock category, so a residential dock is reviewed as an accessory structure, not under this commercial-use table.
Which zoning districts allow a commercial boat dock in Nashville?
The land use table permits it by right only in downtown, industrial, and a handful of mixed-use and shopping-center districts. It is not permitted in any residential or agricultural district.
How much parking does a commercial boat dock need in Nashville?
One space per slip or berth citywide. Inside the Urban Zoning Overlay District, it's one space per five berths plus one space per 500 square feet of dry storage.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant 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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