Nashville, TN Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Nashville's film permit program is administered by the Mayor's Office of Film and Special Events under Metro Code Chapter 2.62. A film permit issued by the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) is required when film, tape, digital, or still photography activity takes place on public property (Metro Parks, streets, buildings, city facilities), involves closing or temporarily stopping any lane of traffic or impeding vehicular traffic, involves closing a sidewalk or impeding pedestrian flow, or requires on-street parking for production vehicles. The Film Permit Application fee is $130. All productions must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with proof of comprehensive general liability insurance coverage from an insurance company authorized to do business in Tennessee, which must be acceptable to the Metro Legal Department. Nashville's growing film and television industry has made the city an increasingly popular production location, with the film office providing location scouting assistance and production resources. Permits are coordinated through the Film Office at PWEventPermits@nashville.gov or (615) 862-8782. Low-impact filming on sidewalks with no equipment or traffic disruption may have simplified requirements, but a permit is still needed for any activity on public property.