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 wildfire risk than the Smoky Mountains, urban-wildland interface areas in Percy Warner Park, Bells Bend, and Beaman Park require vegetation management. Metro Codes enforces through complaint-driven inspection with correction deadlines.
Metro Nashville Code §8.24.100 (overgrown lots) requires property owners to maintain vegetation below 12 inches on lots under 2 acres and keep land free from accumulation of brush, weeds, and combustible debris. The 2021 IFC as adopted by Metro (Ordinance BL2022-1332) governs clearance around structures, with §304 requiring removal of combustible waste material accumulations. Unlike Eastern Tennessee (Sevier, Blount, Cocke counties near the Smoky Mountains where the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire killed 14), Davidson County sits in Middle Tennessee's Nashville Basin with lower wildfire risk, but urban-wildland interface zones along the Cumberland River, Percy Warner Park boundaries, Radnor Lake, and Beaman Park still require vegetation management. Tennessee Division of Forestry (TCA §11-4-401 et seq.) issues burn permits outside city limits during non-burning season (Oct 15-May 15). Metro Codes Administration (Division of Property Standards Services) enforces complaints via hubNashville 311 and inspects for Class 1 violations (immediate hazard) vs Class 2 (correctable). Vacant lots across Davidson County, especially in transitional areas like Buena Vista, North Nashville, and parts of Madison, see frequent enforcement. HOA-managed subdivisions typically impose stricter landscape maintenance standards than Metro minimums.
Metro Code §8.24 overgrown lot violation: Notice to Comply issued with 10-day correction deadline. Failure to comply triggers Metro abatement (mowing/clearing) at owner's expense plus $150-$300 administrative fee, recorded as lien on property. Repeat violations within 12 months: up to $500 civil penalty per occurrence.
Davidson County, TN
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Davidson County, TN
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Davidson County, TN
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Davidson County, TN
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Davidson County, TN
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Davidson County, TN
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See how Davidson County's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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