Before You Build in Nashville, TN: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Fences in Nashville do not require a building permit unless they exceed 7 feet in height. However, fences in Historic Preservation overlays require a Preservation Permit, and floodplain fences need prior approval.

Nashville's zoning code sets fence height limits by location on the property. Solid fences within 10 feet of the street right-of-way are limited to 30 inches. Side and rear yard fences may reach 8 feet.

Nashville's Metro Code has no minimum setback requirement from a neighboring property line for fences. There is no boundary fence law requiring cost-sharing. Disputes are private matters.

All residential swimming pools in Nashville must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching at 54 inches or above. Pool alarms are required for pools built in or after 2011.

Metro Nashville requires a Residential Permit from the Department of Codes and Building Safety for any new in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, with zoning setbacks set by Title 17 §17.12.040, a 48-inch barrier under the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and a Tennessee-required pool alarm.

Nashville residential pool safety is governed by the 2018 IRC and ISPSC. Building permits are required before construction. Inspections are conducted by Metro Codes. Pools require proper barrier enclosure and alarm systems.

Above-ground pools extending more than 12 inches above ground require a building permit and must meet setback requirements. Side setback is at least one-half the required district setback but not less than 3 feet. Full barrier requirements apply.

Converting an attached garage or detached garage to living space in Nashville requires a building permit. Converting a detached garage to a DADU requires a contractor permit and compliance with all DADU standards.

Nashville streamlined DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) rules significantly in 2025. DADUs are permitted by right in most residential zones within the Urban Services District. Size limits were raised, and the alley access requirement was removed.

Metro Nashville allows tiny homes only as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on a permanent foundation, capped at 700 sq ft (or 850 sq ft on lots 10,000+ sf), and only in the Urban Services District, DADU overlays, or qualifying UDO/SP plans. Tiny houses on wheels are not permitted as full-time residences.

Metro Nashville treats carports as accessory structures regulated by Title 17 of the Metro Code, with reduced setbacks for rear-yard carports of 700 sq ft or less, height capped at 16 ft on lots under 40,000 sq ft, and a building permit required from the Department of Codes and Building Safety.

Sheds and carports 10 ft × 10 ft (100 sq ft) or larger require a building permit in Nashville. Smaller sheds are exempt. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and may not be used as living space.

Open burning of brush, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited in Davidson County under an EPA regulation in effect since the 1980s. Metro Nashville does not issue burn permits for residential yard waste.

Portable fireplaces and fire pits are legal at single- and two-family homes in Nashville. They must be made of non-combustible materials, kept at least 15 feet from structures, and attended at all times. Apartment and condo residents may not use them on decks or patios.

Nashville's Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Chapter 2.226 require tree removal permits for protected, retained, or heritage trees. Unauthorized removal triggers replacement requirements at the owner's expense.

Nashville property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property. Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Chapter 2.226 govern tree protection and replacement. Trees in the public right-of-way require NDOT/Metro Water approval before trimming.

Nashville does not have permanent mandatory water restrictions. Metro Water Services issues voluntary conservation requests during drought conditions, such as staggered odd/even watering schedules. No permanent outdoor watering ban exists.