Nashville, TN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval required from
- Beautification commission horticulturalist and traffic engineer
- Minimum setback
- 3 feet from front and side lines
- Default weed limit
- 12 inches without an approved design
- Governing chapter
- Metro Code Ch. 10.26, High Weeds and Debris
- Max fine
- $50 per day, per violation
Summary
Nashville allows natural landscaping in place of a mowed lawn only if the design is filed with and approved by the beautification commission horticulturalist and Metro's chief traffic engineer, with a three-foot setback from the front and side property lines.
Natural landscaping may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by both the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure's chief traffic engineer or his/her designee, provided there is a minimum three foot setback from the front property line and from any adjacent residential property line, and subject to Section 13.12.190. All government-owned greenways, parks, recreation areas, and the facilities or grounds of any department of the metropolitan government shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.C.No owner or occupant shall permit the accumulation of debris, trash, litter or garbage, or any combination of those elements on exterior property or premises; such condition is declared to be a public nuisance and a danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. (Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2025-995 § 1, 2025; Ord. BL2025-995 § 1, 2025; Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2014-819 § 1, 2014; Ord. BL2014-819 § 1, 2014; Ord. BL2005-505 § 1, 2005)
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 high-weeds ordinance bans grasses and vegetation over twelve inches, but Chapter 10.26.010(B) carves out natural landscaping: a homeowner can let a yard grow wild if an intentional planting design is on file with and approved by both the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist and the Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure's chief traffic engineer. Approval requires a minimum three-foot setback from the front property line and from adjacent residential lines, and the planting still can't violate the Section 13.12.190 sight-obstruction rule at corners and driveways. Metro-owned greenways and parks are exempt from the underlying weeds rule entirely.
Violations & Fines
No approved design on file means the yard is judged under the plain twelve-inch weed limit, a code violation the Department of Codes Administration can cite. Metro's general penalty clause caps fines at fifty dollars, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with a native plant garden in Nashville?
Does approved natural landscaping still have setback rules?
What happens if I skip approval and just let it grow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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