Metro Nashville zoning code regulates outdoor lighting through Metro Code Title 17.28.030. Full-cutoff fixtures required in most districts and parking lots limited to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.
Metro Zoning Code 17.28.030 (Exterior Lighting) sets lighting standards for new commercial, industrial, and multi-family development. Fixtures over 1,800 lumens must be full-cutoff (zero uplight). Pole height limited to 25-30 feet in most commercial districts and lower adjacent to residential. Light trespass capped at 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines and 1.0 foot-candles at non-residential lines. BNA airport vicinity has additional FAA lighting review for tall structures. Nashville is not a designated Dark Sky community but ordinance follows IDA-adjacent principles. Single-family homes largely exempt from zoning lighting standards but subject to nuisance limits.
Non-compliant commercial fixtures: Metro Codes notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: Metro Environmental Court fines $50-$500 per violation. CO may be withheld for permit violations.
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County and Metro Nashville have no leaf blower-specific equipment or fuel type restrictions. Gas-powered blowers remain legal. General noise ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Code §12.40.120 allows removal of vehicles parked on public streets over 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles on private property must be enclosed or screened...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires 48-inch minimum pool barriers per IRC Appendix G as adopted. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch 54 inches above grade. Ins...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any height with surcharge. Engi...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville allows backyard hens in most residential zones without a specific permit cap, but prohibits roosters under the general noise/nuisance ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County has no designated wildfire hazard zones or defensible space requirements. TN Division of Forestry manages statewide wildfire response. Outdoo...
See how Davidson County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.