Nashville, TN Permit Requirements: Deck & Patio Permits (2026)

Nashville's Department of Codes and Building Safety requires building permits for new deck construction and certain deck repair projects. Deck board replacement exceeding 100 square feet requires a permit. Any replacement of deck footings or framing also requires a permit regardless of area. Tearing down a deck without replacing it does not require a permit. New deck construction must comply with the adopted building code including proper footings, structural framing, ledger board connections, and guardrails. Guardrails are required on decks 30 inches or more above grade and must be at least 36 inches tall. Deck construction must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Patios at ground level (concrete, pavers, or stone at grade) generally do not require building permits unless they involve structural components. Covered patios and screened porches may have additional requirements. Permit applications are filed through the Metro Codes department. The city recommends consulting Building Permits Central on nashville.gov for specific project guidance before beginning construction.