Nashville, TN Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)

Residential security cameras are permitted in Nashville without any city permit, registration, or notification requirement. Property owners may install cameras covering their own property and areas visible from public vantage points (driveways, front yards, sidewalks). Tennessee is a one-party consent state under TCA 39-13-601, meaning only one party to a conversation needs to consent to audio recording. This makes doorbell cameras and security cameras with audio features straightforward to use legally. Video-only surveillance of publicly visible areas does not require any consent. Cameras must not intentionally record areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside a neighbor's home, bathrooms, or bedrooms. Tennessee's wiretapping statute (TCA 39-13-601) prohibits intercepting communications without at least one party's consent. Violation is a Class D felony. Nashville does not have any local surveillance ordinances for residential properties. The Metro Nashville Police Department encourages residents to register cameras with their voluntary camera registry program to assist in crime investigations.