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Nashville, TN Special Events & Permits: Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$30 plus $50-$100 admin fee
Application deadline
At least 3 days before filming
Enforcing office
Mayor's Office of Film and Special Events
Max penalty
$500 per day of violation
Priority rule
Established special events can't be bumped

Summary

Metro Nashville requires a permit from the Mayor's Office of Film and Special Events for any commercial filming that uses public property or the right-of-way, and filming permits can never bump an already-established special event from its regular time and place.

No person shall allow or conduct filming activities as referenced above, without a permit from the mayor's office of film and special events. ... Priority. Where applications to use facilities overlap or conflict, preference shall be given to that application which was filed earliest, provided that no special event or filming permit shall be approved which would displace an established special event from its customary time and place.

View official code

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

Commercial film shoots that touch public property or the right-of-way, on-street parking, blocked traffic, cameras or lighting rigs set up outside, need a filming permit from the Mayor's Office of Film and Special Events under Metropolitan Code of Laws § 2.62.030. The same office runs the special events permit system, and when a filming request collides with an event booking, priority goes to whichever application was filed first, except an established special event, one that has held the same time and place for two straight years, can never be bumped by a filming crew no matter who filed first.

Violations & Fines

Filming without a permit, or violating permit conditions, is a separate offense for each day it continues, punishable by up to $500 per violation under § 2.62.070.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to film in Nashville?
Yes: if the shoot uses public property or the public right-of-way, including on-street parking, blocked traffic, or outdoor equipment, per Metropolitan Code of Laws § 2.62.030.
Can a film shoot bump a scheduled festival or event?
No. Section 2.62.030 bars approving any filming or special event permit that would displace an 'established special event' from its usual time and place.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

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All Nashville rules

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