Swimming pool permit rules in Davidson County, TN — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Metro Nashville requires a building permit for all in-ground pools, above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, spas, and permanent hot tubs under Metro Code §16.04 and the 2018 IRC/2021 ISPSC adopted by Tennessee. Metro Codes Department plan review covers setbacks, electrical (GFCI), drainage, and barrier compliance. Final inspection required before filling. Temporary/inflatable pools under 24 inches exempt.
Metro Nashville Code §16.04 and the Tennessee Residential Code (based on IRC 2018) require a building permit from the Metro Codes Department (Department of Codes Administration, 800 2nd Ave South) for swimming pools, spas, and permanent hot tubs. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC 2021) adopted by TN Fire Marshal under TCA §68-120-101 governs technical standards. In-ground pools require a building permit ($100+ based on construction value), electrical permit (GFCI circuits mandatory), and plumbing permit. Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep also require a building permit. Pools must meet zoning setbacks under Metro Code §17.16.250: typically 5 feet from side/rear property lines and not in front yard. Temporary inflatable pools under 24 inches deep are exempt but must still meet barrier requirements if they exceed 24 inches when filled. TDEC Rule 1200-23-04 governs public/semi-public pools (HOA pools, apartment complexes) separately. Metro Public Health Department inspects public pools. Final inspection must pass before the pool is filled and used. Tennessee pool alarm requirement (50+ dB when 15+ lb object enters water) applies to all new residential pools under the state building code. Flood zone properties along the Cumberland River, Harpeth River, Mill Creek, and Richland Creek face additional Metro Stormwater review under Metro Code §15.64. Unpermitted pools discovered during real estate transactions trigger retroactive permit requirements plus doubled fees.
Unpermitted pool construction: Stop-Work Order under Metro Code §16.04, retroactive permit required with double fees ($200+ minimum). Failure to obtain final inspection: $50-$500 civil penalty. Missing pool alarm: cannot obtain certificate of occupancy. Zoning setback violation: removal or modification required.
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 pool permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.