Nashville, TN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Metropolitan Code § 17.24.075
- Applies when
- Area has adopted street tree plan
- Planting standard
- Metro Nashville Street Tree Specifications
- Maintenance duty
- Frontage owner, via recorded covenant
- Variance path
- Board of zoning appeals; tree bank
Summary
Where Metro has adopted a street tree and streetscape plan for an area, new development must plant right-of-way trees per the Metro Nashville Street Tree Specifications, and the property owner records a covenant to maintain them.
Upon creation of a plan for street trees and streetscape for a specific geographic area within Davidson County, the metropolitan planning commission shall adopt the plan. ... Trees shall be installed according to the provisions of the Metro Nashville Street Tree Specifications prepared and maintained by Metro Water Services in conjunction with Metro Public Works, Planning and Codes.
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
Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 17.24.075 lets the planning commission adopt street tree and streetscape plans for specific Davidson County areas. Once adopted, the rule reaches new multi-family or non-residential development, major renovations or expansions above set value or size thresholds, and new single-family or two-family construction on vacant lots. Required trees go in per the Metro Nashville Street Tree Specifications maintained by Metro Water Services with Public Works, Planning and Codes, and the frontage owner records a covenant accepting maintenance duty. The urban forester can grant minor spacing tweaks; bigger changes need a planning commission amendment.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant plantings can be flagged on permits and blocked at inspection; the board of zoning appeals may require a tree bank payment as a condition of any variance from an adopted plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Nashville street require planted trees?
Who sets the species and spacing for street trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee tree protection overview
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