Overview
Metro Codes is the coordinating agency for Nashville-Davidson construction permits. A Zoning Examiner identifies required agency approvals and issuance steps.
Authority
Metro Codes and Building Safety
Jurisdiction
Nashville-Davidson Metro permitting
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical and low-voltage work
Metro CodesApplicable Code
Metro-adopted electrical code and amendments; confirm scope-specific edition.
License Requirement
Licensed subcontractor obtains the trade permit; confirm Metro license/bond review.
License Fee
Metro/state credential category schedule
CEUs
Issuer renewal requirements
Permit Fee
Current project-specific electrical fee amount not verified; excluded from the worked example. Electrical is a separate fee and permit in the linked Codes schedule; do not substitute building valuation charge.
Plan Review Time
Trade issuance follows the building record as directed.
Common Pitfalls
- e-plan drawings and ePermits are different functions.
- Low-voltage wiring can require separate permit and inspections.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Check zoning
Identify permitted use and project requirements with the Zoning Examiner.
Submit the application
Use residential/commercial instructions and required electronic plans.
Obtain agency signoffs
Follow the examiner’s checklist for Metro reviews.
Arrange issuance
Confirm contractor, bond/license review and payment.
Inspect building and trades
Use issued inspection checklist and separate trade permits.
Obtain Use and Occupancy
Contact the division after all required final inspections.
Permit fees and worked estimates
The process page currently links an eight-page Codes schedule in a December 2022 URL. It does not provide a separate refreshed commencement statement; confirm the current assessment.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and low-voltage work | Current project-specific electrical fee amount not verified; excluded from the worked example. Electrical is a separate fee and permit in the linked Codes schedule; do not substitute building valuation charge. | Metro/state credential category schedule |
| Plumbing fixtures and connections | Linked schedule: plumbing minimum $75; fixture component $11, heater $43, water/sewer connection $80 each. | Applicable license schedule |
| Gas and mechanical applications | Linked gas/mechanical schedule: $75 minimum and $32 per 100,000 BTU or fraction for listed HVAC equipment scope. | Trade category schedule |
| Fire life-safety coordination | Current project-specific fire-system fee amount not verified; excluded from the worked example. Obtain system assessment; separate agency and trade charges can apply. | System credential schedule |
| Building review and occupancy | Linked schedule: qualifying one/two-family or townhouse construction $5/$1,000 valuation, 10% Codes technology and $25 zoning; applicable review rules separate. | Metro contractor renewal schedule |
Codes and amendments
Confirm Metro’s adopted-code list and application-specific zoning requirements. Fee text referencing a historical IRC definition is not evidence that the same edition governs every present design.
Submission checklist
Homeowner rules
Metro states that an owner presently occupying or intending to occupy a single-family residence may obtain its building permit. Confirm self-permit approval with Permit Issuance; this does not grant unlimited regulated trade authority.
Inspections and closeout
An inspection checklist accompanies building issuance. Separate electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical and low-voltage permits/inspections may be needed. After all required finals, contact the Use and Occupancy Division.