Frequently Asked Questions
What are our Office Hours?
The Codes & Building Safety offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permit applications are not accepted after 3:30 p.m.
When do I need a building Permit?
Section 16.28.010 of the Metro Code of Laws specifies that, "It shall be the duty of every person desiring to construct, alter, repair, enlarge, move or demolish any building or structure or part thereof or any appurtenances connected or attached thereto . . . to first make application to the Director of Codes & Building Safety and obtain the required permits".
When is a building permit not required?
According to Section 16.28.030,"normal maintenance repairs of an existing building or structure may be made without a permit, provided such- repairs do not violate any provisions of (the code)."
What are "normal maintenance repairs"?
The term, "normal maintenance repairs", is specifically defined in the Metro Code of Laws as "repairs to an existing building or structure, including but not limited to exterior and interior painting, papering, glazing of windows or doors, floor finishing, minor repairs to chimneys, stairs, porches, underpinning and repairs to an existing roof not to exceed 33 percent of the roof area". (Section 16.08.012)
Where do I apply for a building permit?
Apply, in person, at the Department of Codes and Building Safety, 2nd Floor of the Metro Office Building, 800 Second Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210. View here a location map of the area. Also, look for Free Parking spaces - marked with green and white signs - for up to two hours of free parking.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM. No permit applications are taken after 3:00 PM. To move through the permit process as quickly as possible and avoid unnecessary delays, applicants are encouraged to apply for permits early in the business day.
Contractors, with established Contractor Debit Accounts, may
fax applications for routine permits, and have permits processed
issued by mail. Payment for permit fees may be paid by Debit
Account transaction. (Click here for Contractor Debit Account
information.
What's the penalty for failing to obtain
the proper permit?
In addition to any other penalty imposed for failure to obtain a permit, where construction of any work, for which a permit is required, is commenced before a permit is issued, the permit fees shall be tripled. (Refer to Metro Code of Laws, Section 16.28.130.)
How long is a building permit valid?
Section 16.28.240 B of the Metropolitan Code of Laws provides that a building permit "shall become invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months after its issuance, or if the work... is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year after the time the work commenced."
"In no case shall a permit be valid for more than two years after its issuance; provided that for cause, if the work authorized by it is sufficiently under way and is being diligently pursued, one or more extensions of time, for periods not exceeding ninety days each, may be allowed in writing by the director."
Am I required to obtain a permit to reroof my house?
Yes - if roofing or covering more than 33 percent of the roof area. (Refer to definition of "Normal Maintenance Repairs", above.)
How many layers of roofing can I install, before I have to
tear off the old roofs in order to recover my roof?
Two. The general requirements of the 2000 International Residential
Code provide that roof structures shall be designed and constructed
to safely support all loads, imposed according to Section R301.1
. (This includes roof live loads, dead loads, snow loads, wind
loads, seismic loads, etc.)
Section R907.3 if the 2000 International Residential Code provides that new roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings - where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
The Building Code also provides that the Director of Codes & Building Safety may accept a sworn affidavit and certification from a registered architect or engineer that the construction otherwise conforms to the requirements of the code as to strength, stresses, strains, loads and stability.
Am I required to obtain a permit to build
a concrete or asphalt driveway?
No - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's
property. The Metropolitan Property Maintenance Code restricts
the paved or graveled area of driveway and parking surfaces
not to exceed 25 % of your lot area. If your home is served
by a septic tank and overflow system, by all means, take care
not to encroach over the top of any part of the existing system
(or areas reserved for future expansion, or replacement, of
the system). If you have questions concerning the location
of your septic tank and overflow, contact the Metropolitan
Health Department, Engineering Division, at 340-5616.
Am I required to obtain a permit to build
a fence?
No - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's
property. Also note -–
The Metropolitan Zoning Code provides that for Screening Walls
or Fences: The maximum permitted height shall be:
a. Two and one-half feet in height within ten feet of a street right-of-way ( property line ). Open fences, such as chain link or those of similar nature are permitted to be six feet in height,
b.Six feet in height in the remainder of the front setback ( leading edge of house ).
c. Eight feet in height within the required side or rear setback (side and rear yards).
Maximum height is measured from finish grade level on the side of the wall or fence with the greatest vertical exposure.
Fence Construction: Fences must be constructed of the following materials:
Woven wire or chain link
Wrought iron
Wood, vinyl, steel, or aluminum slats of no more than one inch
by six inches in width hung vertically, or diagonally between
steel, wood, or vinyl posts no further than ten feet apart;
Masonry consisting of brick, concrete block, split-face block,
dry stack stones, or stones and mortar;
Plastic or other synthetic material treated in a manner to
maintain the fence in good structural condition and with an
appearance that is aesthetically compatible with the type of
fence it represents;
Decorative-type split rail or dry-stack stone may be used for
decorative fences.
Metal or Wood Fences: Metal fences shall consist of materials
manufactured and/or treated in a manner to prevent rust or
corrosion. Wood fences shall be painted, stained or preserved
in a manner to maintain the fence in good structural condition.
All fences shall be maintained in a manner to preserve the
structural integrity and appearance of the fence, including,
but not limited to, the replacement of broken boards or sections
and preventing paint from peeling.
Please Direct any questions concerning fences to the Metro Codes, Property Standards Division, at 862-6590.
Why do I need a permit to build or remodel my own house / property?
In a word safety - your safety, and that of your family, visitors, and guests.
Are street numbers required to be posted on my house, or place of business?
Yes. The Metro Building Code specifies that residential and commercial buildings having mail and delivery services are required to have their street numbers posted in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Director of Public Works. Residences are to have street numbers at least 3 inches in size, on a contrasting background, and visible from the street. The numbers may be attached to the residence or the mailbox, if the mailbox is next to the street. Numbers posted on the outside of commercial buildings must be 6 inches or larger.
May I operate a small business from my home?
Yes, under certain limitations, and with a "Home Occupation Permit". Permits are required for all home occupations and may be obtained through the Department of Codes & Building Safety at a cost of $25.00. Contact our Zoning Division at 862-6500 to obtain complete information regarding current requirements. The basic limitations include:
There can be one employee associated with a home occupation that is not a resident on the property.
There can be no signs or advertising of a business at the residence (except in the areas of child care, or tutoring).
In no case can customers be served on the premises.
One vehicle, not exceeding an axle load of 1.5 tons is permitted, but no advertising is permitted on the vehicle.
A reliable "rule of thumb" is: if you can see it, hear it, or smell it, the business is not allowed as a home occupation.
How do I know if l'm dealing with a reputable contractor?
Number one - are they licensed? Tennessee law requires that a general contractor or home improvement contractor be licensed. Ask to see proof!
Do they have insurance? In most cases, State law requires that they carry workers compensation insurance. Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance.
Ask to see some identification. Be sure you know the correct name of the individual you are dealing with, his/her address, and telephone number(s).
Ask for at least two references - and check them out! Make sure all agreements are in writing! Be sure to reduce all change orders, or contract amendments to writing.
Do not pay a front end deposit of more than one third (1/3)
of the contract amount.
Make absolutely sure they obtain the required building permits
- and call for and pass the required codes inspections? Make
sure the building permit is conspicuously posted before the
work begins, and be sure you are furnished with a Use & Occupancy
Certificate issued by the Codes Department, before making final
payment of the contract amount.
First, determine "which" code book, or books. You can click here to view a list of all model codes that have been adopted by the Metropolitan Government. From the list, be sure to note the correct "edition" that applies to your building project.
You can order copies of most code books directly from the Publications Department of the International Code Council, Inc.. Headquarters telephone 703-931-4533 - The Birmingham Office 1-800-877-2224.
Code books may be special ordered through most full service bookstores., or one full-service, technical bookstore, in the Nashville area, keeps a good supply of code books in stock - Professional Book Sellers, 2200 21st Ave. So., Suite 105, Nashville, TN 37212, (615) 383-0044.
The Zoning Code can be reviewed on the internet under Title
17 of the Metro Code of Laws or copies may be purchased at
the Metropolitan Planning Department (615) 862-7150.