Nashville ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Nashville, Tennessee means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 12 source-cited requirements (7 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Metro ePermits portal / Zoning Help Desk. These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in Nashville. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
A DADU (Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson County) is allowed by-right with conditions (PC) only where the parcel's zoning permits it AND the parcel is in the Urban Services District, a DADU overlay within the GSD, a UDO, or an SP with DADU standards. One DADU per parcel, requiring a single single-family principal structure, common ownership, and one of the two dwellings owner-occupied. A contractor must pull the permit, because owners can't self-permit new DADU construction. After intake, a Zoning Examiner issues a checklist of Metro-agency sign-offs (Water/Sewer, Stormwater, Health, Fire, Planning, NDOT, Historic) required before issuance.
- Elevations Demonstrating §17.16.030 G(7)(d)/(e)requiredverify locally
Elevations must also demonstrate the design/height conditions in Zoning Code §17.16.030 G(7)(d) and (e). The submittal requirement is confirmed; the exact sub-condition text should be confirmed against the live Zoning Code.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Elevations from All Four Cornersrequired
Renderings showing the height/elevations from each of the four corners of the proposed DADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floor Planrequired
Proposed interior layout including fixtures and appliances; must demonstrate the living-space-size condition of §17.16.030 G(7)(a).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Metro Agency Sign-Off Checklistrequired
After intake the Zoning Examiner issues a checklist of Codes divisions / Metro agencies (Water & Sewer, Stormwater, Health, Fire, Planning, NDOT, Historic) that must approve before issuance; which apply varies by parcel.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Residential Permit Applicationrequired
Metro Codes residential building-permit application: parcel ID, a detailed scope of work with new square-footage dimensions, intended use, and sewer-vs-septic designation.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Separate Trade Permits (electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical)required
Separate electrical, plumbing, and gas/mechanical (HVAC) permits/inspections, obtained by licensed subcontractors after the building permit issues.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Planrequired
Plan showing the proposed location with distances to property lines, and existing structures and easements labeled.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Affidavit of Exemption + Self-Permit Affidavit (notarized)conditional
Only for self-permits: a notarized affidavit set. Not allowed for new DADU construction or garage conversion (a contractor must permit those); applies only to permitted self-permit scopes such as a ≤$25k renovation of an existing DADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Construction Plans (large/tall residences)conditional
Full construction plans are required only for residences exceeding 5,000 sf of floor area or more than 3 stories; not normally required for typical DADUs.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Historic Preservation Permit Applicationconditional
Required in addition to the Codes building permit when the parcel is in a Neighborhood Conservation or Historic Preservation Overlay; design must follow the historic-overlay + DADU standards.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Planning Department Approval (SP / UDO / PUD parcels)conditional
For parcels in a Specific Plan, Urban Design Overlay, or Residential PUD, the Planning Department sets DADU requirements and its approval is required with the Codes permit.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Recorded Restrictive Covenant (historic-overlay DADUs)conditional
In historic overlays, before permits issue the applicant must record a covenant with the Register of Deeds limiting the DADU to permitted accessory use; the instrument number goes on the Preservation Permit application.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22
Nashville ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Nashville?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Nashville requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 12 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (7 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Nashville?
- Core required items include: Elevations Demonstrating §17.16.030 G(7)(d)/(e); Elevations from All Four Corners; Floor Plan; Metro Agency Sign-Off Checklist; Residential Permit Application; Separate Trade Permits (electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical), plus 1 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Nashville?
- Nashville accepts permit submittals via Metro ePermits portal / Zoning Help Desk. ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.