ADU Permit Requirements in Nashville, Tennessee
Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Nashville, Tennessee — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Submission method
- Online
- Typical fee range
- $4,800 – $18,150
- Review time
- Varies by jurisdiction
- Inspections
- 7 inspections required
Limited Data Available
Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with Nashville directly.
Permit Requirements (6 items)
6 required📋 Forms & Applications(1)
📐 Plans & Diagrams(3)
📄 Supporting Documents(2)
Generate your permit packet
Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Nashville, Tennessee — tailored to your project details.
- Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
- Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
- Fee breakdown: $1,600–$11,000 estimated total
- Step-by-step Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety portal submission guide
- Inspection prep checklist (7 items)
- Personalized for your specific project details
Free to preview · Pro to download
Permit Process
Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety.
- 1
Pre-Application Consultation
Meet with Nashville Codes staff to discuss DADU ordinance, lot eligibility, design requirements, and process timeline
You'll need: Property Owner Affidavit
- 2
DADU Ordinance Verification
Verify property meets DADU overlay requirements, zoning allowances, lot size, and overlay district boundaries
You'll need: DADU Compliance Checklist
- 3
Submit Building Permit Plans
Submit complete permit application with architectural plans, site plan, utility coordination, and DADU checklist
You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Utility Connection Plans
- 4
Plan Review
Codes and building staff review plans for compliance with DADU ordinance, building code, electrical code, plumbing code, and fire code
- 5
Address Review Comments
Submit revised plans and supporting documents addressing any code violations or modifications required
- 6
Pay Fees and Receive Permit
Pay permit issuance fees, plan review fees, and inspection fees. Receive building permit
- 7
Construction Inspections
Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final occupancy
Fees and Timeline
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Range | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Permit Fee | $3,200 – $11,000 | Verified |
| Plan Review Fee | $1,600 – $7,150 | Verified |
Inspections Required
Foundation and footing inspection per Tennessee Building Cod
Foundation and footing inspection per Tennessee Building Code
Framing and structural member inspection
Framing and structural member inspection
Electrical system inspection including panel, wiring, and bo
Electrical system inspection including panel, wiring, and bonding
Plumbing inspection of water supply, fixtures, and drainage
Plumbing inspection of water supply, fixtures, and drainage
Mechanical/HVAC system inspection and clearances
Mechanical/HVAC system inspection and clearances
Property maintenance and grading inspection
Property maintenance and grading inspection
Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Authority Sources
Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.
Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety
Last verified: February 15, 2026
1 source referenced
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a adu permit in Nashville?
- Yes. Nashville requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
- How long does adu permit approval take in Nashville?
- Processing times in Nashville vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Nashville Development Services for current timelines.
- What documents are required for a adu permit in Nashville?
- Nashville requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, DADU Compliance Checklist, and others. See the full list above for details.
- What happens if I build without a adu permit in Nashville?
- Building without a permit in Nashville can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
- Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Nashville?
- Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Nashville's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
- How much does a adu permit cost in Nashville?
- ADU permit fees in Nashville typically range from $4,800 to $18,150, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Nashville.
Related Permits
Other permits in Nashville
ADU permits in nearby cities
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Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for Nashville, Tennessee — with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.
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