Building Permit — Metro Codes Administration (Nashville)
Nashville restaurant build-outs require a Metro Codes building permit (plus mechanical, plumbing, and electrical sub-permits) before work begins.
What it is. The building permit for restaurant construction, renovation, or change of occupancy — including mechanical, plumbing, and electrical sub-permits (each issued separately). Approved construction drawings, a mechanical permit, and a plumbing permit are prerequisites to the certificate of occupancy.
Who issues it. Metro Codes Administration (Department of Codes and Building Safety) (Metro layer).
When you need it. Before any construction, renovation, or change of occupancy.
How to apply. File the building permit application with Metro Codes; obtain required sub-permits; pass inspections.
Fees. Per the Metro Codes fee schedule — see source (⟢ VERIFY).
What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
References
- Nashville.gov — Construction and Permits (Metro Codes) — https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
- Metro Code of Ordinances Ch. 16.28 (Building Permits) — https://library.municode.com/tn/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT16BUCO_CH16.28BUPE — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.