PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion in Nashville, TN?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for an ADU or garage conversion in Nashville, TN.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: high

Yes. Converting an attached garage to living space, or building a detached ADU (DADU), needs a building permit.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Metro Codes fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/residential-building-permits

Where to apply

Metro Nashville Department of Codes & Building Safety (residential permits)

Permitting authority: Metro Nashville & Davidson County Department of Codes & Building Safety. Covers Metro Nashville-Davidson County; satellite cities inside the county may issue their own permits, so confirm locally. Historic overlays need Historical Commission review. The Codes "may or may not require a permit" list is dated April 4, 2011. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Convert an accessory area, such as an attached garage, unfinished basement, attic, etc., to habitable space.”

Source: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/residential-building-permits

“Build a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)”

Source: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/residential-building-permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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