Every city has its challenges when it comes to zoning and codes for commercial construction projects. Nashville is no different, especially as the city has experienced such rapid growth over the past decade. While building codes and zoning challenges can be a major source of frustration for commercial developers, it’s important to recognize the work that city officials and government employees are doing behind the scenes to keep up with demand.
As a Nashville-based construction firm with decades of experience working with the various departments across our city, we’ve learned everything you should know about building in Nashville. Rather than passing blame or pointing fingers, we believe the best way to navigate Nashville’s zoning and building code issues is through proactive planning and communication.
Understanding Nashville’s Building Codes and Zoning
If you’re considering a commercial development project in Nashville, it is essential to know the latest regulations, as changes can impact the feasibility of your project. While each project is unique, here are a few high-level insights that can help you understand Nashville’s building codes and zoning for commercial construction projects:
Metro Nashville uses the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) for building permits.
In 2020, Metro Nashville adopted the 2018 International Building Codes. While the IBC is an important tool for ensuring the safety and quality of buildings, it can also be difficult to understand. This website offers an in-depth look into the code of ordinances that Metro Nashville follows.
Nashville utilizes a variety of different zoning codes.
Like many major metropolitan areas, Nashville’s zoning codes are tailored to different areas of the city. For example, we follow their general commercial zoning codes for a majority of projects in the city. However, there is also The Downtown Code, which is a set of specific rules for downtown development that is separate from the rest of the zoning codes. Nashville’s Fire Department has also recently implemented new safety requirements for high-rise buildings. In addition, Metro Nashville has its own specific regulations for water quality. That’s why it’s essential to know all the entities involved in setting the zoning and code standards.
The zoning regulations and building codes in Nashville are constantly evolving.
City leaders are doing their best to implement regulations and codes that will contribute to the long-term success of our city and the safety of the people who live here. Whether it’s implementing new requirements for construction and demolition debris management, writing codes to account for wind speeds over 100 miles per hour, or even eliminating the minimum number of parking spaces required in urban areas, it’s important to have up-to-date knowledge of the current zoning regulations and building codes.
Best Practices for Commercial Developers in Nashville
Right now, here are a few current best practices when it comes to understanding Nashville’s zoning and building code requirements:
- Expect 8-12 weeks for permit approvals. This time frame can vary, but this is the current best practice to ensure approvals.
- Before you apply for the building permit, we highly recommended that you schedule a Pre-submittal Conference with the Metro Building Plan Review and Fire Marshal Plan Review departments. During this meeting, the Plan Reviewers will be available to answer any questions about code requirements or Nashville-specific items that the Architect may have. The Architect can also review the plans schematically with the assigned Plan Reviewers, who will provide guidance on various topics before you submit them. This can potentially reduce the number of issues during the plan review process and help avoid any unexpected code problems.
Experienced Guides for Your Next Projects
Zoning regulations and code requirements can be complex and time-consuming to navigate and can sometimes prevent developers from completing the projects they want to build. One of the reasons partnering with a local construction company in Nashville is essential is because of our familiarity with the ins and outs of the building and codes department.
As Nashville continues to grow, our team has the relationships and experience to navigate any construction-related challenges that could derail your project. Learn more about our unique process and the way we work to build relationships and structures that last a lifetime.
