Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Nashville, TN?

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Project type City Shed size (sq ft) Stories Electrical work planned? Plumbing planned?

Fees

Estimated city fees

Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $150–$500 estimated city fees for a Nashville shed or detached accessory structure permit, plus any trade-permit fees for utilities

Fee	Amount	Notes
Building permit + plan review	$150–$500 (estimated range)	Metro Nashville states that residential permit fees are based on valuation. A detached shed or other accessory structure typically falls in this broad range depending on size and declared cost.
Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical)	$75–$250 each (estimated range)	Separate fees apply for utility work after the building permit is issued.
Inspections	Included with permit	The permit record includes an inspection checklist identifying the required building and trade inspections. Reinspection charges can apply if the site is not ready.
Historic preservation review	Varies by scope	Historic Preservation Overlay and Neighborhood Conservation Overlay parcels may require a separate historic-permit review before or alongside permit issuance.

Documents

Required documents

Residential Permit Application submitted to the Zoning Help Desk or through ePermits by a registered contractor.
Site plan showing the proposed shed location with distances to property lines, existing structures, and easements labeled.
Renderings or elevations showing the shed height from each of the four corners.
Floor plan showing the proposed interior layout, including any fixtures and appliances.
Affidavit of Exemption and Self Permit Affidavit (notarized) if applying as a self-permit where required by Metro Codes.
Historic Commission materials if the parcel is in a Historic Preservation Overlay or Neighborhood Conservation Overlay.
Trade-permit information for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work once the main building permit is underway.

Timeline

Typical timing

Plan review: 10–15 business days
Total cycle: 4–6 weeks from application to final inspection

Nashville shed timing depends on zoning complexity, checklist approvals from other departments, historic-overlay review, and whether the project includes utility trades.

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Process

How the permit process works

Confirm the parcel's zoning and overlay rules Use Parcel Viewer to identify the base zoning, overlays, and lot conditions. Nashville accessory-structure rules depend heavily on district setbacks, overlay status, and whether the structure sits behind the main dwelling.
Lay out the shed against size, setback, and height controls Check whether the shed qualifies for reduced setbacks (700 square feet or less, to the rear, and only one such rear accessory structure), whether full setbacks are required, and whether the 16-foot / one-story cap applies on lots under 40,000 square feet.
Prepare the permit package Assemble the residential permit application, site plan, elevations, and floor plan. If the project is a self-permit, include the required affidavits. If utilities are planned, identify the trade scope early because separate permits will follow.
Submit to Metro Codes Send the package to the Zoning Help Desk or use ePermits if you are a registered contractor. The application is assigned to a zoning examiner for review of use, setback, footprint, and height restrictions.
Obtain checklist approvals from other Metro agencies After initial processing, the zoning examiner provides a checklist of any other required approvals. Follow that checklist rather than trying to guess which signoffs are necessary on your own.
Pay fees and receive the permit Once all signoffs are complete, pay the permit fee and obtain the issued permit before beginning construction.
Pull trade permits and complete inspections If the shed includes electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, or low-voltage work, licensed subcontractors must obtain the trade permits. Complete the building and trade inspections listed on the inspection checklist.

Code basis

What Nashville reviews against

Metro Nashville accessory-structure permitting guidance; Metro Code Section 17.12.040(E)(1) for accessory building setbacks; Metro Code Section 17.12.050 for accessory building floor-area controls; Metro Code Section 17.12.060 for accessory building height controls; Metro Codes building-permit process and separate trade-permit requirements.

Residential permit page Nashville permit portal

If you skip the permit

What can go wrong

Metro Nashville can issue a stop-work order if you build a detached accessory structure without the required permit.
If the shed is built in reduced-setback space without actually qualifying for the reduced-setback rule, it may have to be moved or removed.
After-the-fact review can require you to expose foundation, framing, or utility work for inspection.
Historic-overlay parcels can face a second compliance problem if work begins without the required historic permit.
Unpermitted utility work in a shed can delay final approval and create insurance and safety problems.
A noncompliant backyard shed is easy for buyers, appraisers, and insurers to spot later because the zoning rules are highly dimensional and site-specific.

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