# Nashville, TN Site Plan: Your Mortgage Loan Survey Already Qualifies — and Most Permits Are Issued Same Day
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Does Nashville Require a Site Plan?
Yes — but you may already have one sitting in your closing documents.
The Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration requires a site plan for all new construction and additions. Here's what makes Nashville different: the city accepts a Mortgage Loan Survey as a valid site plan. If you purchased your home in Tennessee and received a mortgage, there's a reasonable chance a Mortgage Loan Survey was prepared at closing. That document — showing your lot boundaries, the house footprint, and basic dimensions — satisfies Nashville's site plan requirement for most residential permits.
And the other standout fact: Nashville issues over 80% of residential permits on the first visit when the applicant provides complete and accurate information. A Zoning Examiner reviews the site plan at the counter, and if everything is in order, the permit can be issued the same day.
For larger projects, additional steps apply — but for the majority of Nashville homeowners, this is one of the most accessible permit processes in Tennessee.
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Who Runs Into This in Nashville
Homeowners adding decks, sheds, garages, additions, or pools — especially those who don't realize their existing Mortgage Loan Survey may be all they need for the site plan portion of the application.
Contractors pulling permits for residential clients — knowing which projects require construction drawings and which don't prevents unnecessary preparation and delays.
Builders developing new construction or infill lots in Nashville's rapidly growing residential market.
Commercial clients expanding or building in Nashville's growing commercial districts — the consolidated metro government means one permit office regardless of the neighborhood.
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What Projects Need a Site Plan in Nashville
| Project | Site Plan Required? | Construction Plans Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Yes | Only if home will exceed 5,000 sq ft or 3 stories |
| Deck | Yes | Not typically for single-family decks |
| Shed | Yes (if over size threshold) | Verify with Codes Department |
| Detached garage | Yes | Verify with Codes Department |
| Pool | Yes | Structural plans may be required |
| ADU | Yes | Plans required for ADU |
| New construction (SFR under 5,000 sq ft) | Yes | Construction plans NOT required at application |
| New construction (over 5,000 sq ft or 3+ stories) | Yes | Sealed plans required |
| Fence | Depends on height/location | Verify with Codes Department |
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What Nashville Asks For on a Site Plan
| Required Element | What to Show | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Property lines | Lot boundaries with accurate dimensions | Establishes the legal buildable area |
| Setbacks | Distances from structures to property lines per Title 17 | Ensures zoning compliance |
| Existing structures | Location of all existing buildings | Shows what's already on the property |
| Proposed structures | Location and dimensions of proposed work | Shows what you're adding |
| Easements | Utility and access easements | Identifies restricted areas |
| Drive location | Driveway location | Shows access |
| Grading and drainage patterns | Surface drainage direction | Required for site drainage review |
| Property owner name | Owner name on the plan | Required |
| Street address | Required on all applications | Required |
| Tax map and parcel number | Davidson County parcel ID | Required on all applications |
| North arrow + scale | Orientation and scale | Required on all plans |
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The Nashville-Specific Rules That Make It Accessible
The Mortgage Loan Survey Option
At closing on a Tennessee home, a Mortgage Loan Survey is often prepared as part of the title process. This survey shows:
- Your lot boundaries
- Your home's footprint and location on the lot
- Distance from the home to property lines
- Major features like driveways and structures
Nashville accepts this document as a site plan. Pull your closing documents before you start drawing anything new. If the survey is there, it may save you the step of producing a new site plan entirely.
No Construction Plans for Single-Family Under 5,000 Sq Ft
For single-family residential construction at the time of application, Nashville does not require construction plans if the home will be:
- 5,000 square feet or less in floor area, AND
- 3 stories or less in height
This means a homeowner or builder can walk in with a site plan and a permit application — and if everything is in order — get the permit issued without submitting detailed floor plans, framing plans, or mechanical drawings at application. Over 80% of permits are issued on the first visit under these conditions.
Exception: For homes exceeding 5,000 sq ft or 3 stories, all building plans must be sealed by an architect or engineer licensed in Tennessee.
Consolidated Metro Government — One Office
Nashville and Davidson County merged into a consolidated metropolitan government decades ago. There is no separate "Davidson County" permit office. Everything goes through the Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration at 800 2nd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37219.
Septic System Projects
If your property is served by a private sewage disposal system (septic tank), you must obtain approval from the Metropolitan Health Department before the Codes Department will issue a building permit. Get Health Department approval first — it's a hard prerequisite.
Trade Permits Are Separate
Electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, and low-voltage wiring each require their own separate trade permits. These are issued separately from the building permit and have their own fees.
Nashville Accessory Structure Setback Rules
Accessory structures (sheds, garages, outbuildings) have special setback rules in Nashville:
- 700 sq ft or less, located in the rear yard: Side setback = ½ of district requirement (minimum 3 ft), Rear setback = 3 ft
- Over 700 sq ft: Full district setbacks apply
- Accessory structures in side or front yards: Must meet full setbacks regardless of size
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Nashville Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Max Lot Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS5 (5,000 sq ft lots) | 20 ft | 5 ft | 20 ft | 40% |
| RS7.5 (7,500 sq ft lots) | 25 ft | 5 ft | 20 ft | 35% |
| RS10 (10,000 sq ft lots) | 30 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | 30% |
Urban Design Overlay (UDO) and Specific Plan (SP) districts may have modified standards that supersede these base zoning requirements.
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How the Site Plan Tool Handles Nashville Projects
Step 1 — Add structure: Enter your Nashville address. Davidson County parcel data loads automatically. Your lot boundaries appear.
Step 2 — Place a deck: Mark the proposed structure footprint on the lot. Check setback distances before confirming placement.
Step 3 — Add patio: Place patio or outdoor living area on the plan. Note dimensions for the site plan drawing.
Step 4 — Export PDF: Download the site plan. Add your property owner name, tax map and parcel number, and street address to the title block.
Step 5 — Gather your documents: Pull your Mortgage Loan Survey (if available), check if it shows the same information the site plan needs, and decide whether to use it or the new plan.
Step 6 — Apply in person or via ePermits: Registered contractors can apply through the ePermits portal. Homeowners apply in person at the Codes Department — first-come, first-served. Arrive early.
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Where the Tool Fits — and Where It Doesn't
The tool handles:
- Auto-loading Davidson County parcel data
- Generating property lines, setbacks, and structure footprints
- Producing a title sheet with address, parcel number, and north arrow
- Exporting PDF for same-day counter submission
The tool does NOT replace:
- A Mortgage Loan Survey (if you prefer to use that as your site plan)
- Metropolitan Health Department approval for septic systems
- Sealed architectural/engineering plans for projects over 5,000 sq ft
- Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, low-voltage)
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What This Doesn't Replace
Our site plan creator produces preliminary and permit-style site plans for residential projects. It does not produce:
- Sealed architectural or engineering plans (required for projects over 5,000 sq ft or 3 stories)
- Metropolitan Health Department approvals
- Trade permit applications
- Certified surveys
Always confirm specific requirements with the Metropolitan Nashville Department of Codes Administration at (615) 862-6500 before submitting.
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DIY vs. Drafter vs. SitePlans.ai
| DIY (Hand-drawn) | Traditional Drafter | SitePlans.ai | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 3–8 hours | 2–5 day wait | 10–15 minutes |
| Cost | Free (your time) | \$250–\$600 | Free to start |
| Davidson County parcel data | Manual | Varies | Auto-loaded |
| Setbacks per zoning | Manual calculation | Included | Auto-generated |
| Tax map / parcel number field | Manual | Included | Title block field |
| Same-day counter ready | Possible | Yes | Yes |
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Common Mistakes on Nashville Permit Applications
- Not checking for a Mortgage Loan Survey first — Many homeowners don't know they already have a qualifying site plan document. Check your closing documents before drawing anything new.
- Bringing construction plans unnecessarily — For single-family homes under 5,000 sq ft, construction plans are not required at application. Don't slow yourself down.
- Missing septic Health Department approval — If your property is on septic, you need Health Department approval before the Codes Department can issue the permit. This step must happen first.
- Forgetting the tax map and parcel number — This is a specific Nashville requirement on the site plan. Get the parcel number from the Nashville Property Viewer before heading to the counter.
- Underestimating accessory structure setbacks — Sheds and garages over 700 sq ft must meet full district setbacks — not the reduced rear-yard accessory structure setbacks.
- Arriving without all trade permit applications — Trade permits are separate. If your project includes electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, have those applications ready too.
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Local Resources
- Metropolitan Nashville Department of Codes Administration — permits, procedures, and the Codes Department location
- Nashville Property Viewer — parcel search and property data for Davidson County
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Nearby Cities
SitePlans.ai covers the full Tennessee region and beyond:
- Raleigh, NC — 800 sq ft impervious surface threshold and Lot Grading Plan
- Las Vegas, NV — dual permit jurisdiction system
- Austin, TX — PE-sealed summary letter and heritage tree survey
- Tennessee state resources
- Davidson County area
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Pricing
Your first plan is free — no card required.
| Plan | Price | Best For | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free / Basic | \$0 | Homeowners with one project | One project, 5 PDF exports, title sheet, editable title block, property lines |
| Contractor Pro | \$69/mo | Contractors with repeat projects | Branded title blocks, advanced layers, DXF export |
| Builder Plan | \$299/mo | Higher-volume builders | Multiple sheet sizes, company branding, advanced layers |
| Done-For-You | From SitePlans.us | Complex, rejected, or urgent projects | Human-reviewed permit-ready plan |
For Enterprise deals contact sales@siteplans.ai
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FAQ
1. Can I use my Mortgage Loan Survey as a site plan in Nashville?
Yes. Nashville's Codes Department accepts a Mortgage Loan Survey as a valid site plan for residential permit applications. Pull your closing documents first before drawing a new plan.
2. Do I need construction plans for a single-family home in Nashville?
Not for homes under 5,000 square feet or less than 3 stories at the time of application. Construction plans are required for homes exceeding those thresholds, and they must be sealed by a Tennessee-licensed architect or engineer.
3. How quickly can I get a Nashville building permit?
Over 80% of residential permits are issued on the first visit when complete and accurate information is provided. A Zoning Examiner reviews the site plan at the counter and can issue the permit the same day.
4. Where do I submit a permit application in Nashville?
Registered contractors can apply through the ePermits portal. Homeowners apply in person at the Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration, 800 2nd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37219, on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. My property is on a septic system. What do I need?
You need approval from the Metropolitan Health Department before the Codes Department will issue a building permit. Get Health Department approval first.
6. Do I need separate permits for electrical and plumbing?
Yes. Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, and low-voltage wiring are separate from the building permit and have their own fees.
7. What are Nashville's accessory structure setbacks?
Accessory structures 700 sq ft or less located in the rear yard: side setback = ½ of district requirement (min 3 ft), rear setback = 3 ft. Over 700 sq ft: full district setbacks apply. Accessory structures in side or front yards must meet full setbacks.
8. What are the Nashville setbacks for RS7.5 zones?
Front 25 ft, Side 5 ft, Rear 20 ft, Lot coverage max 35%.
9. What is the tax map and parcel number and where do I find it?
It's Davidson County's property identifier — required on all Nashville permit applications. Find it at the Nashville Property Viewer.
10. Does SitePlans.ai guarantee permit approval?
No. Permit approval depends on your local building department's review, project scope, and code compliance.
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Create Your Nashville Site Plan
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