Plumbing Permit in Nashville, Tennessee (2026)
Without a Plumbing Permit from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson, your contractor cannot legally install, modify, or repair plumbing systems at your restaurant — and code inspections will halt your opening. The Plumbing Permit (also called a plumbing work authorization) is issued by Nashville's Planning Department and requires submission of detailed plumbing plans and contractor credentials. Key facts:
- 29 fields total — ApronPrep auto-fills 24
- No government filing fees for the permit itself; contact Metro Nashville Planning for any applicable plan review charges
- 7–14 business days processing time after submission; inspection scheduling depends on departmental workload
Analyzed from Plumbing Permit
83% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Plumbing Permit
Nashville requires a Plumbing Permit for any new installation, alteration, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems in commercial and food service facilities. The requirement flows from Tennessee's state building code, which is locally administered by the Metro Nashville Codes Administration — the department responsible for plan review, permit issuance, and field inspections within Davidson County. Food service establishments must also meet the state accessibility code, which governs fixture counts, handwashing sink placement, and grease trap configurations. Before your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) can be issued, a Metro Codes inspector must sign off on every permitted plumbing system — meaning unpermitted work doesn't just create a legal risk, it physically prevents you from opening your doors.
Operating without the required permit — or having work performed by an unlicensed plumber — exposes your restaurant to a compounding set of consequences that can delay your opening by weeks or force costly tear-outs after construction is complete. Specifically, Metro Nashville Codes Administration may enforce the following:
- Stop-work orders — all construction on-site halts immediately until the violation is resolved, not just plumbing work
- Fines — Metro Nashville can assess civil penalties for unpermitted work; contact Metro Codes directly to confirm current fine schedules, as amounts are set administratively and subject to change
- Certificate of Occupancy denial — no CO means no legal opening date, stalling your lease commencement and any lender draw schedules tied to opening milestones
- Mandatory demolition of non-compliant work — inspectors can require walls, slabs, or fixtures to be removed and re-inspected at the permit holder's expense
- Insurance and lease complications — most commercial property insurance policies exclude coverage for damage arising from unpermitted work; some landlords include permit-compliance clauses that can trigger lease default
Not legal advice — verify current enforcement procedures and penalty schedules with Metro Nashville Codes Administration.
Legal code: State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
Recent update: As of 2025, Metro Nashville Codes Administration expanded its online permitting portal to accept electronic plan submissions for commercial plumbing permits, reducing the need for in-person drop-off at the Codes office — contact Metro Codes to confirm whether your project qualifies for electronic review.
Who Needs a Plumbing Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Any new construction, renovation, or addition of plumbing fixtures (sinks, floor drains, grease traps) requires a Plumbing Permit from Metro Nashville Codes Administration under Metro Code of Laws § 16.08.010, which adopts the Tennessee State Plumbing Code for all commercial food service establishments. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Bars and nightclubs must obtain a Plumbing Permit for any installation or modification of handwashing sinks, bar drains, or restroom fixtures, as required by Metro Nashville Codes Administration under the adopted Tennessee State Plumbing Code. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Food trucks with self-contained water and waste systems are inspected under the Metro Public Health Department's mobile food unit program rather than the Metro Codes Administration plumbing permit process — contact Metro Public Health at (615) 340-5600 to confirm your unit's inspection requirements. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Installation or modification of espresso machine water lines, commercial dishwashers, or handwashing sinks in a coffee shop triggers a Plumbing Permit requirement under Metro Nashville Codes Administration's commercial plumbing regulations adopted via Metro Code § 16.08.010. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (29 Fields)
24 of 29 auto-filledBusiness Legal Name
textEnter the full legal name of the business as it appears on your state registration or DBA filing — not a trade name or abbreviation.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a nickname or shortened trade name (e.g., 'Joe's Diner' instead of 'Joseph A. Smith LLC d/b/a Joe's Diner') can trigger a name mismatch with Metro Nashville's business license records.
Business Physical Address
textEnter the full street address of the restaurant location where the plumbing work will occur — including suite or unit number — exactly as it appears on the Metro Nashville parcel record.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a mailing address, P.O. box, or home address instead of the restaurant's physical street address is one of the most common causes of rejection; the address must match the permitted job site.
Applicant Name
textEnter the full legal name of the individual submitting the permit application — this is typically the licensed master plumber or the authorized business owner/representative.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing a company name in this field instead of an individual's full legal name can cause processing delays, as Metro Nashville's Codes Administration requires a named responsible party.
Applicant Phone Number
textEnter a direct phone number where the applicant can be reached for permit status questions — use the format (XXX) XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX as expected by the Metro Nashville Codes Administration.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering an extension-only number or a general business main line without a direct contact can delay follow-up from inspectors.
Applicant Email Address
textEnter a valid, actively monitored email address for the applicant; Metro Nashville sends permit approval notices and inspection scheduling communications to this address.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a shared or rarely checked email address (e.g., info@restaurant.com) can result in missed inspection notices and expired permit windows.
Type of Plumbing Work
textDescribe the specific scope of plumbing work in clear terms — for example, 'New commercial kitchen rough-in including 3-compartment sink, hand sink, and floor drains' — matching the language in your submitted plans.
COMMON MISTAKE: Vague entries like 'plumbing work' or 'kitchen renovation' are frequently flagged by Metro Nashville plan reviewers and require resubmission with a detailed scope description, adding 2–3 weeks to your timeline.
Number of Kitchen Sinks
textEnter the total count of kitchen sinks to be installed or modified, including prep sinks, hand-washing sinks, and 3-compartment sinks — this number must match the fixture count on your submitted plumbing plans.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing only the 3-compartment sink and omitting hand-washing or prep sinks creates a discrepancy with the plumbing plans, which plan reviewers cross-check and will flag for correction.
Grease Trap Installation Required
checkboxCheck this box if your restaurant's grease discharge requires a grease trap or grease interceptor under Metro Nashville's pretreatment requirements — most full-service commercial kitchens must check this box.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this box unchecked when a commercial kitchen is involved is a high-frequency rejection trigger; Metro Water Services enforces grease interceptor requirements for food service establishments and reviewers will verify this independently.
Detailed Plumbing Plans Prepared
checkboxCheck this box only if you are submitting stamped, detailed plumbing plans prepared by a licensed plumber or engineer — Metro Nashville requires plans for any commercial kitchen plumbing permit.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking this box without actually attaching the plans to your submission will result in an automatic incomplete-application hold; plan reviewers will not process the permit until drawings are received.
Licensed Plumber Status
textIndicate whether you have already hired a Tennessee-licensed master plumber, are actively searching, or need assistance locating one — Metro Nashville requires all commercial plumbing work to be performed under a licensed master plumber's permit.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank or stating the work will be self-performed by an unlicensed contractor will result in immediate rejection, as Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-6-101 requires licensure for all commercial plumbing work.
ApronPrep auto-fills 24 of 29 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Plumbing Permit Mistakes
1. Listing the Wrong Property Address or Parcel Number
Based on ApronPrep's analysis of Plumbing Permit applications in Nashville, the most frequent rejection trigger is a mismatch between the physical service address and the parcel identification number (PIN) on file with the Metro Nashville Assessor of Property. For example, entering '123 Main St' when the permit office records the property as '123 Main Street, Unit A' causes an automatic flag during intake review. Always pull your exact legal address and PIN from the Metro Nashville property search portal before filling out the application — a mismatch adds 1–2 weeks while the permit office requests a correction.
2. Incomplete or Missing Fixture/Scope-of-Work Description
Nashville's Metro Codes Administration requires applicants to itemize every fixture and pipe connection covered by the permit — a vague entry like 'bathroom remodel' is insufficient and will result in a hold or outright rejection. A correct entry specifies counts and types: '2 water closets, 1 lavatory, 1 bathtub/shower combination, 60 linear feet of 3" DWV replacement.' Incomplete scope descriptions are the leading cause of plan-review delays and can push your approval timeline back by 2–3 weeks, particularly for commercial projects subject to third-party review.
3. Submitting Without a Valid Tennessee Plumbing Contractor License Number
The permit application requires the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) plumbing contractor license number for the company performing the work — not a business license number or a general contractor license. Homeowner exemptions exist for owner-occupied single-family residences, but commercial and rental-property work must list a TDCI-licensed plumber. Entering an expired license number or substituting a related trade license (e.g., HVAC) causes an immediate rejection and requires a full resubmission, adding up to 2 weeks to your timeline.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Plumbing Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 24 of 29 fields from one compliance interview.
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Plumbing Permit by City in Tennessee
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | Contact authority for current fees - Knoxville.gov does not list standard plumbing permit fees in available documentation | Estimated 5-10 business days for plan review; final timeline depends on plan completeness and resubmission requirements. Schedule inspections upon permit approval. |
| Memphis | Contact authority for current fees - fees vary based on scope of plumbing work | Contact authority for current review timelines - varies by permit complexity and inspector availability |
| Nashville | Contact authority for current fees | 7-14 business days for permit issuance after submission; inspection scheduling dependent on department workload |
Government Filing Fees
Contact authority for current fees
Timeline: 4–8 weeks
Step 1: Contact the Metropolitan Nashville Codes and Building Safety Department to obtain plumbing permit application requirements
Call the Codes and Building Safety Department's plumbing division at (615) 862-6390 or visit their office at 1417 James Robertson Parkway to request the current plumbing permit application packet and fee schedule. Ask specifically about kitchen plumbing requirements for food service (grease trap sizing, backflow prevention, and municipal connection standards). This step takes 15–30 minutes and clarifies which documents you'll need before preparing plans.
Step 2: Prepare detailed plumbing plans showing kitchen sink installation, grease trap specifications, and connections to municipal systems
Hire a licensed plumber or engineer to draw site plans (typically 3–5 sheets) showing sink location, fixture count, grease trap size (restaurants usually require 35–150 gallons depending on volume), drain routing, and tie-in points to the city sewer. Plans must include dimensions, material specifications, and slope calculations — missing details are the #1 cause of plan rejection. Expect to spend $300–$800 on professional plan preparation.
Step 3: Complete the plumbing permit application form with project details, contractor information, and site plans
Fill out the Metro Nashville Plumbing Permit Application (typically 6–8 pages) with your restaurant's address, owner information, contractor license number, and a detailed description of work scope. Attach the signed and sealed site plans, your contractor's license copy, and proof of liability insurance. Double-check that all contractor license numbers match the sealed plans — mismatches cause automatic rejection.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local building department in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Tennessee.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Alcohol Server Training Certification
state
Annual Report Filing
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing timelines vary depending on the complexity of your plumbing work and current Metro Nashville Planning Department workload. Per the Metro Nashville Planning Department website, standard plumbing permits typically process within 5–10 business days for over-the-counter applications, though more complex projects involving multiple inspections may extend to 2–3 weeks. Contact the Metro Nashville Planning Department to confirm current processing times for your specific project scope.
Government filing fees for plumbing permits in Nashville vary based on the scope and cost of the plumbing work being performed. Per the Metro Nashville Planning Department fee schedule, fees are calculated as a percentage of the project's estimated cost—contact the Planning Department or visit their website for the current fee calculation method and any applicable minimum or maximum fees. Not legal advice — verify exact fees with Metro Nashville Planning Department before submitting your application.
No—plumbing permits are location-specific and tied to the address where the work will be performed; they cannot be transferred to a different property. If you need plumbing work at a new location, you must submit a separate plumbing permit application for that address. Note that if your restaurant also requires a Building Permit, that permit is similarly non-transferable and address-specific.
Plumbing permits in Nashville do not require routine renewal—they are issued for the specific project and expire once the work is complete and final inspection is passed. Per Metro Nashville codes, if your plumbing work is not completed within the permit validity period (typically 180 days), you must request an extension or reapply. Contact Metro Nashville Planning Department to confirm the current validity period for your permit class.
Metro Nashville sends an inspector to verify that all plumbing work meets the International Plumbing Code and local ordinances. The inspector will check connections, materials, slope, venting, and backflow prevention devices (if applicable—see Backflow Prevention Device Certification for details). If deficiencies are found, you must correct them and request a reinspection; passing inspection allows you to proceed to final approval or to the next phase (such as requesting a Certificate of Occupancy).
Most fixture replacements in Nashville do require a plumbing permit if they involve drain, vent, or water line modifications—even if you are simply swapping out a sink or toilet in an existing location. However, like-for-like replacements of fixtures without any line work may be exempt; contact Metro Nashville Planning Department to confirm whether your specific work requires a permit before starting installation.
If your inspection fails, Metro Nashville will provide a written list of deficiencies that must be corrected before you can pass. Correct the identified issues, then contact Metro Nashville to schedule a reinspection—reinspection fees may apply, so verify costs with the Planning Department. Most reinspections are completed within 5–10 business days of your correction request.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Tennessee specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 29 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
- Knoxville — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Memphis — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Nashville — Building Department / Inspectional Services
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
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