Water and Sewer Connection Permit in Nashville, Tennessee (2026)
Without a Water and Sewer Connection Permit from Metro Nashville Public Works, you cannot legally connect your restaurant to the city's water and sewer lines — delaying your opening and leaving you unable to operate. The Water and Sewer Connection Permit, also called a utility service authorization or water/sewer tap permit, is required before any physical connection work begins. The permit application contains 44 fields, and ApronPrep auto-fills 37 of them based on your restaurant's profile and location data. Contact Metro Nashville Public Works for current government filing fees, as costs vary by connection type and project scope; the timeline from Pre-Con Meeting to permit issuance typically runs 4–8 weeks depending on plan review requirements. Most applicants complete this form in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep, which auto-fills 37 of 44 fields.
Analyzed from Water and Sewer Connection Permit
84% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Water and Sewer Connection Permit
Nashville's Water and Sewer Connection Permit is required under Metro Nashville's Sewer Use Ordinance and Metro Water Services' connection regulations, which govern how commercial properties — including restaurants — tie into the public water and wastewater infrastructure. Restaurants face additional scrutiny because food service operations generate high-strength wastewater, grease, and food solids that can damage the municipal collection system. Metro Water Services enforces these requirements under authority granted by the Metro Nashville Charter and applicable Tennessee state law (T.C.A. § 68-221-201 et seq.), which delegates wastewater management oversight to local utilities. Before your kitchen runs a single sink or floor drain, Metro Water Services must approve your connection, confirm your grease interceptor sizing, and verify that your discharge will not exceed local limits for fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Operating without this permit means your connection is unauthorized — a status that can trigger immediate action regardless of how long your business has been open.
The consequences of skipping or delaying this permit are serious and compounding. Metro Water Services has the authority to physically disconnect unauthorized service connections, which would shut down your restaurant operations entirely. Beyond disconnection, violations can result in:
- Civil fines — Metro Nashville can assess fines for each day of non-compliance with its sewer use and connection ordinances; contact Metro Water Services to confirm current fine schedules, as amounts are subject to revision
- Cease-and-desist orders — Metro Water Services or Metro Nashville's legal department may issue formal orders halting all operations that rely on the unpermitted connection
- Mandatory remediation costs — if an unauthorized connection causes damage to the public sewer system or results in a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), the responsible property owner or operator can be billed for the full cost of repairs and cleanup
- Permit revocation — other operating permits (such as your Metro Public Health food service permit) can be placed on hold or revoked if utilities are not properly permitted and in compliance
- Insurance and lease complications — most commercial leases require tenants to maintain all required permits; an unpermitted connection can constitute a lease default, and a documented violation may affect your general liability or property insurance coverage
Not legal advice — verify current requirements and enforcement procedures with Metro Water Services and Metro Nashville's Office of the Metropolitan Attorney.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: As of 2025, Metro Water Services has updated its pretreatment program requirements for food service establishments, placing increased scrutiny on grease interceptor sizing documentation submitted at the time of connection permit application — applicants should confirm current interceptor capacity standards directly with Metro Water Services before submitting plans.
Who Needs a Water and Sewer Connection Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Any full-service restaurant connecting to Nashville Metro Water Services' public water or sewer infrastructure must obtain a Water and Sewer Connection Permit before opening, as required under Metro Nashville Code of Ordinances Title 15 (Public Works). |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Bars and nightclubs that serve beverages and use restroom facilities connected to the public sewer system must secure a Water and Sewer Connection Permit from Nashville Metro Water Services prior to operation. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Food trucks operate as mobile units and do not make a permanent connection to Nashville's public water or sewer infrastructure; they are instead required to use approved potable water sources and licensed waste disposal facilities, and do not qualify for — or require — a Water and Sewer Connection Permit. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Coffee shops and cafés with fixed plumbing connections to Nashville's public water supply and sewer system must obtain a Water and Sewer Connection Permit, as any new or modified service connection triggers the permitting requirement under Metro Nashville's public works regulations. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (44 Fields)
37 of 44 auto-filledProperty Address
textEnter the full civic address of the property where the water and/or sewer connection is being requested, including street number, street name, and any unit or suite designation as it appears on the parcel record maintained by Metro Nashville's Assessor of Property.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a mailing address or P.O. Box instead of the physical service address — Nashville Water Services uses the property address to locate the parcel and verify service availability, so a mismatch will trigger an immediate review hold.
Property Deed Available
checkboxCheck this box if a recorded deed for the property is currently in hand and available for submission; leave unchecked only if the deed has not yet been recorded with the Davidson County Register of Deeds.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving the box unchecked when a deed exists but has not yet been physically retrieved — reviewers treat an unchecked box as confirmation that no deed is available, which routes the application to a secondary review queue and triggers the deed acquisition plan requirement.
Deed Acquisition Plan
textIf the Property Deed Available checkbox is unchecked, describe in plain language how and when you intend to obtain a recorded deed, including the expected recording date and the name of the title company or attorney handling the transaction.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank when the deed checkbox is unchecked — Nashville Water Services reviewers require a written plan before they can conditionally approve the connection request, and a blank field is the most common reason this section causes a processing delay.
Property Owner Name
textEnter the full legal name of the property owner exactly as it appears on the recorded deed filed with the Davidson County Register of Deeds — for entities, use the full registered business name including any LLC, LP, or Inc. designation.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a common trade name or abbreviated business name instead of the legal entity name on record — any discrepancy between this field and the deed triggers a name-mismatch flag that adds time to the review cycle.
Property Owner Contact
textEnter a direct phone number or email address for the property owner (or the owner's authorized representative) where Nashville Water Services can reach them if questions arise during permit review.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a general business main line or a contact that belongs to the contractor rather than the owner — reviewers attempting to verify ownership details who cannot reach the named owner will place the application on hold.
Business Name
textEnter the legal operating name of the business that will be the account holder for the water and sewer service — this should match the name registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State or the Metro Nashville Business Tax Division.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a DBA (doing-business-as) name here instead of the registered legal entity name, which can create a mismatch with Metro Water Services billing records and delay account activation after the permit is approved.
Applicant Name
textEnter the full legal name of the individual submitting this application — this person must be the property owner, a principal of the owning entity, or a licensed contractor holding a valid authorization from the property owner.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a staff member's name when that person is not authorized to act on behalf of the owner — Nashville Water Services may request written authorization documentation if the applicant name does not match ownership records, stalling approval.
Applicant Title
textEnter the applicant's official title within the organization (e.g., Owner, Managing Member, President, or Licensed Contractor) — this establishes the applicant's authority to submit the permit request on behalf of the property owner.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank or entering a vague descriptor like 'Agent' without corresponding authorization documentation, which can prompt reviewers to question whether the applicant has legal standing to apply.
Applicant Phone
textEnter a direct phone number where the applicant can be reached during Metro Nashville business hours (7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT), formatted as a 10-digit number (e.g., 615-555-0100) — Nashville Water Services uses this number for inspection scheduling and review follow-up.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a number that routes to voicemail without a callback option or an out-of-service number — missed reviewer calls are one of the most common reasons permits sit in a pending status beyond the standard processing window.
Applicant Email
textEnter a valid, monitored email address for the applicant — Nashville Water Services sends permit status notifications, deficiency notices, and fee invoices to this address, so it must belong to someone who checks it daily during the review period.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a shared or infrequently monitored inbox (e.g., info@businessname.com) instead of the applicant's direct email, causing critical deficiency notices to go unread and the application to time out.
ApronPrep auto-fills 37 of 44 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Water and Sewer Connection Permit Mistakes
1. Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Property and Parcel Information
Based on ApronPrep's analysis of Water and Sewer Connection Permit applications in Nashville, the most frequent rejection trigger is mismatched or missing parcel data — specifically, entering a mailing address instead of the correct legal property address tied to the parcel ID in Metro Nashville's GIS records. For example, listing '123 Main St Suite 200' (your business mailing address) instead of the platted property address causes Metro Water Services staff to flag the application as unverifiable, adding 2–3 weeks to your timeline while you resubmit. Always cross-reference your parcel ID and legal address against the Metro Nashville Assessor of Property database before completing this section.
2. Failing to Include a Stamped Site Plan from a Licensed Engineer
Metro Water Services requires a site plan stamped by a Tennessee-licensed professional engineer or land surveyor showing the proposed connection point, service line routing, and distance to the existing main — applications submitted without this document are returned immediately, not held for correction, resetting your place in the queue entirely. A common example is submitting a contractor's hand-drawn sketch or an architect's floor plan, neither of which meets the PE-stamp requirement. Engage your licensed engineer early in the process, as stamp turnaround alone can take 1–2 weeks depending on the firm's availability.
3. Not Paying the Correct Capacity Fees Before Application Review Begins
Nashville's Metro Water Services will not begin technical review until all applicable capacity (system development) fees are paid in full — applicants who submit the form without confirming the fee calculation with Metro Water's Engineering Division routinely discover mid-process that an additional fee is owed, stalling review by 1–2 weeks. Fee amounts vary significantly based on meter size and connection type (water-only, sewer-only, or combined), so a restaurant owner assuming a standard flat fee can easily underpay. Contact Metro Water Services' New Construction and Development group directly to obtain a written fee estimate tied to your specific meter size before submitting any payment.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Water and Sewer Connection Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 37 of 44 fields from one compliance interview.
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Water and Sewer Connection Permit by City in Tennessee
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | Contact City of Knoxville Development Services for current Water and Sewer Connection Permit fees (fees vary by connection type and property size) | 7-14 business days for initial review; total process 2-4 weeks depending on completeness of submission and any required modifications |
| Memphis | Contact authority for current fees - typically ranges from $150-$500 depending on connection complexity | 4-8 weeks from complete application submission to permit issuance, plus 1-2 weeks for final inspection and connection authorization |
| Nashville | Contact authority for current fees - water connection and permit fees vary by project scope | 4-8 weeks from Pre-Con Meeting to permit issuance, depending on plan review requirements and any modifications needed |
Government Filing Fees
Contact authority for current fees - water connection and permit fees vary by project scope
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
Step 1: Contact Metro Water Services to initiate water and sewer connection request
Call Metro Water Services' Developer Services Division at (615) 862-5755 or submit an online service request through the Metro Nashville portal (water.nashville.gov). Have your restaurant's legal address, parcel number, and intended opening date ready. This initial contact triggers a case number assignment and kicks off the formal review process.
Step 2: Submit property information and restaurant site plans showing proposed connection points
Provide your engineer or architect with the property survey and submit scaled site plans (minimum 1/8" = 1' scale) showing the building footprint, existing utilities, proposed water and sewer connection points, and distance to the main line. Metro Water Services requires plans stamped by a licensed Tennessee engineer—submissions without a professional stamp will be rejected.
Step 3: Schedule Pre-Con (Pre-Construction) Meeting with Metro Water Services developers team
Contact the Developer Services Division to book a Pre-Construction meeting—typically held within 2–3 weeks of your initial request. This 30–60 minute meeting reviews connection feasibility, identifies any road or sidewalk conflicts, and clarifies grease trap and discharge requirements specific to your restaurant's expected volume.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local department of public works (dpw) 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 whether your application is complete and the complexity of your site conditions, per the Metropolitan Nashville Public Works Department. Most applicants should contact the Water Services Division directly to confirm the current processing timeline for your specific location and connection type, as timeframes can range from several weeks to several months depending on inspection and engineering review requirements.
Nashville does not charge a separate government filing fee for water and sewer connection permits — the connection is typically included as part of utility service activation, per Metropolitan Nashville Public Works. However, you may incur costs for required site surveys, engineering plans, or contractor fees to complete the physical connection work. Contact the Water Services Division at (615) 862-5755 to confirm any current fees or charges that may apply to your specific project. Not legal advice — verify with Metropolitan Nashville Public Works.
Water and sewer connection permits are site-specific and tied to the property address, so you cannot transfer a permit to a new location — you must apply for a new connection permit at the new address, as required by Metropolitan Nashville Public Works. If you are relocating your restaurant, you will need to apply for new permits and secure approvals from the Building Permit office and other departments; see the Building Permit process for related requirements. Contact the Water Services Division to begin the application process for your new location.
Water and sewer connections do not require renewal permits — once your connection is approved and installed, the utility service continues as long as you maintain active service and pay your utility bills, per Metropolitan Nashville Public Works. Your restaurant will need to maintain active service throughout your operations and notify the utility company if you permanently close or relocate. Contact the Water Services Division if you have questions about service continuity or changes to your account.
Inspectors from Metropolitan Nashville Public Works verify that your connection meets building codes, plumbing standards, and health department requirements for food service facilities, per the Water Services Division application guide. The inspector will examine your site plans, verify the connection location, check for proper backflow prevention devices (see Backflow Prevention Device Certification requirements), and confirm compliance with the Metropolitan Code. Contact the Water Services Division at (615) 862-5755 to schedule your inspection once your application is approved.
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 44 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
- Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
- Knoxville — Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Nashville — Department of Public Works (DPW)
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
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