Frequently asked questions
Permit coordination for contractors, developers, architects and business owners across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
How do I start a project with NashPermits?
Send us the project address and the scope of work. We identify the jurisdiction, the departments involved and every approval the project needs, then assemble and file the application package. You can reach us at team@nashpermits.com or 615-815-5499, and we come back within one business day.
What counties around Nashville does NashPermits handle permits in?
We coordinate permits across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and Maury counties, along with the individual city and municipal jurisdictions inside them. If your project sits outside that area, ask us anyway and we will tell you straight away whether we can help.
Can you help me figure out which permits I need before starting a home addition?
Yes. Permit research and due diligence is a service on its own. Tell us the address and what you are building and we research the jurisdictional requirements, confirm which approvals apply, and give you a clear permitting path before you commit to a schedule or a budget.
Where can I get help submitting permits for a home addition or pool in Williamson County?
We handle residential permitting throughout Williamson County, including additions, renovations, new construction, accessory structures and pools. We prepare the application, file it with the right department and track it through plan review so you are not chasing it yourself.
Do you help with zoning and plan review comments for a tenant build-out?
Yes. Planning and zoning coordination and plan review coordination are both core services. For a tenant build-out we navigate the zoning requirements and use approvals, then track the review, organize the comments and coordinate responses between your team and the jurisdiction.
How do I find out which zoning approvals I need before leasing space for a new business?
Ask before you sign. Zoning determines whether your intended use is permitted at that address, and finding out afterwards is expensive. Send us the address and the use you have in mind and we research the zoning requirements, planning reviews and use approvals that apply, so you know what the space will actually allow.
What should I do when a permit application is delayed because the city asked for more information?
Respond quickly and completely, in the format the reviewer expects. Most delays are not caused by the request itself but by the days lost while nobody owns the response. We monitor plan review, organize the comments, route them to the right person on your team and coordinate the resubmittal so the application keeps moving.
Who can help me manage building permits and plan review for a commercial renovation in Nashville?
That is what we do. NashPermits coordinates commercial permitting for tenant build-outs, renovations, new construction and commercial development projects across Nashville, from the first question through to permit in hand, including plan review coordination with the departments involved.
Can you work with a contractor running several projects at once?
Yes. We work with general contractors, developers, architects, homebuilders, property managers and business owners, on a single application or as ongoing support across a pipeline of projects. You get one point of contact who knows where every application stands.
How does NashPermits charge?
Pricing is quoted per project once we understand the scope and the jurisdictions involved, because a single residential addition and a multi-department commercial build-out are not the same amount of work. Send us the address and the scope and we will come back with what it takes and what it costs, usually within one business day.
How long does a building permit take in Nashville?
It depends on the jurisdiction, the type of project and which reviews apply. A simple interior or residential project can move quickly, while new construction, change-of-use projects and anything that needs zoning or fire review takes longer. The biggest delays usually come from incomplete submittals and slow responses to plan review comments, which is exactly what we manage. Once we see your address and scope, we will give you a realistic timeline for your specific project.
What documents do you need from me to get started?
Usually the project address, a description of the scope of work, and any drawings or plans you already have. For commercial projects that often means architectural and engineering plans; for residential projects it may be a site plan and construction drawings. Not sure what you have or what is required? Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing.
Do you work with homeowners, or only contractors?
Both. Most of our clients are general contractors, developers, architects and business owners, but we also help homeowners with additions, renovations, pools, accessory structures and other residential projects. If you are managing your own project, we can take the permitting off your plate.
How is a permit expediter different from a permit runner?
A permit runner mainly drops off and picks up paperwork. A permit expediter manages the whole process: identifying which approvals your project needs, checking the application package before it goes in, tracking it through each department, and coordinating responses to plan review comments with your design team until the permit is issued. You get one point of contact who owns the outcome.
Do I need a building permit for my project?
Most new construction, additions, structural changes and many interior renovations in Middle Tennessee need a building permit. Send us the address and scope and we'll confirm what's required, prepare the application and track it through plan review.
What permits does a new business need before it opens?
Depending on the use and the location, a new business may need a use and occupancy approval, a business license, signage permits and health or fire sign-offs. Our business and operational permits service pins down the full list and coordinates each approval.
Still have a question?
Call or text 615-815-5499, or email team@nashpermits.com. We reply within one business day.