Fire Marshal Operational Permit — Open Flames and Candles (and solid-fuel cooking review): Nashville restaurant guide
Nashville Fire Department — Fire Marshal's Office
What it is
An operational permit 'to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants, or drinking establishments'. Wood- or charcoal-fired cooking equipment is separately reviewed by the Fire Marshal on your hood and suppression plans under the adopted fire code (solid-fuel cooking rules).
When a restaurant needs it
Before using tabletop candles, flambé or other open flames in dining areas; solid-fuel cooking appliances are reviewed with the kitchen hood plans before installation.
How to apply
Apply and pay for the Open Flames and Candles permit in ePermits at least 15 business days ahead. Show solid-fuel appliances, their hood, spark arrestor and ash handling on the plans your mechanical engineer submits for Fire Marshal review.
Documents you’ll need
- Property address
- Description of the open-flame use (candles, flambé, tableside)
- For solid fuel: appliance specs, hood/exhaust design and suppression drawings
Good to know
Metro's Air Pollution Control regulations don't list a restaurant-specific permit, but no written exemption for charbroilers or wood-fired ovens was found either; ask the Pollution Control Division (615-340-5616) before buying a wood-fired oven.
Official source
Fire Marshal — Operational permits and fees · Fire Marshal — Plan review
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.