Fire Marshal Operational Permit — Places of Assembly: Nashville restaurant guide
Nashville Fire Department — Fire Marshal's Office
What it is
An annual operational permit 'to operate a place of assembly'. Under the fire code a place of assembly is a room or space used for gathering 50 or more people, so a restaurant or bar whose dining room or total occupant load hits 50 is a place of assembly even with no music or alcohol.
When a restaurant needs it
Before opening, when your posted occupant load is 50 or more; renewed every 12 months. Applications must be filed at least 15 business days before the inspection date.
How to apply
Apply and pay online in ePermits under Fire Marshal operational permits, using the correct property address; the Fire Marshal inspects, then issues the permit.
Documents you’ll need
- Property address and business name
- Occupant load / square footage
- Contact for the inspection
Good to know
The 50-person assembly threshold comes from the adopted 2024 International Fire Code definition; the Fire Marshal's page lists the permit and fee but not the number. Your architect's occupant-load calculation decides it.
Official source
Fire Marshal — Operational permits and fees · Fire Marshal — Adopted code editions (2024 IFC / NFPA 101)
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.