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Sign Permit: Nashville restaurant guide

Metro Codes & Building Safety — Zoning

What it is

Required for new or changed exterior signs. A zoning examiner checks size, placement and district sign rules.

When a restaurant needs it

New or altered permanent signs. A U&O must be in place first when the business activity type changes.

How to apply

Email the Commercial Permit Application, site plan and renderings to the Zoning Help Desk with the subject line 'Sign Permit / Business Name / Address'.

Documents you’ll need

Commercial Permit Application
Site plan with distances to property lines, structures and easements
Renderings with dimensions

Fee

Sign permit minimum $55 (Codes fee schedule); illuminated signs also need an electrical permit (minimum $75)

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

None

Who files

Filed by the property owner or the owner's legal representative, often the sign company.

Good to know

Signs in historic overlays need an MHZC preservation permit, and downtown signs follow the Downtown Code sign standards.

Official source

Metro Codes — Sign permit process · Metro Codes fee schedule (PDF)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.