Use & Occupancy (U&O) Permit: Nashville restaurant guide

Metro Codes & Building Safety

What it is

Nashville's certificate-of-occupancy step. It confirms the space meets zoning and code for your restaurant use and lets you legally occupy it.

When a restaurant needs it

Required for every restaurant entering a space, whatever the previous use, and for any change of use even with no construction. A business license does not replace it.

How to apply

Email the Commercial Permit Application, plus a parking plan if needed, to the Zoning Help Desk. Get every agency sign-off on the examiner's checklist, pay fees, then request the U&O inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Commercial Permit Application
Parking site plan or multi-tenant parking survey (outside the Urban Zoning Overlay)
Agency sign-offs (Fire Marshal, Health, Metro Water Services)

Fee

$55 for a U&O permit / certificate of compliance where no building permit was issued, plus the $25 zoning examination fee (Codes fee schedule). When renovation work is involved, the U&O is completed under the commercial renovation permit and its fees.

Processing time

Varies with agency sign-offs

Renewal

None (new U&O needed for a new use)

Who files

The owner, tenant or agent can apply. If renovation is involved, the U&O is handled through the contractor's commercial renovation permit.

Good to know

You can't occupy the space until all inspections are complete. A U&O is also required before a sign permit for a change in activity type.

Official source

Metro Codes — Commercial U&O permits

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