Permit guides › Nashville › NSH-TR-03

Water/Sewer Availability, Capacity Fees & Commercial Meter Permit: Nashville restaurant guide

Metro Water Services — Development Services

What it is

New buildings and changes of use that add water or sewer demand can owe MWS capacity fees and may need a new or bigger meter or tap.

When a restaurant needs it

New construction, or a change of use or tenant improvement that needs new or expanded water/sewer service.

How to apply

Request an availability study, submit the Commercial Meter Permit Request and Water/Sewer Technical Review Requirements, then pay capacity and tap fees in ePermits.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Varies — at least 30% of capacity fees due before initial building approval; balance before service activation
Processing time
Varies (several weeks)
Renewal
None
Who files
Usually handled by the civil engineer, MEP engineer or contractor.

Good to know

Capacity fees can be significant. Ask your landlord what capacity the space already has paid for before you sign.

Official source

Metro Water — Water and sewer permits

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