Nashville Tenant Improvement (TI) and Build-Out Permit Checklist (Architect’s Guide)

Architect’s Guide to a Smooth, Code-Compliant Permit Process in Davidson County

Opening or renovating a commercial space in Nashville requires more than a good contractor and a clean design. Tenant Improvement, often called TI or “build-out,” involves navigating specific permitting steps with Metro Codes, coordinating with inspectors, and ensuring your design meets all applicable building, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection requirements.

This guide breaks down the Nashville TI and build-out permit process into clear steps. It is written for tenants, small business owners, franchisees, landlords, and general contractors who want their project to pass permit review without delays.

What is a TI or Build-Out?

A Tenant Improvement (TI) or “build-out” refers to interior renovations within an existing commercial space. TI projects often include:

• New partitions or space reconfiguration
• Electrical and plumbing changes
• Flooring, ceiling, and lighting updates
• Mechanical modifications
• Meeting ADA accessibility requirements
• Updating finishes to match brand standards
• Small additions such as storage rooms or back-of-house modifications

Nashville requires a building permit for nearly all TI work, even when structural changes are not involved.

Nashville TI / Build-Out Permit Checklist

Below is the complete checklist that TKZ Architecture uses for commercial build-outs in Davidson County. It reflects current Metro Codes requirements and lessons learned from hundreds of small business and franchise projects.

1. Confirm the Correct Use and Occupancy

Before drawing anything, verify that your intended business use is allowed in the space.

Common occupancy classifications include:

• Business (B) for offices, studios, salons, wellness
• Mercantile (M) for retail and sales
• Assembly (A-2, A-3) for restaurants, gyms, event spaces
• Factory/Industrial (F-1) for light production

Metro Nashville will deny your permit application if the space is not zoned or approved for your intended use. This step should be confirmed early with both your architect and fire marshal if needed.

2. Perform a Life Safety and Code Analysis

A proper life safety analysis is required in every set of TI drawings. It includes:

• Occupant load
• Required plumbing fixtures
• Egress routes and exit access travel distance
• Fire separation requirements
• Door and hardware requirements
• ADA accessibility compliance
• Fire protection needs (sprinklers and alarms)

Many permit delays occur because the life safety sheet is incomplete or missing. This should be done by a licensed architect familiar with Nashville codes.

3. Verify Existing Conditions on Site

Before the drawings move forward, confirm:

• Ceiling height
• Existing electrical panel capacity
• Mechanical duct layout
• Sprinkler coverage
• Grease trap needs for restaurants
• Water and sewer connection points
• Condition of existing restrooms

A field-verified plan avoids surprises that derail your permit review.

4. Prepare Required Architectural Drawings

Metro Nashville typically requires the following sheets for TI permits:

• Cover sheet with project data
• Demolition plan (if applicable)
• Dimensioned floor plan
• Construction plan
• Reflected ceiling plan
• Interior elevations (for counters, bars, restrooms, etc.)
• Door schedule
• Finish schedule
• Wall types and construction details
• ADA clearances
• Life safety and egress plan

Drawings must be sealed by a Tennessee licensed architect.

5. Coordinate MEP Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings are required for almost all commercial TI projects in Nashville. This includes:

• HVAC load calculations
• Duct and equipment layout
• Electrical panel schedules
• Lighting and power plans
• Plumbing fixture calculations
• Grease waste routing (restaurants)

A permit review will not move forward without coordinated MEP drawings.

6. Health and Food Service Requirements

For restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries:

• Metro Health plan review is required
• FRP locations
• Hand sink placement
• Grease traps and interceptors
• Equipment schedule
• Food service ventilation and hoods

These must be included before submitting to Metro Codes. Many restaurant delays happen when health requirements are added late.

7. Fire Marshal Requirements

Depending on your occupancy:

• Sprinkler plans
• Alarm plans
• Hood suppression system (restaurants)
• Emergency lighting
• Exit signs
• Fire extinguishers
• Rated wall requirements

Some projects require separate shop drawings after permit issuance.

8. ADA Accessibility Compliance

The 2010 ADA Standards apply to Nashville TI projects. Key areas include:

• Door clearances
• Restroom layout
• Grab bar placement
• Counter and bar heights
• Maneuvering clearance around fixtures
• Accessible path of travel from entrance to all public areas

ADA compliance is one of the top reasons plans are rejected or sites fail inspection. This should be checked early in the design.

9. Submit to Metro Nashville Codes for Permit

Your contractor can upload the complete drawing set to the Nashville ePermits portal.
Typical departments reviewing your project:

• Building
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Fire Marshal
• Health (if food related)
• Zoning

Most TI permits take one to three rounds of comments. A well-prepared set of drawings usually shortens the timeline.

10. Respond to Plan Review Comments

Metro Codes will issue comments that must be resolved before the permit can be approved. Your architect should:

• Address each comment clearly
• Add revised clouds and deltas
• Resubmit drawings
• Communicate with the reviewer if something needs clarification

This prevents further rounds of back-and-forth and speeds up approval.

11. Pre-Construction Coordination

After permit approval, meet with your contractor to review:

• Updated drawings
• Electrical and plumbing rough-in
• Sprinkler modifications
• Flooring transitions
• Final finish selections
• Any landlord requirements

Good coordination early prevents failed inspections later.

12. Required Inspections in Nashville

Depending on the project, Metro may require:

• Framing inspection
• Mechanical rough-in
• Electrical rough-in
• Plumbing rough-in
• Fire suppression
• Hood inspection (restaurants)
• Final building inspection
• Final health inspection

Missing one inspection can delay your CO and move-in date.

13. Final Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Once all rough-ins and finals pass, Metro issues a Certificate of Occupancy. Without the CO, your business cannot legally open.

Common Reasons Nashville TI Permits Get Delayed

• Missing life safety sheet
• No mechanical or electrical engineering
• ADA restroom conflicts
• Incorrect occupancy classification
• Missing food service details
• Sprinkler or alarm plans submitted late
• Failure to respond clearly to reviewer comments

A coordinated architectural and MEP package avoids most of these issues.

Resources for Nashville TI Projects

• Who You Need for a Commercial Build Out
• 7 Things Business Owners Can Do to Speed Up Permits
• Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

Final Thoughts

Tenant Improvement projects in Nashville move quickly when the drawings are complete, coordinated, and code-compliant. Whether you are opening a retail shop, salon, studio, fitness space, office suite, or restaurant, a clear TI checklist keeps your project organized and helps avoid expensive delays.