Building Permits

We are in the process of reviewing and updating our review processes and deadlines for the City’s boards, including Historic Zoning Commission (HZC), Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) and the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).  

Applicants for HZC, MPC, and BZA should first schedule a meeting with the City’s Building Official to initiate the review process for their project.  The City will assist in determining whether a submittal to one or more of the boards are required.  The City will provide checklists and timelines to assist applicants and their design professionals with the preparation of all application materials.  Once a complete set of application materials is received, the applicant will be placed upon the agenda for the next available meeting date. Application fees must be paid in full  prior to the date of the meeting.  Applicants or their representatives should plan to appear in person and be prepared to answer questions regarding the project at the meeting as absence may be grounds for deferral or denial by the board.

Building permits can be obtained from the Office of the Building Official. Appointments are preferred.  To find out if you need a building permit, click here. Generally, if the project falls within the guidelines of the Zoning Code, a permit can be issued without going before the Board of Zoning Appeals.  The City of Belle Meade has adopted the 2018 ICC International Residential Code. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment. The provisions of the Code apply to the construction, addition, alteration and repair of one and two family dwellings and their accessory structures.

For more information, contact:

Building and Codes Office

(615) 297-2364 or Email: inspector@citybellemeade.org

Residents and contractors can request an inspection online at inspectmyproject.com  You can upload files at this site also.

All plans and documents submitted for permits shall become the property of the City of Belle Meade. The following data shall be submitted for a building permit:

1. Building Permit Requirements

Submit all plans PDF and applications by email to the above address.

  • Building permits are issued after properly completing permit applications.
  • Applicant must show evidence of state contractor’s license and worker’s compensation insurance or homeowner can pull permit.
  • Building permits are required when owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, inside or out.
  • Any construction work, inside or out, $2,000 or more requires a permit.
  • The permit fee is due upon issuance of the permit.  CLICK HERE for the most recent list of FEES
  • After permit is issued, inspections must be requested by the owner/agent at various states, (see inspection handout).

2. Building Plans: scaled ¼” = 1 foot

  • Foundation plans indicating width, depth, reinforcement type and anchor size and type.
  • Cross wall section.
  • Floor plan with dimensions.
  • Size and length of floor joist, girders, and rafters.
  • Front elevations from average natural grade and finish floor elevation.
  • Front, sides, and rear elevations with existing grade and finish grade.
  • Complete the Building Permit Application or Board of Zoning Appeals Application.

3. Plot Plan Survey Requirements for All New Houses or Additions

  • Submit PDF’s by email to the above address.
  • Scale of one inch (1”) equals (30’) thirty feet.
  • Show site plan with property line dimensions, building envelope, existing and proposed contours, with principle structure and all accessory structures, driveway, sewer tank and control box location.
  • Neighborhood site plan showing neighbor’s house and measurements to them.
  • Show all new construction in shaded area.
  • Submit sewer application form.
  • Show storm water BMP’s, if needed.
  • Show all trees eight (8) inches or larger in caliper and identify.  Show trees to be removed due to construction.
  • Fees must be paid in advance for all engineering/professional reviews.

Note: All necessary electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are to be obtained from the proper Metropolitan Nashville Codes Administration office. The building code of the City of Belle Meade requires that all such permits and associated inspections be obtained. Plans and specifications prepared by an architect shall bear the Architects seal and date in accordance with state laws and regulation

Building Permit Application and Building inspection requirements  to download the Building Permit & Inspection Agreement, You may also need a permit to remove trees (see below).

Click Here to Fill out the Tree Removal Permit    Click here for Tree Removal Flow Chart

Click Here to download DEMO application

Click here to view the Flowchart – Process for BZA Review

 

ELECTRICAL PERMITS

Beginning June 1, 2023, Electrical Permits will be issued by the State (under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance).
Apply online using the State’s CORE online system:  Click Here
Or Apply by phone, text, or email with a local issuing agent: Contact Ms. Tracy Fowler at 931-316-3955 or tfowler2022@yahoo.com

All currently active permits with Metro-Nashville will continue with Metro-Nashville Codes Division until the project’s conclusion.  Any new permits applied for on or after June 1, 2023 will no longer contact Metro-Nashville, but will need to apply online for a state issued electrical permit.  Electrical Permits may be issued online through the CORE system or by contacting a local issuing agent.

CALL 615-741-7170 to REQUEST ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS

CORE is the Comprehensive Online Regulatory & Enforcement System that Commerce and Insurance uses for managing licenses, certifications, registrations and permits. First-time users will need to register for a new account. This account will be used to purchase and service permits, including printing your permit and requesting inspections.  If you do not wish to create a CORE account, call 615-741-7170 to request an inspection. You must know the permit number(s) to request an inspection.  Our local electrical inspector will be Mr. Kyle Vari and the State commits that all electrical inspections will be completed within 72-hours of a request for inspection being filed.