Zoning relegates land uses to specific zone districts. Zoning and other codes require that land uses meet specific requirements for a particular land use. It is through the issuance of a use and occupancy (U&O) permit that compliance with these requirements is met. Failing to obtain a U&O permit prior to occupying a location can result in unforeseen expense or the necessity to relocate from the site all together.
A business license or any other permit from a regulatory agency does not exempt you from the requirement for a change of use permit. U&O permits are issued as part of a construction permit whether they be construction permits for new buildings on vacant lots, additions, renovations, expansion of parking areas or simply changing the use of an entire parcel of land or part of a parcel of land, from one use to another (i.e. office to restaurant).
If a use on a parcel of land is changed but no construction or remodeling is involved, the applicant must obtain a U&O Permit. Some regulatory agencies may require a U&O permit in a new company name even when the use has not changed.
To apply for a Commercial Use and Occupancy Permit, submit the following to [email protected].
- Complete Commercial Permit Application
- Site plan or multi-tenant parking survey from landlord if the proposed use is changed from the prior use.
a. If it’s a single-tenant space, provide a site plan. (Example Commercial Site Plan)
b. If it’s a multi-tenant space, provide a multiple-tenant parking survey from the landlord listing tenants and number of parking spaces.
The permit application will then be assigned to a zoning examiner. You will be provided a date for which you should be given a permit application number. Should the zoning examiner have any questions or need additional information from you they will reach out to you by e-mail or by phone.
Once your application is processed, the zoning examiner will provide you with a checklist showing other divisions and departments you will have to contact for approvals before the permit can be issued. It is your responsibility to follow the requirements of the checklist on the building permit application and to make sure all required signoffs are obtained.
Do not seek to determine what reviews and approvals are required on your own. If you fail to complete the steps identified in your permit application, your process will be delayed. You can track the progress of the application by address or by using the permit application number at epermits.nashville.gov.
Once you have all the required signoffs, you can pay for the permit and call for inspections. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to schedule the necessary inspections at the proper time in the building process. You cannot occupy the space until after inspections and you have a U&O permit letter.