The Specific Plan (SP) District is a zoning district which provides additional flexibility to create developments that meet the goals and objectives of NashvilleNext and are sensitive to the surrounding context.
The SP District is not subject to the traditional zoning districts’ land use and design standards. Instead, permitted uses and design elements like height, size, setbacks, buffers, signage and materials, are determined for the specific development. The design elements are written into the zone change ordinance, which becomes law.
Developers who use SP zoning must still follow historic and redevelopment guidelines, and subdivision and stormwater regulations.
SP Districts may be appropriate on large sites being developed in a unified manner or on sites that have significant areas of sensitive environmental features, are located near historic features, or require new public infrastructure to support development.
The developer proposes the details of the development plan, then the Planning Department and other applicable Metro Departments review the plan. Prior to filing an application for a Specific Plan, we encourage applicants to talk to the Metropolitan Council member(s) and neighbors to introduce the project and identify key issues.
Existing Specific Plan Districts
The SP Viewer includes records of every Council-approved SP.
Applications and Fees
Beginning February 14, 2024 payment for all applications must be received on or before the deadline. There will no longer be a grace period. To begin the process initial applications must be received at least 24 hours prior to the deadline. It is necessary for a case number to be assigned prior to accepting payment to ensure payments are appropriately credited. All documents and payments must be received by noon of the deadline day. Incomplete submittals will automatically be moved to the next deadline – No Exceptions.
Pre-application Inquiry Request Form
The Specific Plan Application and Specific Plan Checklist is used for each tier, described below
- Tier 1: $2,900
Project is 0-5 residential units and/or less than 10,000 square feet of non-residential uses - Tier 2: $4,500
Project is 6-25 residential units and/or 10,000 - 25,000 square feet of non-residential uses - Tier 3: $6,100
Project is 26 or more residential units and/or greater than 25,000 square feet of non-residential uses
Building Permit Review: $850
Zoning Letter: $500
Contact the Planning Department Front Counter 615-862-7190 to request a letter certifying Specific Plan District zoning.
Sign and Tenant Finish-Out Permits: No fee
A review of a building permit for interior space improvements or review of a sign permit for an individual tenant space or entire property. No signs reviewed if not visible from public rights-of way.