Tree permits · Tennessee
A 2004 ordinance (BL2004-244) rewrote Section 17.40.470 on tree removal permits, with a survey of protected trees and a disposal plan. A later 2004 ordinance (BL2004-371) removed the words "and/or residential" from that section. These are old records and the code may have changed since.
Not stated in the sources we could open. Ask Metro before touching any tree in the public right-of-way.
Under the 2004 wording of BL2004-244, the urban forester may waive the tree survey when removal is due to tree maintenance, disease or death and the existing tree density is substantially maintained. A permit may still apply.
Not stated in a current source. Contact Metro Nashville planning or the urban forester.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
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We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Nashville. Call the city before removing a large tree. We could not confirm a current Metro Nashville rule for private trees. Older Metro ordinance records from 2004 mention a tree removal permit from the urban forester under zoning Section 17.40.470, but we could not open the current Metro Code. Call Metro planning or the urban forester before removing a large tree. Our confidence: low. Short explanation, not legal advice.
A 2004 ordinance (BL2004-244) rewrote Section 17.40.470 on tree removal permits, with a survey of protected trees and a disposal plan. A later 2004 ordinance (BL2004-371) removed the words "and/or residential" from that section. These are old records and the code may have changed since.
Not stated in the sources we could open. Ask Metro before touching any tree in the public right-of-way.
Under the 2004 wording of BL2004-244, the urban forester may waive the tree survey when removal is due to tree maintenance, disease or death and the existing tree density is substantially maintained. A permit may still apply.
Not stated in a current source. Contact Metro Nashville planning or the urban forester.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.