BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Know the request. Prepare the record.
Understand what belongs before the Board of Zoning Appeals, find the correct forms, and prepare for a public hearing.
YOUR PATH THROUGH THE PROCESS
Prepare. File. Follow through.
- 01
Confirm the appeal type
Speak with a zoning examiner or the Zoning Administrator. Identify the decision or requirement at issue and the relevant code provision.
- 02
Assemble & submit
Follow the current checklist, including the required application, supporting forms and scaled plans. Metro instructs applicants to email BZA materials to BZA@nashville.gov.
- 03
Prepare for the hearing
Check the docket and staff instructions. Complete applicable notice and community-meeting requirements, and submit supporting material by the current deadline.
BEFORE YOU FILE
Check the current requirements.
Use the filing schedule and the payment deadline provided by BZA staff. The current schedule’s payment wording differs from the older checklist, so confirm your case’s deadline rather than assuming a fixed weekday.
UNDERSTAND THE DETAILS
What to know for your project.
Start the underlying permit when required
Most appeal types require a building-permit application first. The filing checklist treats Item A appeals differently. Ask staff which prerequisites apply to your request; an ePermits record is not a substitute for filing the BZA application.
Read the official guidance ↗The request needs its own supporting form
Use the variance, special-exception or Item A / Item D materials that match your case. Explain the requested relief with plans and supporting facts. A complete submission is needed before staff can schedule the case.
Read the official guidance ↗Build the public record
Send case-related comments and evidence through BZA staff. The current rules explain presentation time, supporting materials, public notice and special-exception community meetings. Review the actual case decision and any conditions after the hearing.
Read the official guidance ↗YOUR OFFICIAL RESOURCE SHELF
Applications. Records. People.
Start here, then use the agency’s latest instructions. Forms, fees and deadlines can change.
Applications & filing
BZA filing information
Official index of forms, fees, rules and case tracking.
Official source · opens a new tabAppeal checklist
Required submission items and permit prerequisites.
Official PDF · opens a new tabBZA application
Main application form.
Official PDF · opens a new tabVariance supporting form
Supporting questions for variance requests.
Official PDF · opens a new tabSpecial-exception forms
Supporting material for special exceptions.
Official PDF · opens a new tabItem A & Item D forms
Forms for the specified appeal categories.
Official PDF · opens a new tabBZA fee schedule
Confirm your fee and payment deadline with staff.
Official PDF · opens a new tabTrack, attend & contact
BZA board overview
Responsibilities and meeting information.
Official source · opens a new tabCurrent BZA members
Metro’s live seven-member board roster.
Official source · opens a new tabBZA meeting pages & agendas
Upcoming and past hearings with available records.
Official source · opens a new tabBZA rules of procedure
Current linked rules, including public participation.
Official PDF · opens a new tabBZA case tracker
Find mapped BZA cases.
Official source · opens a new tabePermits record search
Research permit records; BZA submission follows the separate filing instructions.
Official source · opens a new tabCodes contact directory
BZA staff and zoning helpdesk contacts.
Official source · opens a new tabATTEND & STAY INFORMED
Follow the public record.
Regular meetings are generally the first and third Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Sonny West Conference Center, Howard Office Building. Confirm the meeting page before attending; dates, locations and dockets can change.
Official meeting guidance ↗A PRACTICAL STARTING LIST
Gather before you go.
Use the official application checklist for the complete, case-specific requirements.
- Property address, parcel ID and owner information
- Underlying permit or decision, when applicable
- Applicable code section and precise relief requested
- Scaled site plans and relevant building elevations
- Required supporting form and evidence
- Public-notice and community-meeting documentation, if required
PUT THE RESEARCH TO WORK
Need help making sense of it?
Bring your property and questions to Jessica. Our advisory service is separate from Metro’s review and filing fees.
Independent educational guide from Smart Girl Developments, not a Metro government service or a determination of your property’s eligibility. Confirm the current requirements and case-specific advice with the responsible agency and your professional team.