The local department that handles building permits, inspections and code questions for Nashville and Davidson County.
Metro Codes is the Nashville and Davidson County department that describes its role in permits, inspections and building and property standards. Taller retaining walls, walls near structures and walls that are part of larger projects can involve permits and inspections. Owners in Nashville can contact the department to ask which requirements apply to a specific address and project.
We are a private company and are not part of Metro government. Officials decide what is required, so we help owners prepare questions, sketches and drawings and then follow the instructions they receive. We schedule inspections when required and keep records of the work. The official site lists services and contacts, and we are glad to talk through what information tends to be useful before you call or apply.
Visit the official Metro Codes website
Handles permits and inspections.
Taller or structural walls may need permits.
Officials may check work at set stages.
Plans may be needed for review.
Staff interpret the rules for each site.
We prepare information and follow instructions.
Parking Lot and Roadway Retaining WallsWalls that support lots, access roads and entrances on sloped sites, with drainage and traffic safety in mind.Explore 
Multifamily and HOA Retaining WallsWalls for apartments, condos, townhomes and neighborhoods, including common area repairs and phased projects.Explore 
Shoring and Temporary Earth SupportTemporary walls, bracing and trench protection that keep excavations safe while permanent work goes in.Explore 
Loading Dock and Grade Separation WallsWalls that create dock pits, ramps and grade changes for trucks, with heavy-load design and drainage.Explore 
Engineered Wall Design CoordinationWorking with civil and geotechnical engineers so taller, loaded and complex walls are designed and built to stamped…Explore 
HOA and Neighborhood Approval SupportPreparing drawings, samples and descriptions for HOA, architectural review and neighborhood approval.Explore 
Annual Maintenance and CareYearly check-ups that clear drains, tidy plantings, spot small problems and keep walls looking and working their best.Explore 
Second Opinion on Wall BidsA fair, plain review of other contractors' proposals so you understand what is included and what might be…Explore Size a wall, plan tiers or ballpark a budget.
Retaining Wall Size and Material CalculatorEnter wall length and height to see face area, block count, base stone, drain pipe and geogrid layers to plan for.Try it 
Retaining Wall Tier and Slope PlannerEnter slope height and distance to see how many tiers may suit the grade, how far apart to space them and how wide the shelves can be.Try it 
Retaining Wall Budget PlannerPick a wall type, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it It depends on height, location and use. Ask the department and we will help you prepare.
They are planned into the schedule, and early planning helps.
No. We are a private retaining wall company and are not part of Metro Codes. Officials make the decisions, and we help you prepare information and understand the process.
ResourceCMHAA trade association for concrete masonry and hardscape products that shares technical resources, design guidance and industry news.Learn more ResourceASCEA professional society for civil engineers that publishes standards, technical papers and infrastructure information.Learn more ResourceASTMA standards organization that publishes technical standards for materials, testing and products used in construction.Learn more ResourceTennessee 811The one-call service that notifies utility owners so buried lines can be marked before digging begins.Learn more Call us and describe your slope or your wall. We will look at your site, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
