Building permits and zoning in Brentwood

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Sources: the city’s Planning and Codes Department, Codes Section and Codes FAQs.

In Brentwood, building permits, inspections, zoning and code enforcement all sit in one office: the city’s Planning and Codes Department at City Hall, 5211 Maryland Way. Applications, plans and fees go through the city’s online permit portal.

Who to call

• Planning and Codes Department: 615-371-2204, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 5211 Maryland Way
• Inspection request line (24 hours): 615-661-7077, or book in your online account
• Chief Building Official Michael Rinehart: 615-577-6163
• Planning and Codes Director Todd Petrowski: 615-371-2204
• After-hours construction noise: Brentwood police non-emergency, 615-371-0160
• Electrical permits: the state of Tennessee, not the city

How to get a building permit

1. Create an account on the city’s permit portal, or log in if you have one.
2. Upload the application, plans and supporting documents. The city takes all of them electronically.
3. Pay the fee online, or by check made out to the City of Brentwood and dropped off at Planning and Codes, 5211 Maryland Way. The city does not publish a fee table on its permit page; the portal and the department’s process and procedure manual set out the steps.
4. New homes and some additions also owe the Williamson County privilege tax and educational impact tax. Apply on the county’s online system before visiting the Williamson County Codes Department.
5. Schedule inspections through your account or the 24-hour line, 615-661-7077. Inspections are by appointment only, and inspectors are in the field from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays.

The department warns of scams asking residents and businesses to wire money. It will only email from a BrentwoodTN.gov address; call 615-371-2204 if you are unsure.

Projects that need a permit

• New homes, additions and remodels, under the 2018 International Residential Code the city has adopted.
• Window and door replacement. The city’s window page says replacements are not exempt. Bedroom windows must still meet emergency escape sizes. Replacing broken glass needs no permit.
• Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. City code says no pool or spa work may start until the city issues a permit.
• Electrical and low-voltage work is permitted and inspected by the State of Tennessee, not the city. After the state permit is issued, the permit holder arranges the inspection with the state electrical inspector.

Work on a house built before 1978 must follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-safe rules, the city notes.

Work hours

Building and repair work is allowed 7 a.m. to dark, and 9 a.m. to dark on Sunday, under the Codes FAQs. Report violations to police non-emergency at 615-371-0160, then to Planning and Codes during business hours.

Hiring a contractor

The city suggests checking a contractor’s license and any discipline with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, 1-800-544-7693, and complaints with Tennessee Consumer Affairs, 1-800-342-8385, and asking for several references.

Zoning, rezoning and the boards

Brentwood’s zoning rules are Chapter 78 of the Brentwood Municipal Code. Zoning maps are on the city’s GIS web maps.

Planning Commission. The commission generally meets on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, with an informational session at 8 a.m. the Thursday before, according to the meeting schedule. The next one falls on Monday, Nov. 2, with the informational session Thursday, Oct. 29. Agendas and video are on the Planning Commission page.

Board of Zoning Appeals. Five residents hear variances, special exceptions and appeals of a staff decision. Meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. From the city’s 2026 schedule:

Short-term rentals

Brentwood bars rentals of less than three months in single-family residential districts, its short-term rentals page says, and has cited owners who kept renting after a warning.

Reporting a code violation

Property upkeep, disabled cars, commercial vehicles parked in a residential district and similar complaints go through the city’s citizen comment form.

The city’s long-range plans

The Brentwood 2030 Plan, adopted in October 2016, still guides growth. The city is writing its replacement, the Brentwood 2040 Plan, with a new Major Thoroughfare Plan; the plan site listed new public engagement dates in June 2026. Once a final draft is ready it goes to a vote.

Related guides: Williamson County property taxes, Brentwood home prices and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Brentwood, Tennessee?

Create an account on the city’s online permit portal at brentwood.onlama.com and upload the application and plans there. Questions go to the Planning and Codes Department at 615-371-2204.

Do I need a permit to replace windows in Brentwood?

Yes. The city says window replacement is not exempt from permits under its adopted residential code. Replacing broken glass in an existing window does not need a permit.

What hours can contractors work in Brentwood?

Building and repair work is allowed from 7 a.m. to dark, and from 9 a.m. to dark on Sunday. Report after-hours work to police non-emergency at 615-371-0160.

When does the Brentwood Planning Commission meet?

Generally on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 5211 Maryland Way, with an informational session at 8 a.m. the Thursday before.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Brentwood?

Not in single-family residential districts. The city’s code bars rentals of less than three months there, and the city has cited owners who kept renting.