General Regulations

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County tit. 16, ch. 16.16, art. I

in effect

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.010 Intent—Remedial.

16.16.010 - Intent—Remedial. This chapter is declared to be remedial and shall be construed to secure the beneficial interests and purposes thereof, which are health, sanitation, general public safety and welfare, by regulation of all heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and gas installations, systems, alterations, repairs, and maintenance. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-1)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.020 Scope.

16.16.020 - Scope. A. The provisions of this Code shall apply to the installation of consumer's gas piping, gas appliances, and related accessories as covered in this Code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances, and the installation and replacement of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories. B. The provisions of this Code shall also apply to the installation of mechanical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, radon gas reduction systems, and other energy-related systems. C. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit, and no permits shall be required for, normal maintenance and repairs to an existing gas and/or mechanical system. D. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to gas piping, meters, gas pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP gas. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-2)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.030 Proper maintenance required—Owner's responsibility.

16.16.030 - Proper maintenance required—Owner's responsibility. A. All mechanical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration, both new and existing, and all parts thereof and appurtenances thereto, shall be installed and maintained as required by this chapter, in a safe and clean condition. B. All devices, equipment and safeguards required by this chapter shall be installed and properly maintained in a safe and clean manner and in good working order. The owner, or his designated agent, shall be held responsible for the proper maintenance of all gas/mechanical installations and gas/mechanical systems. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-3)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.040 Alteration or repair to existing system—Compliance required—Exception.

16.16.040 - Alteration or repair to existing system—Compliance required—Exception. Alterations, repairs or replacement work may be made to any existing gas system or mechanical systems without requiring the system to comply with all the requirements of this Code provided that the alteration, repair or replacement work conforms to the requirements of this code for new construction. The gas/mechanical official shall determine the extent to which the existing system shall be made to conform to the requirements of this code for new construction. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-4)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.050 Change in occupancy classification—Conformance required.

16.16.050 - Change in occupancy classification—Conformance required. If the occupancy classification of an existing tenant space or building is changed, the gas/mechanical system shall be made to conform to the latest adopted gas/mechanical code. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-5)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.060 Variances for existing buildings—Authority of director.

16.16.060 - Variances for existing buildings—Authority of director. A. To promote conservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, alterations, repairs, or change of occupancy and use may be made to existing buildings where such rehabilitation is made to conform to the intent of this Code as established by the director. The director may exercise discretionary authority, subject to appeal, to vary or modify in whole or in part the application of any provision of this Code where compliance with such provision would create practical difficulty or undue hardship. B. Such variance or modification shall be consistent with the intent of this Code, which is to achieve acceptable levels of safety for the general public. The director shall require documented justification for any request for such variance or modification from any code provision to be prepared in written form, supported by technical or other data deemed necessary and that such proposal become a part of the permanent records of the department of codes administration. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-6)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.070 Homeowner permits—Regulations.

16.16.070 - Homeowner permits—Regulations. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a resident homeowner from installing or maintaining a mechanical system within his/her own property boundaries, provided such work is done by himself/herself. Such privilege does not convey the right to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, nor is it to be construed as exempting any such homeowner from obtaining a permit and paying the required fees therefor. The director of codes administration or his duly authorized representative shall be authorized to issue "homeowner permits" to property owners desiring to make mechanical repairs and/or additions to their property or improvements thereto. Homeowner permits shall be issued only if the applicant meets the following conditions: 1. The mechanical repairs and/or additions shall be made to the applicants principle dwelling. This may also include one side or a duplex dwelling unit. 2. For construction of a new single-family dwelling, the homeowner may obtain one gas/mechanical permit every two years for a new mechanical installation. 3. The repairs, additions and/or new dwelling shall be of such nature that a person of average intelligence could make the repairs and/or additions without the assistance of a gas/mechanical contractor. 4. The department of codes administration may void a homeowner's permit if it is determined that the installation is beyond the capabilities of the homeowner and the work being done does not comply with this chapter. 5. The homeowner must do the work himself without the help of a gas/mechanical contractor or certificate holder. 6. Gas piping and gas connections to an appliance or equipment shall be only installed by a licensed master mechanical, HVAC&R or gas and appliance contractor. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-7)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.080 Enforcement—Authority of director—Approval of promulgated regulations required.

16.16.080 - Enforcement—Authority of director—Approval of promulgated regulations required. A. The director of codes administration shall have the power and his duty shall be to enforce, in the manner herein provided, all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to gas and mechanical, gas and mechanical installations and gas and mechanical systems as set forth in this chapter and any amendments thereto, and to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the effective enforcement of this chapter. B. Such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the director pursuant to this section shall be approved by the board of gas/mechanical examiners and appeals, shall be approved by the department of law as to form and legality and shall become effective upon written approval of the mayor. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-8)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.090 Inspection records—Open to public.

16.16.090 - Inspection records—Open to public. The director of codes administration shall keep or cause to be kept a record of the business activities of the gas/mechanical inspection section. Such records shall be open for public inspection during the normal office hours of the department of codes administration. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-9)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.100 Right of entry.

16.16.100 - Right of entry. The director of codes administration shall enforce the provisions of this chapter, and he or his duly authorized representative may enter, with the consent of the owner or occupant or with a valid search warrant, and upon presentation of proper identification, any building, structure or premises within the metropolitan government area to perform any duty or responsibility imposed upon him by this chapter. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-10)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.110 Stop work orders—Service—Content—Emergency procedure.

16.16.110 - Stop work orders—Service—Content—Emergency procedure. A. When it is found that any gas/mechanical installation is being made or that any gas/mechanical devices, equipment or fixtures required by this chapter are being installed contrary to the provisions of this chapter, or that such gas/mechanical installations, devices, equipment or fixtures installed are dangerous or unsafe, the director of codes administration shall issue or cause to be issued a stop work order. B. Such stop work order shall be in writing and shall be served upon the owner of such property, his duly authorized agent or the person responsible for such work. A copy of the stop work order shall be posted in a conspicuous place upon the premises and it is unlawful for any person to remove such order or to perform any work on the gas or mechanical installation, device, equipment or fixtures so long as the stop work order shall remain in effect. C. The stop work order shall set forth the reasons why such work is being stopped, the provisions of this chapter being violated and the conditions under which the order may be removed and the work resumed. D. When, in the opinion of the director of codes administration, an emergency exists, a written stop work order shall not be required, and in such instances, oral notice to the owner, his agent or the person in charge of the work, by the director of codes administration or his duly authorized representatives, shall have the same force and effect as a written order. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-11)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.120 Stop work order—Appeal.

16.16.120 - Stop work order—Appeal. Upon written notice of an appeal to the board of gas/mechanical examiners and appeals, involving a work stoppage under the circumstances as set forth in Section 16.16.110, the board may meet in special session and shall take such action as may be deemed necessary to assure that the intent and purpose of this chapter are complied with. In each such instance, the action of the board shall be final, subject to such relief as the aggrieved party may have at law or in equity. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-11.1)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.130 Revocation of permit—Fees not refunded.

16.16.130 - Revocation of permit—Fees not refunded. The director of codes administration may revoke a gas/mechanical permit or approval issued under the provisions of this chapter in the event there has been any false statement or wilful misrepresentations on which the permit or approval was based. In all such instances, where a permit has been revoked, the permit fee shall not be refunded nor applied to any subsequent application for a permit. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-12)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.140 Hazardous installations—Abatement.

16.16.140 - Hazardous installations—Abatement. All gas/mechanical installations or gas/mechanical systems which are unsafe, or which are dangerous to human life, or which, in relation to existing or contemplated use, constitute a hazard to the health, safety or general welfare of the community, by the reason of improper installation, inadequate maintenance or abandonment, are declared to be illegal and shall be abated by repair, replacement or removal. Any person making unsafe, hazardous, etc. installation shall be brought before the board for possible disciplinary action. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-13)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.150 Additional requirements—Determined by director.

16.16.150 - Additional requirements—Determined by director. Any requirement deemed necessary for the safety, strength or stability of an existing or proposed gas/mechanical installation or gas/mechanical system or for the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of any building or structure, not specifically covered by the provisions of this chapter, shall be determined by the director of codes administration, subject to an appeal to the board of gas/mechanical examiners and appeals. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-14)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.160 Conflicts with other ordinances.

16.16.160 - Conflicts with other ordinances. A. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, housing, building, fire, safety, plumbing or health ordinance or code of the metropolitan government, existing on January 1, 1966, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the public shall prevail. B. Where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any other ordinance or code of the metropolitan government, existing on January 1, 1966, which establishes a lower standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the public, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to prevail, and such other ordinances and codes are declared to be repealed to the extent that they may be found in conflict with the gas/mechanical code. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-15)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 16.16.170 Alternate methods or materials—Approval required.

16.16.170 - Alternate methods or materials—Approval required. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any such alternate has been approved by the gas/mechanical official. The gas/mechanical official may approve any such alternate, provided he finds that the alternate for the purpose intended is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. The gas/mechanical official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim made regarding the alternate. (Ord. 90-1253 § 1 (part), 1990; prior code § 19-1-16)

Source: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Metropolitan Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT16BUCO_CH16.16GAMERE_ARTIGEREFetched: 10/28/2026