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An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, to make various changes to the Downtown Code (DTC), all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2026Z-002TX-001)
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WHEREAS, The Council of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County adopted the Downtown Code (DTC) on February 2, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Metropolitan Government recognizes the importance of updating, clarifying, and refining the Downtown Code (DTC) standards to encourage high quality, sustainable urban development; and
WHEREAS, the DTC standards provide opportunities for businesses to thrive, while enhancing the character of Downtown through mixed-use development, housing choices, and commercial and entertainment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the refinement of the DTC standards will continue to ensure a quality urban experience for the citizens and businesses of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, The DTC requires updates from time-to-time as downtown continues to grow and evolve as a neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the Imagine East Bank vision plan supports the changes proposed as part of this text amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1: That Chapter 17.37 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by deleting the Downtown Code (DTC) in its entirety and replacing it with Exhibit A, which adds the East Bend Subdistrict and makes various changes to incorporate the subdistrict into the document.
Section 2. Be it further enacted, that the following conditions shall be completed, bonded or satisfied as specifically required:
1. Planning staff shall coordinate with NDOT, EBDA, Metro Water Services, and applicable property owners on an MCSP amendment to establish a proposed urban street grid for the area that prioritizes Vision Zero safety objectives and enables the fulfillment of planned utility infrastructure, including stormwater and sewer.
2. Planning staff shall submit the East Bend Public Realm Design Framework to the Downtown Code Design Review Committee for adoption as design guidance on applicable properties.
Section 2. Be it further enacted, that this ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage and such change be published in a newspaper of general circulation, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to publish a notice announcing such change in a newspaper of general circulation within five days following final passage.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance amends Chapter 17.37 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to amend the Downtown Code (DTC) to add a new East Bend Subdistrict and amend various standards within the DTC associated with the new subdistrict. This legislation does not rezone any property.
The DTC is a form-based zoning code covering the downtown area and is comprised of 16 subdistricts, each of which specifically regulates built form based on the policy context, with bulk regulations governing build-to zone, building height, required step-backs, and other standards. It also includes design standards for attributes such as site design, materials, massing, outdoor spaces, access, and structured parking.
The ordinance proposes to add a new subdistrict to the DTC, on the East Bank, bounded by I-24 on the south and east, Korean Veterans Blvd on the north, and the Cumberland River on the west called East Bend, which establishes bulk standards specific to the district.
The DTC utilizes use areas to specify what land uses are permitted within certain areas. The existing five use areas are North, South, East, West, and Central. The East Bend Subdistrict is proposed to utilize the East use area.
Currently, the area to be included within the proposed subdistrict is located outside of the DTC boundaries and is zoned IG - Industrial General. Ordinance No. BL2026-1284, also currently on second reading and public hearing, proposes to rezone the area included in the proposed East Bend Subdistrict from IG to DTC.
This item was approved with conditions by the Planning Commission at its February 12, 2026, meeting (8-0).