Sidewalks Required in More of Nashville, Thanks to New Law

Supporters of Nashville's new sidewalk requirements for residential construction say sidewalks are a critical component of transportation infrastructure.

1 minute read

April 21, 2017, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Commerce Street

KennStilger47 / Shutterstock

"The Metro Council took action Tuesday that will significantly increase the number of developers in Nashville — particularly homebuilders — who are required to provide sidewalks during new construction projects," reports Joey Garrison.

The legislation closes a loophole in Davidson County "that has allowed builders of new single-family homes and duplexes in neighborhoods throughout Nashville to not provide sidewalks." Before the new legislation, sidewalks were required onlu in residential subdivisions.

The bill had the support of Mayor Megan Barry and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Homebuilders Association of Tennessee opposed the project.

Eric Snyder reported on the bill earlier in the legislative process, mapping the boundary of the Urban Zoning Overlay where the new requirements will take effect. Hat tip to Rachel Dovey for sharing the news.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in The Tennessean

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today