Nashville lot split survey and final plat cost in Davidson County
Splitting a lot in Nashville means recording a final plat, and Metro Planning charges $1,375 for a standard final plat and $1,050 when you are only consolidating lots. A Tennessee licensed surveyor draws the plat, usually $1,500 to $3,500 for a two lot split once the boundary work is included, so a typical two lot split costs $3,000 to $8,000 all in once recording and any engineering are added.
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Who needs a Nashville lot split survey, and what you are paying for
You need this when you own a lot in Davidson County and want to divide it for a second house, sell part of it, or consolidate two lots into one building site. The Metropolitan Planning Department reviews the plat, and the Register of Deeds records it. The plat itself has to be prepared by a Tennessee licensed land surveyor, because it carries the new boundaries, the easements and the dimensions Metro signs off on.
The survey is only part of the bill. The Metro application fee is public, the surveyor is a market price, and the third line, engineering for drainage, grading or utility work, depends on the lot. A cheap survey quote that leaves out the plat is not a lot split quote. Post the job once with the matcher at the top of this page and up to three surveyors who work Davidson County quote the same scope.
How much does a lot split cost in Nashville?
The Metro fees below are copied from the Planning Department fee schedule. The surveyor lines are market ranges, and they move with lot size, terrain and how clean the existing record is.
| Line item | Typical cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Final plat application, standard | $1,375 | Metro Nashville Planning Department |
| Final plat application, consolidation of lots | $1,050 | Metro Nashville Planning Department |
| Subdivision amendment to reduce a setback or remove old septic fields | $500 | Metro Nashville Planning Department |
| Concept plan, only when the project needs a preliminary concept | $3,000 | Metro Nashville Planning Department |
| Boundary survey and plat, two lot split | $1,500 - $3,500 | Tennessee licensed land surveyor |
| Three to five lot split, survey and plat | $3,000 - $6,000 | Tennessee licensed land surveyor |
| Recording the plat and any new deeds | $50 - $300 plus attorney or title fees | Register of Deeds |
| All-in two lot split, before engineering | $3,000 - $8,000 | Surveyor, Metro and Register of Deeds |
Metro fees are from the Planning Department subdivision page and can change, so confirm the amount before you file. Surveyor ranges are market ranges for 2026 and assume findable corners. For how a split is priced in other counties see cost to subdivide land.
What slows a Nashville lot split
Most delays are visible before the survey starts. Check each one against your lot first.
| Issue | What it means for you | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Metro legal review of the plat | The Planning application form warns that legal review can take several weeks on its own | Order the survey early and build the weeks into your closing date |
| Critical lot, floodplain or steep slope | Metro asks for a critical lot plan on residential lots in the floodplain or with steep topography, with a house and grading contours | Tell the surveyor up front so the topography is picked up on the same visit |
| Zoning and minimum lot size | An approved plat does not make a lot buildable | Ask Planning about the zoning district before you pay for the plat |
| Existing easements and encroachments | A fence or garage over a line can force a redesign | Have the surveyor locate improvements before drawing lines |
| Liens and mortgage | A split does not release a lien from either piece | Talk to the lender and title company first |
If you only need to move a line between two existing lots, the lot line adjustment survey page covers that smaller product. For everything else a Nashville owner buys from a surveyor, see land surveyors in Nashville.
How to split a lot in Nashville
1.
Check zoning and the path
Confirm the zoning district and minimum lot size with Metro Planning, and decide whether you need a straight split, a consolidation or an amendment to an existing plat.
2.
Get the boundary survey and plat
A Tennessee licensed surveyor locates the corners and improvements, drafts the new lots, easements and legal descriptions, and prepares the final plat for Metro. Expect two to five weeks.
3.
File with Metro Planning
Submit the final plat application and fee, then answer review comments. Legal review adds time, so file as soon as the plat is ready.
4.
Record and update the deeds
Once approved, the plat is recorded with the Register of Deeds and new deeds are prepared by your attorney or title company.
Nashville lot split questions
How much does it cost to split a lot in Nashville?
Metro Planning charges $1,375 for a final plat, or $1,050 if you are consolidating lots. A Tennessee licensed surveyor adds roughly $1,500 to $3,500 for a two lot split, and recording adds $50 to $300. Most owners spend $3,000 to $8,000 all in before engineering.
Do I need a survey to split a lot in Nashville?
Yes. The final plat that Metro reviews has to be prepared by a Tennessee licensed land surveyor, and it carries the new boundaries and easements. A sketch or an old survey is not a substitute for the plat.
How long does a lot split take in Nashville?
Plan on two to five weeks for the survey and plat, then Metro review. The Planning Department application form says legal review alone can take several weeks, so a closing date inside two months is at risk unless you file early.
What is a final plat in Nashville?
It is the recorded map showing exactly how the land is divided, including lot dimensions and easements. Metro Planning approves it, and it is recorded with the Register of Deeds. The Planning Department charges $1,375 to review a standard one.
Can I combine two lots into one in Nashville?
Yes, with a consolidation final plat, which Metro lists at $1,050. The same rule applies: a licensed surveyor draws the plat and the combined lot must still meet zoning.
Three quotes beat six voicemails
Describe the parcel once. Your scoped request goes to licensed surveyors listed for your county and they quote it themselves. Posting is free for clients and quotes are never marked up.