Zoning specifies how parcels throughout the County are zoned, which defines a parcel's use. The Wilson County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) lists each Zoning District's uses. A Zoning Permit must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued.

The Zoning Permit determines if the use for which the property owner or applicant has applied for is permitted within the Zoning District of the specific parcel.

If the parcel is located in Wilson County, then the Zoning Permit will be applied for through the County’s Inspection Department. If the parcel is located within the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of one of the municipalities in Wilson County, then the Zoning Permit must be applied for through the affiliated town.