A new set of height restrictions for single-family homes in Nashville could go into effect after tomorrow night. The current limit for houses in the urban core is set at three stories but doesn’t qualify how tall those stories can be.

At-large Councilman David Briley – who is also running for mayor – proposed the new restrictions after learning country music superstar John Rich had a 70-foot home just off West End in the works.

“You don’t want to have a single landowner change the entire character of a neighborhood by building a house that’s out of context with everything around it. That’s what this bill does. It says you’re going to build within the confines of the existing neighborhood.”

His original bill set the new restrictions at 35 feet. After some complaints from the development community, the bill was amended to 45 feet. Even that doesn’t include the additional height of a basement or a roof.

The Metro Council votes Tuesday night for a third and final time. If approved, property owners could still get a variance that allows a home taller than the new restrictions.

As for John Rich – on half of the duo Big & Rich – he received the permit since his house meets current guidelines. However the West End Neighborhood Association is appealing the permit. A hearing with the Planning Commission is scheduled for June 21st.