Construction projects that block bike lanes and sidewalks in Nashville will now operate on seven-day permits, down from the previous 30-day extendable permits. 

The measure is effective immediately, Mayor John Cooper announced Friday morning during a news briefing on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The news comes as development booms in Nashville and city leaders promote a Vision Zero plan to boost pedestrian safety. Cooper said construction projects account for nearly 90% of Nashville's sidewalk closures.

"Steps like the one we are taking today are a critical part of making that Vision Zero plan a reality," Cooper said.

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Blockages can extend past seven days if an alternative public right-of-way is in place. Cooper pointed to scaffolding set up along West End Avenue beside a Vanderbilt University construction project that blocks the sidewalk. The scaffolding is enclosed, lit and allows foot and bike traffic maneuver around the construction.

The project is set to run through next fall.

Tightened permits will make all neighborhoods a priority, Cooper said, not just busy areas such as downtown. It aims to make the city more livable and walkable. 

"As we grow," he added, "it's our responsibility to ensure that there are safe and accessible ways for residents to navigate around town, regardless of the amount of construction activity."

Projects that will close public right-of-ways beyond seven days can apply for a variance, according to the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure.  

"We understand there's going to be some give-and-take in this," director Diana Alarcon said Friday.

Her team studied how other cities handle sidewalk and bike lane closures around development and incorporated best practices into Nashville's plan.

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Existing 30-day permits will be phased into the new rule as they expire. Initial applications for the seven-day permits cost $500. Subsequent submissions cost $250 each. 

Alarcon said in the last year the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure increased its roster of inspectors from eight to 24 to keep pace with increasing demand. Residents who spot violations can report them via hubNashville.

"We've heard, very loud and clear, from our community about what their needs are and what their wants are, and we are applying that," Alarcon said. "The work never stops."

Find reporter Rachel Wegner at rawegner@tennessean.com or on Twitter @rachelannwegner.