Environmental Rules in Franklin, TN (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Franklin, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Franklin is a Phase II MS4 community permitted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and runs its stormwater program out of Title 23 of the Franklin Municipal Code (Stormwater Management). As of August 1, 2017, the City operates as a TDEC-approved Qualified Local Program (QLP), which means Franklin processes Notices of Intent, reviews SWPPPs, and issues Notices of Coverage on behalf of TDEC for construction sites inside the city limits. Because Franklin sits directly on the Harpeth River and its tributaries (West Harpeth, Spencer Creek, McEwen Creek, Mill Creek), the program emphasizes riparian buffers, post-construction water quality, and illicit discharge control. The program is administered by Engineering Stormwater Management; coordinator phone (615) 791-3218, email stormwater@franklintn.gov.
Stormwater Management in Franklin
Heavy RestrictionsErosion Control
Franklin enforces erosion and sediment control through Title 23 of the Franklin Municipal Code and through the TDEC NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) TNR100000, which Franklin issues locally as a Qualified Local Program. Sites disturbing one acre or more (or less than one acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale) require a full Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a Notice of Coverage under TNR100000. Smaller Franklin sites disturbing 5,000 square feet or more that do not install permanent BMPs also require a SWPPP submitted to Engineering. Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control measures must follow the TDEC Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook.
Erosion Control in Franklin
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Zones
Franklin participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is regulated by the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Williamson County. Updated FIRMs were approved by the Franklin Municipal Planning Commission on December 2, 2024 and ratified by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) before the federal deadline. The Harpeth River runs directly through downtown Franklin and creates extensive Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along Franklin Road, downtown, and the West Harpeth, Spencer Creek, and McEwen Creek tributaries. The Floodplain Administrator in Building and Neighborhood Services issues free flood-zone determinations at (615) 550-6631.
Flood Zones in Franklin
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Grading, drainage, and post-construction stormwater quality in Franklin are regulated by Title 23 of the Franklin Municipal Code, including the green stormwater infrastructure requirement of Section 23-101. Since January 1, 2014, all new development and redevelopment in Franklin that disturbs one acre or more must incorporate green infrastructure practices and follow the City's runoff reduction methods. Site plans, grading permits, and stormwater management plans are reviewed by Engineering before the City will issue a building permit. Cost and difficulty are explicitly NOT valid grounds to seek an alternative-practices exemption from the City Engineer.
Grading and Drainage in Franklin
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Williamson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Franklin city rules.
Environmental Rules in Williamson County →