Environmental Rules in Knoxville, TN (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Knoxville requires an engineering department site development permit before grading, filling, clearing, or altering any natural or manmade drainage system anywhere in the city, backed by civil penalties up to $5,000 per day.
Knoxville Stormwater Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsKnoxville Code of Ordinances § 22.5-22 (Ord. No. O-145-2025, § 1, 11-25-25)
A site development permit from the engineering department is required to:a.Grade, dump, alter natural or existing topography, move or place fill material, excavate, remove any vegetation not exempted by the tree protection ordinance of the city, or begin any land disturbance activities;b.Alter any natural or manmade drainage system so as to divert, constrict, increase, or change in any manner t...
Erosion Control
Knoxville requires erosion prevention and sediment controls on every site development project, with a licensed-professional-stamped EPSC plan mandatory for commercial work and residential disturbance over 10,000 square feet.
Knoxville Erosion & Sediment Control
Significant RestrictionsKnoxville Code of Ordinances § 22.5-26 (Ord. No. O-145-2025, § 1, 11-25-25)
(a)When site development occurs, the following actions are required:(1)Install, inspect, repair, and maintain all erosion prevention and sediment controls (EPSCs)...(b)An EPSC plan must be provided as follows:(1)Residential development: Requires no EPSC plan except if...disturbance of more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet or as deemed necessary by the director...(2)Commercial development:...
Flood Zones
Any development activity in a flood-prone part of Knoxville, from filling and grading to new construction, needs a city development permit before work begins. Chapter 12 of the Code applies citywide within Knoxville's incorporated limits and is administered by the engineering director, who checks plans against FEMA's flood insurance rate maps.
Knoxville Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsKnoxville Code of Ordinances §§ 12-4, 12-6
Sec. 12-4. - Application. This chapter shall apply to all areas within the incorporated area of the city. ... Sec. 12-6. - Requirement for development permit. A development permit shall be required in conformity with this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activity.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Knoxville requires new and substantially improved buildings in mapped flood zones to elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation, or three feet along TVA dam-controlled rivers.
Knoxville Base Flood Elevation Freeboard
Some RestrictionsKnoxville Code of Ordinances § 12-52(1)
new construction or substantial improvement of any residential building (or manufactured home) shall have all utilities (including electrical (utility meters not included), heating, ductwork, ventilating, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment) and the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to no lower than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Along any TVA dam-controlled river (T...
Looking for Knox County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Knoxville city rules.
Environmental Rules in Knox County →