Environmental Rules in Nashville, TN (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Metro Nashville charges a monthly stormwater utility fee on every parcel based on impervious surface area, funding drainage and flood control across the General Services District.
Nashville Stormwater Utility Fee Rules
Some RestrictionsMetropolitan Code of Laws § 15.64.032
There is established a storm water utility and a system of storm water user fees for each parcel of property in Davidson County. The fees shall be used by the metropolitan government, acting through the department, exclusively for operation and management of the storm water utility and such storm water and flood control purposes as authorized in Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-221-1101, et seq. The fees s...
Erosion Control
Metro Nashville requires an engineer-prepared grading and drainage plan, reviewed and approved by Water and Sewerage Services, before grading, excavation, or building permits are issued for most property developments.
Nashville Grading and Drainage Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMetropolitan Code of Laws § 15.64.140
Persons responsible for property developments shall be required to submit detailed grading and drainage plans, with supporting calculations prepared by a registered engineer, to the department of water and sewerage services for review and approval prior to initiation of work. Where applicable, an erosion control plan prepared by a design professional or soil scientist shall be included in order...
Flood Zones
Metro Nashville bans new structures in the floodway under Metropolitan Code § 15.64.170, and requires floodplain construction to sit at least four feet above the base flood elevation.
Nashville Floodplain Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsMetropolitan Code of Laws § 15.64.170
No new structure shall be constructed within the floodway. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a structure located in the floodway as of the effective date of this ordinance may be maintained and may be repaired in the event of a casualty loss not exceeding fifty percent of appraised value of improvements on the property, provided that no such existing structure located in the floodway shall be enla...
Boat Dock Permits
Metro Nashville's zoning code lists 'boat dock (commercial)' as a permitted use only in downtown, industrial, and select mixed-use districts, requiring one parking space per slip or berth under the citywide land use and parking tables.
Boat Dock Zoning Rules in Metro Nashville
Some RestrictionsMetropolitan Code of Laws § 17.20.030 (Table 17.20.030)
Boat dock (commercial) 1 space per slip or berth. UZO district: 1 space per 5 berths plus 1 space per 500 square feet of dry storage.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Metro Nashville requires new structures in the floodplain to elevate the lowest floor at least four feet above base flood elevation for residential use, one foot for non-residential, under Metropolitan Code of Laws Chapter 15.64.
Nashville Base Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsMetropolitan Code of Laws § 15.64.180
The minimum floor elevation of that portion of any structure intended for human occupancy shall be at least equal to or higher than four feet above the base flood elevation. Those portions of such structures not intended for human occupancy shall be at least equal to or higher than one foot above the base flood elevation. All other related facilities thereto such as electrical equipment, water ...