Environmental Rules in Hamilton County, TN (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Hamilton County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Erosion Control
Unincorporated Hamilton County requires a land disturbance permit before grading or clearing one acre or more, or a smaller site that is part of a larger common plan of development. The Hamilton County Water Quality Program reviews erosion control plans and inspects sites monthly.
Erosion Control in Unincorporated Hamilton County
Some RestrictionsHamilton County Water Quality Program Rules and Regulations, § 4.A
A. Mandatory. A land disturbance permit from the Program will be required in the following cases: (1) Land disturbing activity that disturbs one (1) or more acres of land; (2) Land disturbing activity that disturbs less than one (1) acre of land if such activity is part of a larger common plan of development that affects one or more acres of land as determined by the Program Manager.
Boat Dock Permits
A boat dock, marina or similar organized waterfront recreation facility in unincorporated Hamilton County needs a special permit under Article VI, Section 422 of the Zoning Regulations. The applicant files four copies of a site plan covering buildings, waterline use, access points, parking and sanitary facilities before the Hamilton County Commission will act.
Recreational Marina Permits in Hamilton County
Significant RestrictionsHamilton County Zoning Regulations, Art. VI, § 422 (Recreational Marinas)
422. Recreational Marinas: Four copies of the Recreational Marina site plan must be submitted at the time of application for a Special permit. This site plan shall include but shall not be limited to the following information. (a) Location of all building(s) on the property and waterline, and explanation of their use. (b) Location of pedestrian and vehicular entrance and exit points. (c) Locati...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the unincorporated area of Hamilton County, new and substantially improved residential buildings in a Special Flood Hazard Area must sit at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation, or three feet above grade where no BFE has been mapped. The Floodplain Administrator enforces the standard through the development permit.
Hamilton County Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsHamilton County Zoning Regulations, Art. V, Section 505.B.1 (Residential Structures)
In AE Zones where Base Flood Elevation data is available, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential building (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to no lower than one (1) foot above the Base Flood Elevation. Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate equalization of f...
Environmental Rules by City in Hamilton County
1 cities in Hamilton County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Hamilton County ordinances
See every category we cover for Hamilton County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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