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Environmental Rules in Sullivan County, TN (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Sullivan County, Tennessee.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sullivan County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Sullivan County requires a stormwater management plan for qualifying development in the unincorporated county under Section 8-103.10 of the Zoning Resolution, holding post-development runoff at or below predevelopment levels for the 2- and 10-year storm and requiring treatment measures to remove 80% of suspended solids from a 1-year, 24-hour design storm.

Sullivan County Stormwater Management Rules

Some Restrictions

Sullivan County Zoning Resolution § 8-103.10

8-103.10 Peak Stormwater Management (Drainage Plan) - Pre-construction and Post-construction ... 3. Improvements Required - The Planning Commission may require, as necessary, structural or other improvements designed to detain the level and intensity of stormwater runoff associated with the land development site... If stormwater management is required, best management practices shall be impleme...

Erosion Control

Sullivan County requires a grading permit for land-disturbing activity in the unincorporated county under Section 8-103.2, and Section 8-103.7 sets hard deadlines: denuded ground must be stabilized within 14 days of reaching final grade, and slopes of 3:1 or steeper within 7 days of grading stopping.

Sullivan County Erosion & Sediment Control Deadlines

Some Restrictions

Sullivan County Zoning Resolution § 8-103.7

8-103.7 Stabilization of Denuded Areas and Soil Stockpiles - Permanent erosion control measures shall be applied to denuded areas within 14 days after final grade is reached on any portion of the site. Soil stabilization shall also be applied within 14 days to any denuded area, which may not be at final grade, but will remain dormant (undisturbed by construction activity) for longer than 14 day...

Flood Zones

In unincorporated Sullivan County, a permit from the Building Commissioner is required before excavating, building, filling, or altering any structure within a flood prone area. The Building Commissioner reviews every application for flood safety and must notify the state and FEMA before any watercourse is altered.

Sullivan County Flood Prone Area Permit

Some Restrictions

Sullivan County, TN Zoning Resolution § 12-102.1(1)

12-102.1 Permits Required 1. General - Except as provided for agricultural uses and activities in Subpart 2, of this section, it shall be unlawful to commence excavation for or the construction of any building or other structure, including accessory structures, to commence the moving, alteration, or repair of any structure, including expansion, to use a building or structure, or to commence the...

All Sullivan County ordinances

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