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Sullivan County, TN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Stabilization deadline
14 days after reaching final grade
Steep slope deadline
7 days for slopes 3:1 or steeper
Buffer strip
Minimum 20 feet wide, per § 8-103.8
Permit required
Grading permit before land disturbance
Civil penalty
Up to $5,000 per offense
Applies to
Unincorporated Sullivan County only

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Sullivan County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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 days. For slopes 3:1 or steeper, they must be temporarily or permanently stabilized within 7 days of grading ceasing on those slopes. Any temporary soil stockpiles shall be stabilized or protected with sediment trapping measures to prevent erosion.

Full Breakdown

3 for single-family construction, public utility and roadway work, recognized agricultural uses, ordinary home landscaping, or silviculture. Projects that disturb an acre or more, are part of a larger common development disturbing an acre, or involve high-density residential, commercial or manufacturing work require Planning Commission or Building Commissioner review of the grading plan before the permit issues, and projects draining into a siltation-impaired stream or an Exceptional Water of the State must hold a pre-construction meeting with the County first. 7 sets the clock for stabilizing exposed ground: permanent erosion control measures must go in within 14 days after a portion of the site reaches final grade, and the same 14-day deadline applies to any denuded area that will sit undisturbed for more than 14 days even if it hasn't reached final grade.

Slopes graded at 3:1 or steeper get a tighter 7-day deadline to be temporarily or permanently stabilized once grading on that slope stops. Temporary soil stockpiles must be stabilized or ringed with sediment-trapping measures, and can't be placed where they create a sight-visibility hazard such as within a right-of-way. 6 requires cut and fill slopes steeper than 2:1 to be stabilized with rock riprap or an equivalent method approved by the Building Commissioner.

Violations & Fines

An erosion control violation under Section 8-103.19 draws a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per offense under Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-221-1101, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, and ignoring a Stop Work Order adds up to $500 per day. Grading without the required permit, or missing the 14-day or 7-day stabilization deadlines, can also trigger a Stop Work Order, an injunction, or a county-ordered denial of services to the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to grade my land in Sullivan County?
Yes, for most land-disturbing activity. Section 8-103.2 of the Zoning Resolution requires a grading permit and land disturbance plan from the Planning and Codes Department before clearing, stripping, excavating or filling, though single-family home construction, farming, ordinary landscaping and utility work are exempt.
How fast must exposed dirt be stabilized after grading?
Section 8-103.7 gives 14 days after a site reaches final grade to install permanent erosion control, and the same 14-day limit applies to ground that will sit undisturbed for more than two weeks. Slopes graded at 3:1 or steeper must be stabilized within just 7 days of grading stopping.
What is the buffer strip requirement for erosion control?
Section 8-103.8 requires a vegetated buffer strip at least 20 feet wide protecting properties downhill or adjacent to a graded site where runoff moves as sheet flow, plus additional controls like riprap if a buffer strip alone doesn't stop erosion onto a neighbor's land.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sullivan County

All Sullivan County rules

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