Murfreesboro, TN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 1+ acre of land disturbance
- Citation
- Code § 27.5-5
- Small-site exception
- Single-family home under 1 acre
- Plan certifier
- TN engineer or CPESC required
Summary
Murfreesboro requires a land disturbance permit before grading, clearing or filling one acre or more, triggering an Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control plan under Code § 27.5-5 to control runoff, sediment and stabilization during construction.
A land disturbance permit shall be required from the City in the following circumstances:(a)Land disturbing activity disturbs one or more acres of land;(b)Land disturbing activity of less than one acre of land if such activity is part of a larger common plan of development that affects one or more acres of land; see exception in subsection (2) below; or(c)Land disturbing activity of less than one acre of land, if in the opinion of the City, such activity poses a unique threat to water, or to public health or safety.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Code § 27.5-5 requires a City land disturbance permit whenever land disturbing activity affects one acre or more, is part of a larger common plan of development reaching one acre, or poses a unique water-quality or safety threat regardless of size. A single-family home built alone on less than an acre is exempt from the separate permit but must still meet EPSC standards through its building permit. Larger and public-infrastructure projects must submit an erosion prevention and sediment control plan, certified by a Tennessee engineer or CPESC, detailing site grading, drainage, tree protection and specific control measures, following the City's EPSC-BMP manual and Tennessee's Construction General Permit design storms.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit, or failing EP&SC inspections, is enforceable under Chapter 27.5's penalty section: civil fines of $50 to $5,000 per day plus administrative fees up to $5,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does building a single house require a separate erosion permit?
What must an EPSC plan include?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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