Nashville, TN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Reviewing agency
- Dept. of Water and Sewerage Services
- Plan preparer
- Registered engineer required
- Building permit hold
- No permit until plan approved
- Small-project exemption
- Under 10,000 sq ft, no channel change
- Penalty basis
- T.C.A. § 68-221-1106, per day
Summary
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.
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 to prevent sedimentation from reducing the flow carrying capacity of the downstream drainage system.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Before grading, excavating, clearing, or otherwise altering land anywhere in Davidson County, the person responsible for a property development must submit detailed grading and drainage plans, with supporting engineering calculations, to the Department of Water and Sewerage Services (Metro Water Services) for review and approval -- plus an erosion control plan where sedimentation could reduce downstream drainage capacity. No building permit issues until that plan is approved and a grading permit is granted. Small single-family lots that don't alter a drainage channel, and commercial/industrial work disturbing under 10,000 square feet without altering a channel or grade by more than 5 feet, can be exempt. The requirement also reaches the six satellite cities: their codes officials must refer qualifying permits to Metro Water Services for drainage review.
Violations & Fines
Violations carry an administrative penalty authorized under Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-221-1106, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation; Metro Water Services may also assess enforcement costs and seek injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to regrade my Nashville property?
Is my small residential lot exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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