Nashville, TN Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential lowest floor
- 4 ft above BFE
- Non-residential lowest floor
- 1 ft above BFE
- Governing chapter
- Metro Code Ch. 15.64
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Water & Sewerage Services
- Penalty basis
- T.C.A. § 68-221-1106, per day
Summary
Metro Nashville requires new structures in the floodplain to elevate the lowest floor at least four feet above base flood elevation for residential use, one foot for non-residential, under Metropolitan Code of Laws Chapter 15.64.
The minimum floor elevation of that portion of any structure intended for human occupancy shall be at least equal to or higher than four feet above the base flood elevation. Those portions of such structures not intended for human occupancy shall be at least equal to or higher than one foot above the base flood elevation. All other related facilities thereto such as electrical equipment, water service, and sanitary sewer connections shall be at least equal to or higher than one foot above the base flood elevation.
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
Under Metropolitan Code of Laws § 15.64.180, any structure built in a Metro Nashville floodplain after alteration approval must set its lowest floor at least four feet above the base flood elevation if the space is used for human occupancy, or one foot above BFE for non-occupied space and related equipment like electrical, water, and sewer connections. This four-foot standard matches the code's definition of 'flood protection elevation' for residential construction in Section 15.64.010. The director of the Department of Water and Sewerage Services can authorize floodproofing in place of elevation for non-residential structures, per Section 15.64.200, but only as an individual exception, on an engineer's certification.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 15.64 draw an administrative penalty under T.C.A. § 68-221-1106, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation, plus possible injunctive relief and cost recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply in Belle Meade or the other satellite cities?
Can I floodproof a building instead of elevating it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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