Metro requires a grading permit from Metro Codes for land disturbance over 10,000 sq ft or any disturbance in a floodplain. Drainage may not adversely affect adjacent properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineered permits.
Metro Code Title 16 (Building) and Title 15.64 (Stormwater) regulate grading. Grading permits issued by Metro Codes Department required for any disturbance of 10,000 sq ft or more, for any grading in the floodplain regardless of size, and for any fill over 2 feet. Applications require a site plan, grading plan, and EPSC plan. Drainage must be directed to approved discharge points and may not cause adverse impact on downstream properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing) require engineered plans and separate permit. In the hilly Highland Rim topography around Nashville, slope stability review may be required for cuts over 10 feet.
Unpermitted grading: Metro Codes stop-work order plus fines. Redirecting drainage onto neighbor: private nuisance action plus Metro correction order. Slope failure: owner liable for remediation and damages.
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See how Davidson County's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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