Nashville requires grading permits for land disturbance activities under the stormwater management ordinance (Title 15, Chapter 15.64). All grading must maintain proper drainage patterns and prevent adverse impacts to neighboring properties. Metro Water Services reviews grading plans and conducts inspections.
Any land-disturbing activity in Davidson County requires a grading permit from Metro Water Services. Grading plans must show existing and proposed contours, drainage patterns, and erosion control measures. Development must not alter drainage patterns in a way that increases runoff or flooding on adjacent properties. The Metro Stormwater Management Manual provides technical standards for grading, including maximum slopes, fill compaction requirements, and drainage conveyance sizing.
Grading without a permit or in violation of approved plans can result in stop-work orders, fines up to $5,000 per day, and mandatory site restoration. Property owners may also face civil liability for flood damage caused to neighbors by improper grading.
Nashville, TN
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