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Davidson County, TN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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Key Facts

Code: Metro Code Title 15.64
Permit Threshold: 1 acre disturbance
Treatment: First inch of runoff
Agency: Metro Water Services
MS4 Waters: Cumberland, Mill, Richland

City-specific rules exist: Nashville has its own stormwater management rules that differ from Davidson County's county-level regulations. If you live in Nashville, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Metro Nashville Stormwater Regulations (Metro Code Title 15.64) require permits for land disturbance of 1 acre or more and water quality treatment for the first inch of runoff. Metro Water Services administers the MS4 permit.

Full Breakdown

Metro Code Title 15.64 (Stormwater Management) and the Metro Stormwater Management Manual set runoff control standards enforced by Metro Water Services. Grading permits are required for land disturbance of 10,000 sq ft or more; Stormwater permits are required for disturbance of 1 acre or more or for subdivisions. Water quality treatment required for the first inch of runoff; channel protection volume required for 1-year storm. Post-construction BMP maintenance agreements run with the land. Nashville operates under a TDEC-issued MS4 NPDES permit covering discharges to the Cumberland River and tributaries including Mill Creek and Richland Creek.

Violations & Fines

Illicit discharge to Metro MS4: fines up to $10,000 per day under Metro Code 15.64. Disturbance without permit: stop-work order plus civil penalties. Failure to maintain post-construction BMPs: Metro may perform work and lien the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces stormwater rules in Davidson County?

Davidson County's code enforcement division is responsible for environmental ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Davidson County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating stormwater rules?

Most Davidson County environmental violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Davidson County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does Davidson County compare?

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Davidson County, TN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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