Knoxville, TN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- any drainage alteration or grading
- Large-site threshold
- 1 acre needs state permit too
- Civil penalty range
- $50 to $5,000 per day
- Administering agency
- city engineering department
Summary
Knoxville requires an engineering department site development permit before grading, filling, clearing, or altering any natural or manmade drainage system anywhere in the city, backed by civil penalties up to $5,000 per day.
A site development permit from the engineering department is required to:a.Grade, dump, alter natural or existing topography, move or place fill material, excavate, remove any vegetation not exempted by the tree protection ordinance of the city, or begin any land disturbance activities;b.Alter any natural or manmade drainage system so as to divert, constrict, increase, or change in any manner the natural or existing flow of any stream, natural drainage, or existing drainage of any area;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 22.5-22(a) requires a site development permit before anyone may grade, dump, alter topography, move fill, excavate, clear vegetation, begin land disturbance, or alter a natural or manmade drainage system to divert, constrict, increase, or otherwise change existing drainage flow. Site development of one acre or more also needs a state construction general permit. A separate special pollution abatement permit applies to stormwater 'hotspots' such as vehicle maintenance yards, large surface parking lots, and food service facilities. The 2025 rewrite of Chapter 22.5 consolidates the city's stormwater and street standards under the engineering department.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted drainage alteration or site development draws a civil penalty of $50 to $5,000 per violation, per site, per day under § 22.5-7, plus possible injunctive action by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to alter drainage on my Knoxville property?
What's the fine for unpermitted stormwater work in Knoxville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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