Nashville, TN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee basis
- Impervious surface area, tiered
- Fee range
- $1.50 to $1,300 monthly
- Satellite city exemption
- Five satellite cities exempt unless opted in
- Enforcing agency
- Metro Water Services (MWS)
- Nonpayment consequence
- Property lien, water service shutoff
Summary
Metro Nashville charges a monthly stormwater utility fee on every parcel based on impervious surface area, funding drainage and flood control across the General Services District.
There is established a storm water utility and a system of storm water user fees for each parcel of property in Davidson County. The fees shall be used by the metropolitan government, acting through the department, exclusively for operation and management of the storm water utility and such storm water and flood control purposes as authorized in Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-221-1101, et seq. The fees shall be owed jointly and severally by the property owner of record and the person or entity in possession of such property in the amounts shown in Table 15.64.032.
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
The Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services (MWS) bills a graduated monthly stormwater user fee under Metropolitan Code § 15.64.032, ranging from $1.50 for small residential lots to $1,300 for large commercial parcels based on impervious surface area. Parcels wholly inside Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, or Oak Hill are exempt unless that city contracts in; Ridgetop is not listed as exempt. Fees fund flood control and drainage projects across the General Services District (the whole county), collected on the regular water or sewer bill or billed directly to non-customers.
Violations & Fines
Unpaid fees become a lien on the property and MWS can shut off water service using its normal nonpayment procedures, per § 15.64.032(G).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Nashville property pay a stormwater fee?
Can I get a lower stormwater fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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