When preparing your yard for a new hardscape installation, such as a patio, you may consider land grading first. Through redistribution of the soil, land grading will even out sloped terrain or make an incline less steep. This not only provides a more functional and level surface but also reduces the negative effects of soil erosion. But before you start digging, you have to consider what you’re allowed to do according to local laws. Because land grading is an extensive change of the landscape and requires specialized heavy equipment, many localities will require permits in order for this work to be performed. There may also be regulations around how and when it can be done. It’s important to know these rules in advance so you don’t end up in trouble or facing a fine. We’ll review common regulations and considerations around land grading and talk about what the permit requirements in the Nashville area include.

Reasons to Perform Land Grading

• Improving Erosion and Drainage: When a slope is steep, rainwater rushes down the side, and the force pulls soil with it. Over time, the land erodes away and affects everything around it. Land grading helps smooth that steep surface to reduce soil loss. On the other hand, a low spot or completely flat area can retain water, and grading to create a gentle slope prevents pooling without increasing erosion. This sometimes requires an added drainage solution like a French drain to pair with the grading.
• Increasing Usable Space: With large slopes, it’s difficult to use the area as effectively as flat land. A hillside makes it difficult to construct a patio or garden that’s convenient to enjoy. By performing land grading, you increase how useful your property can be, which also increases the value of your home. The more space for activities, the more use for your property year-round.
• Preparing a Site for Construction: Whether building a house, installing a patio, or pouring a driveway, land grading helps ensure a space is prepared for new construction. Creating an even area for the structure to sit ensures long-term stability and also gives the opportunity to prevent drainage problems down the road.

When Is a Grading Permit Required?

This will vary based on where you live, but most localities have regulations around land grading and require you to get a permit before breaking ground. It’s important to carefully review what your city or county requires because there are specific regulations based on the type of land and the volume of grading. In general, most areas require a permit when excavation will change the slope by a certain degree, affect protected areas such as wetlands, or potentially impact existing stormwater systems. You will need to submit a request for a permit to the local government detailing the plans of the project. Most places have guidelines on their websites but will require detailed review to clearly understand. If there are any utilities in the area, you’ll also want to engage a utility marking service to ensure those are not disrupted.

What Is a Grading Permit in Nashville, Tennessee Required For?
In Nashville, the local government site states a permit is necessary for any “land disturbing activities…defined as any operation or occurrence by which the existing site elevations are changed.” They detail that this includes when any ground cover is moved or a body of water is changed. There are very intricate and detailed criteria in which certain types of grading do or don’t require a permit. Projects that require permits include but are not limited to:

• Grading in floodplains
• Movement of more than 100 cubic yards of soil
• Fill is more than 5 feet of vertical height
• Has fill placed on a slope steeper than a ratio of 5ft to 1ft
• If the final result will be a slope steeper than a ratio of 3ft to 1ft
• Is in a watershed area with an outlet to a sinkhole or drainage well

The application for a grading permit in Nashville includes a three-page checklist of material that must be provided, including forms, other related permits, information about the property, and details of the plans for the grading project. There is also an associated application fee that starts around $400 and increases depending on additional requirements and the size of the area being graded. Once an application is submitted, a pre-construction meeting is held and includes the contractors, engineers, and inspectors who will be involved in reviewing the plan. If all requirements are satisfied, an inspection of the area is scheduled. Plans can move forward if the inspection is cleared and the permit is issued. Some forms of land grading will require additional inspections during the course of the project.

In areas surrounding Nashville, such as Wilson County and Williamson County, the regulations and permit process may vary slightly. You would have to abide by their specific rules and submit a permit request in the district where the project will take place.

If a land grading project that requires a permit is done without obtaining one, then you are subject to financial penalties. These can be steep and may compound the longer you are out of compliance.

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Avoid a Headache by Hiring Grading Contractors in Nashville, Tennessee

Land grading is a time-consuming and detailed process. The planning and preparation may take longer than the actual activity of grading the space. If you’ve never gone through it before, the permit process can be one big headache. Getting together all the information and knowing exactly what the application reviewers are looking forrequires plenty of experience. Relying on local contractors who’ve been through the process more than a few times eases the burden so that you can spend your time on other things. At Greenway of Nashville, because we do both residential and commercial projects, we’re extremely familiar with regulations throughout the Greater Nashville area. We take the pressure off of you because we know exactly when a permit is needed, how to get it, and what it takes to get approval without obstacles. We handle the red tape and details so that all you have to do is enjoy the final result.

It’s all a part of our planning process—from the moment your consultation begins, we’re already making notes about what needs to happen in order for your project to be successful. Our attention to detail means you never have to worry about whether or not your grading project is in compliance with local laws.

With Greenway, you’ll always know where we are in the process. Our open and constant communication ensures you know whether permits have been submitted, if they’ve been approved, or if there’s an obstacle. You’ll never feel like you’re in the dark with us—you’ll always know what’s going on and feel confident your hardscaping project is on track.

Ready to grade your land, fix erosion problems, and optimize your usable space? Contact Greenway for a free consultation and find out just how easy it can be with professionals like us!

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