Please note the State of TN requires permitting through Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) if more than one (1) acre, or more acres, and activities that result in the disturbance of less than one acre if it is part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Any construction activity involving clearing, grading or excavation over one (1) acre requires a Rutherford County Land Disturbance Permit. The permit is issued for 18 months and can be extended if needed. Below is a permit fee breakdown for the Land Disturbance Permit.

Land Disturbance Application

Small Lot EPSC (erosion control plan) required for a new home

See also Preconstruction Meeting tab for more information on obtaining a land disturbance permit.

Agricultural Use

If the Rutherford County Planning and Engineering staff determine that the activity falls under an Agricultural Use, then there is no permit fee. A permit will be issued at no fee. For the conditions of Agricultural Use please see Section 4 of the Rutherford County Stormwater Ordinance.
For information regarding disturbances over an acre and digging a farm pond click here.

New Fees for Land Disturbance

Rutherford County Planning and Engineering Fee Changes 2021

Rutherford County Planning and Engineering Fee Changes Schedule

Fee Changes Excel Format

Requirements from TDEC

In order to comply with TDEC, you will need to evaluate whether or not these pertain to your site.

TDEC Permit Webpage

TDEC GCP Permit Website
Facts

TDEC ARAP 

TDEC General ARAP