Private Street Storm Drain Ordinance - Nashville

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee private-street owners and property managers must plan storm drain maintenance to meet city stormwater obligations and avoid enforcement. This guide explains who enforces drainage rules in Nashville, how to schedule maintenance on private streets, common compliance steps, and how to report problems to Metro authorities. It summarizes application and inspection pathways and practical steps to keep private drains clear and legally defensible.

Who is responsible

Private streets are generally the responsibility of the property owners or the homeowners association; Metro departments enforce stormwater and public-safety rules where public harm or code violations occur. For technical guidance and municipal standards see the Metro stormwater and municipal code resources Metro Water Services - Stormwater Management[1] and the city code repository Nashville-Davidson County Code of Ordinances[2].

Maintain records of inspections and cleanings to show due diligence.

How to schedule maintenance

Follow these steps to schedule routine storm drain cleaning on a private street served by surface inlets, curb drains, or private storm sewers:

  • Assess system condition and map drain locations.
  • Contract a licensed stormwater or sewer maintenance contractor familiar with Metro standards.
  • Document the scope, dates, and before/after photos for records and possible inspections.
  • Confirm whether a city permit or notification is required for your work; if uncertain, contact Metro Water Services.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility and penalties for stormwater violations affecting public health or public property are handled by Metro departments. Specific monetary penalties and escalation for private-street storm drain violations are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the enforcing office for current fines and schedules.[1][2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact Metro Water Services or view the municipal code for amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to abate, repair orders, civil court actions, and lien or abatement measures may be used by Metro where authorized by code.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Metro Water Services and Metro Public Works handle stormwater complaints and inspections; use department contact pages to file complaints or request inspections.
  • Appeals: formal appeal or administrative review routes are set out in the municipal code or departmental procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences: documented maintenance schedules, permits, weather events, and proof of reasonable excuse or timely repairs are typical defenses; check department guidance.

Applications & Forms

No single city form for private-street storm drain maintenance is published on the cited departmental pages; property owners should contact Metro Water Services to confirm permit or notification requirements for specific works. If a permit or application is required, the department will provide the correct form and fee schedule.[1]

When in doubt, get written confirmation from Metro before starting work.

Common violations

  • Blocked inlets and curb drains causing street flooding.
  • Unauthorized alteration of storm sewers or discharge points.
  • Failure to maintain private drains leading to public property damage.

FAQ

Who must maintain storm drains on a private street?
Property owners or the homeowners association responsible for the private street maintenance must keep drains clear and functional; Metro enforces where public harm results.
Do I need a permit to clean a private storm drain?
Permit requirements depend on the scope of work; routine cleaning may not require a permit but alterations or connections often do—confirm with Metro Water Services.
How do I report a blocked drain affecting public streets?
File a complaint with Metro Water Services or public-works complaint portal; use the department contact page for instructions.

How-To

  1. Inspect and map all inlet and curb-drain locations on the private street.
  2. Hire a licensed contractor to perform cleaning, CCTV inspection, and debris removal where needed.
  3. Document work with dated photos and a maintenance log retained by the owner or HOA.
  4. Notify Metro Water Services if your work alters connections, discharges, or affects public drainage; obtain permits if required.
  5. Pay any required permit or inspection fees and keep receipts for appeals or enforcement inquiries.

Key Takeaways

  • Private-street owners are primarily responsible for storm drain maintenance and documentation.
  • Contact Metro Water Services early to confirm permits, filing, and enforcement contacts.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Metro Water Services - Stormwater Management
  2. [2] Nashville-Davidson County Code of Ordinances

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