Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) reduce the amount of polluted stormwater that enter our creeks and streams.
Maintaining Your Stormwater Control Measure
Property owners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining stormwater control measures on their property.
Inspections are required at least annually and maintenance is
required as needed. A maintenance and inspection document is included with your property deed. These documents are available
through the Metro Nashville Register of Deeds.
More information including the location, type, and, in some cases, maintenance information can be found on the Metro Planning Parcel Viewer. For instructions on how to use the Parcel Viewer, download our How to Find Your Stormwater Control Measures guide.
For a list of certified Stormwater Control Measures inspectors, visit the Tennessee Stormwater Management training page and click the "certification list" tab.
For a list of companies that have committed to following Stormwater Control Measures guidelines, download Water Quality Stormwater Control Measures Maintenance Companies.
Reporting Your Annual Inspection
Some property owners are also required to report their annual inspection to Metro Water Services. This is based on when the grading permit requiring your Stormwater Control Measures was issued.
To find your grading permit issue year, download and follow our How to Find Your Stormwater Control Measures guide.
The year will be the first four digits of your measure's Project ID. Then use the chart below to identify what you need to report.
| Grading Permit Issue Year |
Reporting Requirement |
| Pre - 2008 |
No Annual Report |
| 2008 - present |
Owner submits Annual Report by July 1 of each year |
To report your Inspection and Maintenance, download and complete the Annual Stormwater Control Measures Inspection/Maintenance Summary Form. You only need to complete one form for all measures on your property.
Your annual report is due by July 1 of each year and should be emailed to mws.scm@nashville.gov or mailed to:
Metro Water Services
Stormwater-NPDES
1607-A County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
Types of Stormwater Control Measures
Bioretention basin (or rain garden)
A bioretention basin, or rain garden is a hole filled with native plantings and special soil mix. It collects and slows stormwater runoff and removes pollutants.
Pervious Pavement
Permeable pavement allows stormwater runoff to drain through the pavement into the soil below.
Wet Retention Ponds
Wet retention ponds can consist of a combination of a permanent deep water pool and a shallow marsh. These ponds allow pollutants to settle out of the water, encourage natural microbial activity that cleans the water, and reduces the overall amount of stormwater runoff.
Dry Detention Ponds
Dry detention ponds temporarily store and slowly release stormwater runoff, and prevent downstream flooding. Sediment (soil), nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants settle out in the pond.
Proprietary Devices or Water Quality Units
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Water quality units filter pollutants out of stormwater runoff and release the treated water to the drainage system. The structures have limited pollutant storage and require frequent maintenance.
Grassy Swale
Grassy swales reduce and slow down the flow of stormwater runoff as well as filter out some pollutants.