Williamson County · Home base
Excavation and grading in Brentwood
Home base. The company carries the name, works these lots most often, and knows what the city’s Chapter 56 asks for.
When does Brentwood require a grading permit?
By default, every time. Section 56-11 of the city code says no one may clear, strip, grade, excavate or fill “unless a grading permit has first been obtained,” and the 2024 ordinance runs through the Engineering Department. Section 56-12 then carves out the common residential case: a single-family home or residential driveway on grades under 15%, as long as it’s under 1 acre and not part of a larger common plan. Additions that add less than 800 square feet of impervious surface are exempt too. Above 5 acres, a security bond comes into it.
What does the slope change?
Quite a lot here, because Brentwood’s lots aren’t flat. The ordinance counts 25% and up as steep. Disturbed ground has to be stabilized within 14 days, and that drops to 7 on slopes over 25%. A 2:1 slope needs an approved stabilization design. We plan the order of a job around those clocks, so seed and matting are ready before the last pass.
What about the creeks?
On sites of 1 acre or more, a construction riparian buffer applies: an average of 30 feet, with a minimum of 15 feet for unassessed or siltation-impaired waters. Exceptional waters get a larger one. If a stream runs along your line, mention it when you call, because it can move a pad.
What do people here call us for?
Mostly regrading yards that hold water, French drains along foundations, retaining walls on sloped lots, and tall trees close to the house. You’ll find a wider set of examples under recent work. The company lists Brentwood 37027 on Yelp, has been at this since 2021, and has no storefront, so a picture or a call is the way in. Oak Hill and Forest Hills sit right next door, at 2.5 and 3.9 miles.
Answers
Brentwood questions
Do I need a grading permit in Brentwood, TN?
Usually, yes. Chapter 56 of the city code bars clearing, grading, excavating or filling without one. A single-family home or residential driveway on grades under 15% is exempt, unless it covers 1 acre or more or belongs to a larger common plan. An addition of under 800 square feet is exempt too.
How fast does a graded slope need to be stabilized in Brentwood?
Within 14 days, or 7 days on slopes over 25%, under the city’s Chapter 56 ordinance. Steep is defined there as 25% or more, and a 2:1 slope needs an approved stabilization design. We plan the sequence around those clocks, so that no bare ground sits open past the deadline.
How close can you grade to a creek in Brentwood?
It depends on the stream, but on sites of 1 acre or more the city’s construction buffer averages 30 feet, with a 15-foot minimum for unassessed or siltation-impaired waters. Exceptional waters carry a wider one. If your lot touches a creek, tell us at the estimate so we can check first.
Are you actually based in Brentwood?
Yes, Brentwood is our home base and in the name, with a 37027 listing on Yelp and no storefront. Jobs here have the shortest drive of anywhere we work, and we know the city’s Engineering Department is the office that handles a Chapter 56 grading permit.