Land Clearing Permits in Brownsville & Haywood County, TN

Inside the City of Brownsville, clearing one acre or more calls for a city land disturbance permit under the stormwater ordinance adopted in August 2024, and some smaller lots must file an erosion control plan. In unincorporated Haywood County no clearing permit was found. Statewide, TDEC stormwater coverage applies from one acre, and any work that may alter a wetland needs a state permit.

Each rule below links to its source. Requirements vary by parcel, scope and jurisdiction, and the governing authority makes the determination. Cut Brush can point out what commonly applies and which office to call, but the decision belongs to that office.

Inside Brownsville: Ordinance 1023

Brownsville rewrote its stormwater rules in 2024. Ordinance 1023 added a Stormwater Management chapter to the municipal code; it was adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on 13 August 2024 and took effect on adoption.

Its land development permit section applies to site plans, subdivisions, land disturbance and grading. At the Stormwater Manager’s determination, a land disturbance permit from the city is required for:

• disturbance of one acre or more;
• new development or redevelopment involving one acre or more of land development activity.

Projects under an acre can still need the Stormwater Manager’s authorization, for example when they are part of a larger common plan of development, when the city finds a site is likely to pollute state waters, or when the work creates a borrow pit or a fill site.

Smaller Lots: When an Erosion Plan Applies

The same section reaches below an acre for homesites. As determined by the city, a single or duplex residential lot of any size has to submit an erosion control and stormwater management plan if it has karst features, adjoins a lake or stream, has slopes over 15 percent, or has floodplain or a stream to cross. The plan shows runoff before and after, construction access, erosion and sediment controls, downspouts, swales and how the soil will be stabilized. The city may waive the requirement that an engineer or landscape architect prepare it, depending on the site.

For clearing, that matters most on a lot beside a creek or on a draw. Mulching leaves roots and a chip layer, which helps; scraping to bare dirt is exactly what the plan is meant to control.

Floodways, Building Permits and Paperwork

Three more rules in the ordinance shape the order of work:

• Floodway Zoning Districts. Land disturbance there needs a city permit, and the applicant has to show the state or federal permits the work requires, or a written waiver, before the city issues its own.
• Copies on request. The city may ask for proof of state stormwater coverage, the stormwater pollution prevention plan, and copies of any other permits such as an ARAP. It can withhold local permits until it has them.
• Building permits wait. No building permit is issued until any required land development permit is in hand.

The ordinance adopts TDEC’s erosion and sediment control handbook as its construction manual. It does not state a fee, so ask the city for the current figure.

The city codes office at 15 East Main Street (731-772-1212) handles building permits, which it requires for any work beyond the purely cosmetic. Its page also says every contractor must register with the building department before buying a permit, presenting a state licence, a business license and proof of insurance.

Unincorporated Haywood County

Outside the city, the county rule on record is about buildings. Private Acts of 1974, Chapter 167 requires an owner who builds or remodels anything costing $2,000 or more to get a permit from the County Assessor of Property. The county’s code enforcement and building inspector works from 11 South Lafayette in Brownsville (731-772-0432).

No county permit for clearing or grading on its own was found. That is not proof that none exists, so treat it as unconfirmed and call the county before a large job. Stanton is its own town and may set its own rules, so check with its town hall rather than assuming the county answer applies there. The same goes for any lot inside another incorporated town in the service area.

State Rules That Apply Everywhere

Construction stormwater. Tennessee’s Construction General Permit covers clearing, grading, filling and excavating one acre or more, or less when the site is part of a larger common plan. The operator prepares a stormwater pollution prevention plan and files a notice of intent, generally at least 30 days before disturbance starts. Clearing alone can trigger it, even with no building planned yet.

Wetlands. TDEC requires any activity that may alter a wetland to obtain an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit. Bottom ground along the Hatchie and its creeks is where this comes up most. Federal rules may apply too, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers makes that determination. Our guide to clearing Hatchie bottomland covers that ground in detail.

Burning. A pile brings the Division of Forestry burn permit, required from October 15 through May 15, online or at 877-350-2876. That was the rule when checked in October 2026. Mulching leaves no pile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to clear a small lot in Brownsville?

Under an acre, often not a land disturbance permit, but a lot beside a stream, on a steep slope or in a floodplain may need an erosion control plan. Ask the city first.

Does Haywood County require a clearing permit?

None was found for clearing alone. The county’s private act covers building and remodelling of $2,000 or more.

Can I clear wet bottom ground?

Only after the wetland question is answered. TDEC requires an ARAP for activity that may alter a wetland.

Get the Permits and the Price in Line

Permits add steps and time, not rate. One more item belongs on your list: Tennessee law treats anyone offering to grade, excavate or build a project of $25,000 or more as a contractor who needs a licence before making the offer, and Brownsville asks contractors to register before buying a permit, so ask whoever you hire which licence covers your job. The Brownsville pricing guide lists every band, the forestry mulching cost guide for Brownsville explains the figure, and the Brownsville land clearing page covers the local ground. When you are ready, request a free quote and mention any creek, floodplain or wet area.