08/06/26 Stormwater Management Commission

The Metro Nashville Stormwater Management Commission held a meeting on August 6, 2026, to review several cases involving stormwater management variances and buffer disturbances. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a variance for the Starwood Phase One development, which involved filling low-quality wetlands and stream buffer disturbances with a robust mitigation plan including constructed wetlands and expanded stream buffers. The commission also approved a variance for 3702 B Estes Road to allow floodway buffer disturbances for residential construction with significant mitigation measures. A variance request by In N Out Burger for uncompensated fill in the floodplain was approved with conditions to enhance landscaping beyond code requirements. The final case involved the Nashville Distillery seeking renewal of a variance to mow and maintain floodway buffers; this case was deferred due to concerns about mitigation, event management, and buffer preservation. Throughout the meeting, the commission emphasized the importance of mitigation plans, coordination with Metro staff, and adherence to environmental and floodplain regulations. Motions to approve or defer were taken with conditions related to landscaping, mitigation, and volume limits on fill.