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Beacon is proud to announce a major victory for Nashville homeowners. Following the final fairness hearing today, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee granted final approval of a $1.4 million class action settlement, ending an unfair practice by the city of Nashville that forced homeowners to pay for upgrades to the city’s stormwater system before receiving building permits. This ruling is a landmark win for property owners and sends a clear message that government overreach will not go unchecked.

This settlement shows that the government cannot hold homeowners hostage, forcing them to pay fees just to use their own property, or single out a few residents to foot the bill for a service that benefits a broader group. 

The settlement, which Nashville agreed to in response to Peyton Pratt’s class action lawsuit, provides an opportunity for 361 homeowners to receive full refunds. Homeowners, including Pratt, represented by Beacon free of charge, can now submit their claim forms to receive a refund. Pratt, who faced thousands of dollars in fees simply for expanding his home, is among the hundreds who are entitled to relief.

Eligible homeowners should have already received claim forms by mail, including prepaid return envelopes. Completed forms must be submitted by November 13, 2025, either by mail or email to:

Click here for more background on the case and case documents.