Memphis, Tennessee Permit Guide
Find Memphis, Tennessee permit offices, local planning notes, application documents, and inspection questions in one guide.
Individual permit guides for Memphis
- Memphis Building and Zoning Permit Guide
- Memphis and Shelby County Driveway Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide
- Memphis, Tennessee Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide
Start with jurisdiction and project scope
Before applying in Memphis, confirm whether the property is within city limits or in unincorporated county territory. Describe the complete work to the office serving that parcel, including electrical, plumbing, structural, and site changes. Building, zoning, utility, and private HOA approvals can be separate.
Open the local official sources or prepare a project checklist.
Source availability audit: . This checks links, not every local rule. These compiled notes are starting points; confirm current dimensions, exemptions, fees, and adopted codes with the cited offices.
Building and Zoning Permits
Memphis uses the Develop 901 Citizen Portal for planning, zoning, engineering, construction, sign, fire, contractor registration, permit search, and inspection scheduling.
Permit and scope questions
Memphis directs applicants to the Develop 901 Citizen Portal to apply for planning and zoning approvals, engineering permits, construction permits, sign permits, fire permits, and contractor license registration.
Zoning and placement
Memphis and Shelby County zoning and subdivision rules are organized through the Unified Development Code and related zoning tools.
Building and trade review
The portal lets homeowners and contractors search current and previous permit activity and schedule construction inspections.
Discuss your project early when: Call before applying if you need construction permits, zoning approval, engineering review, a sign permit, contractor registration, or help finding the correct property record.
Sources for this topic:
Driveway Permit
Shelby County driveway permits protect line-of-sight, stormwater, construction-code, and access requirements for driveways from public roadways.
Permit and scope questions
Shelby County says a property owner must obtain a driveway permit before installing a driveway to the property from a public roadway.
Zoning and placement
Driveway review can involve proper line-of-sight, stormwater regulations, roadway access, and construction-code enforcement requirements.
Building and trade review
Driveway work should be coordinated with property access, grading, drainage, and any city or county permit requirements tied to the site.
Discuss your project early when: Call before applying if the driveway touches a public roadway, changes drainage, crosses a ditch, affects stormwater flow, or is part of a larger building project.
Sources for this topic:
Prepare a complete application conversation
- Develop 901 account
- Project description
- Property address or parcel information
- Plans or zoning documents if required
- Property location
- Driveway location
- Line-of-sight and stormwater information
- Construction details if requested
Bring enough detail for staff to identify the correct application. Ask which plans need dimensions or a professional seal, how files should be named, and whether other departments must approve the proposal first.
Inspection planning
- Submit through Develop 901
- Track application activity
- Schedule construction inspections
- Keep permit records available
- Obtain driveway permit before installation
- Follow code enforcement requirements
- Coordinate with building permits if part of larger work
Questions to resolve before work starts
- Which building, zoning, trade, utility, or public-works approvals apply to this exact scope?
- Is an apparent exemption limited to the building permit, while zoning or trade approval still applies?
- Which current fee schedule, code edition, and local amendments will be used?
- Who may apply, and which licensed trades must perform or supervise the work?
- Which inspection stages cannot be covered, and how is the final approval recorded?
Official source directory
- Memphis Buildings and Zoning
- Develop901 Home
- Develop901 Unified Development Code
- Shelby County Driveway Permit
If an official link is unavailable or redirects to a general page, use that government's site search or contact its permit office. Some government sites restrict automated access; that does not establish that a page is missing.