Moving to Memphis, TN? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

As one of the larger cities in Tennessee, Memphis has a substantial set of local ordinances that govern everything from noise levels to what you can build in your backyard. With about 633000 residents, the city maintains 200 distinct rules across 41 categories. This guide gives you the big picture.

Fire Regulations

Propane Storage: Residential propane storage in Memphis is governed by the Memphis Fire Department under the Tennessee-adopted International Fire Code, with cylinder size, placement, and exchange-cabinet rules enforced by MFD inspectors and Memphis Code Enforcement..

Also covered: Wildfire Zones (permissive), Brush Clearance (moderate), Backyard Fires (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Memphis for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Memphis requires a 48-inch barrier around all residential pools with self-closing, self-latching gates. Openings cannot exceed 4 inches.

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Safety Rules (strict), Pool Permits (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Memphis for details.

Animal Ordinances

Livestock: Livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs are restricted to agricultural zones in Shelby County outside Memphis city limits or on permitted large-lot parcels. Standard Memphis residential zones do not allow livestock other than limited backyard hens..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Exotic Pets (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Memphis for details.

Noise Ordinances

Amplified Music & Events: Memphis regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance, with stricter limits after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Also covered: Outdoor Music (moderate), Industrial Noise (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Memphis for details.

Home Business

Home Daycare: Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses home-based childcare. Memphis family home daycares caring for 5 or more unrelated children must be state-licensed and meet local zoning.

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Home Occupation Permits (moderate). See the full home business guide for Memphis for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Memphis has no standalone tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation may be built as an accessory dwelling unit under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC), capped at 700 sq ft or one-third of the principal dwelling on most lots.

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Memphis for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Memphis requires every short-term rental to hold a city permit under Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 5-44 (Short Term Rental Ordinance), effective July 1, 2023. The application fee is $300 and the annual renewal is $150.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (strict), Night Caps (permissive), Registration Rules (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Memphis for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Memphis requires pool barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools. The barrier must not have openings larger than 4 inches, and the latch must be at least 54 inches above grade..

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Memphis for details.

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Memphis requires grass and weeds to be kept below 10 inches. Overgrown lots are cited under the property maintenance code, and unresolved violations are abated by the city with the cost added to the property-tax lien..

Also covered: Native Plants (permissive), Water Restrictions (permissive), Artificial Turf (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Memphis for details.

Parking Rules

Overnight Parking: Memphis generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential zones unless signs prohibit it. Downtown and certain Midtown blocks have metered or permit-only restrictions.

Also covered: EV Charging (permissive), Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Memphis for details.

Building Safety

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed: Scaffolding on Memphis construction sites must comply with the 2018 International Building Code as adopted in Memphis Code Title 14, Chapter 14-6, plus federal OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L for worker safety. Scaffolds in the public right-of-way require a separate sidewalk closure or encroachment permit from Memphis Public Works..

Also covered: Elevator Maintenance (moderate), Fire Sprinkler Requirements (strict), Lead Paint (strict). See the full building safety guide for Memphis for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rental Registration: Memphis requires rental property registration through its rental property code enforcement program. Landlords must register rental properties with the city and maintain them in compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance No.

Also covered: Relocation Assistance (permissive), Security Deposit Rules (moderate), No-Fault Evictions (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Memphis for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Commercial Cannabis Zoning: Marijuana commercial activity is illegal in Tennessee. Memphis zoning permits hemp retailers, smoke shops, and vape stores only in commercial and limited industrial districts under Memphis-Shelby Unified Development Code, often subject to conditional-use review..

Also covered: Buffer Zones (moderate), Personal Cultivation Limits (strict), Cannabis Delivery Rules (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Memphis for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Memphis Code Chapter 17 (Streets) prohibits obstructing sidewalks and public rights-of-way. While not a sweeping sit-lie ban, the rule lets MPD clear seated or recumbent persons whose presence blocks pedestrian passage, particularly in downtown and Beale Street districts..

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (moderate), Bridge Housing Siting (permissive). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Memphis for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Shelby County Health Department inspects food establishments under Memphis-Shelby Sapphire grading. Scores are posted at the entrance and published online so diners can see the latest health inspection rating before entering..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Bed-Bug Rules (moderate), Food Handler Certification (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Memphis for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Tennessee preempts local plastic bag bans, fees, and taxes under TCA 68-211-1101. Memphis cannot adopt a single-use plastic bag ordinance or charge a per-bag fee.

Also covered: Polystyrene Foam Rules (permissive), Plastic Straw Rules (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for Memphis for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Tennessee raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21 under TCA 39-17-1504, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law. Memphis retailers must verify ID for anyone appearing under 30 and post age-warning signage..

Also covered: Vape Retail Rules (moderate), Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Memphis for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Memphis has extensive FEMA-designated flood zones along the Mississippi River, Wolf River, Nonconnah Creek, and Loosahatchie River. The Unified Development Code (UDC) and Memphis City Ordinance No.

Also covered: Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Heat Island Mitigation (permissive), Vehicle Idling Restrictions (permissive). See the full environmental rules guide for Memphis for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Density Bonus Law: The Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code allows density and height bonuses in select districts in exchange for affordable units, structured parking, or qualifying public improvements at site plan review..

Also covered: Specific Plans Overview (moderate), Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Memphis for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Memphis regulates tree removal through the Unified Development Code, which requires tree preservation and replacement for development projects. Commercial and multi-family development must submit a tree survey and preservation plan.

Also covered: Urban Forest Equity (moderate), Parkway Planting (moderate), Heritage & Protected Trees (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Memphis for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Secondhand Dealers: Memphis pawnbrokers are licensed under Memphis Code Chapter 6-60 and must hold a Shelby County Pawnbroker License from the County Clerk. Dealers in scrap jewelry and precious metals must register with the Memphis Police Chief and Shelby County Sheriff under Tenn.

Also covered: Tobacco Retail License (moderate), Massage Establishments (moderate), Pawnbrokers (strict). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Memphis for details.

Public Conduct

Public Urination: Public urination in Memphis is a Class B misdemeanor under Chapter 16, carrying potential jail and fines. Conviction rarely triggers sex offender registration in Tennessee but indecent exposure charges can — context matters significantly..

Also covered: Aggressive Panhandling (moderate), Public Alcohol Use (moderate), Loud Party Ordinance (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Memphis for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Hotels and short-term rentals in Memphis collect a combined 13.7% lodging tax: 5% Memphis hotel-motel tax, 1.7% Shelby County tourism tax, plus 7% Tennessee state sales tax. Revenue funds tourism marketing, FedExForum, and convention facilities..

Also covered: Hotel Living Wage (moderate), Hotel Worker Retention (permissive). See the full hotels & lodging guide for Memphis for details.

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: Memphis cannot require paid sick leave or paid family leave from private employers. Tenn.

Also covered: Minimum Wage Preemption (strict). See the full employment preemption guide for Memphis for details.

Immigration Policy

E-Verify Mandates: Tennessee Code 50-1-703 requires Memphis employers with 35 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization for all new hires. Smaller employers may instead retain copies of identity documents..

Also covered: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (strict). See the full immigration policy guide for Memphis for details.

Water Use Rules

Recycled Water Rules: Memphis does not run a citywide recycled-water purple-pipe network because abundant aquifer drinking water makes potable reuse unnecessary, but treated effluent from the Maxson plant is discharged to the Mississippi River..

Also covered: Leak Reporting Duty (moderate), Lawn Watering Restrictions (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Memphis for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Bike Lane Rules: The Memphis Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Big River Crossing on the Harahan Bridge anchor a growing on-street bike network where motorists must yield in marked lanes and at protected crossings..

Also covered: Shared E-Scooter Rules (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Memphis for details.

Firearms

Local Firearms Preemption: Memphis cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1314 preempts the entire field of firearm transfer, ownership, possession, transportation, and ammunition regulation. Statewide rules apply uniformly inside Memphis..

Holiday Decorations

Inflatable Display Rules: Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thunderstorms, occasional tornado-warning conditions) are the primary practical limitations.

Also covered: Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive), Holiday Light Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Memphis for details.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family (R-2) buildings. Single-family yards are largely unregulated.

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), Smoker Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Memphis for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Solar panel installations in Memphis require a building permit from the Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Rooftop solar systems must comply with the International Building Code and International Residential Code as adopted by Memphis.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (moderate). See the full solar energy guide for Memphis for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Memphis regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Unified Development Code. Garage sale signs may be placed on the property where the sale occurs but are prohibited in the public right-of-way including on utility poles, traffic signs, and medians.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Memphis for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: The Memphis Unified Development Code establishes maximum lot coverage ratios by zoning district. Single-family residential districts typically limit impervious lot coverage to 40-50% of total lot area.

Also covered: Setback Rules (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Memphis for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Memphis aggressively enforces blight through Code Enforcement under Ordinance No. 5708 (International Property Maintenance Code) and the Environmental Court.

Also covered: Garage Sale Rules (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (strict). See the full property maintenance guide for Memphis for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bulk Item Disposal: Memphis provides bulk waste pickup for items that do not fit in the standard roll cart. Residents must call 311 or use the Memphis 311 app to schedule a bulk pickup.

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Memphis for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in Memphis require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and follow Part 107 rules including 400-foot altitude limit, visual line of sight, and daylight operations (or with anti-collision lighting).

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Memphis for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Food trucks in Memphis must obtain a mobile food vendor permit from the city and a food service establishment permit from the Shelby County Health Department. Operators must also hold a valid Memphis business license.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Memphis for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Memphis enforces a juvenile curfew under Memphis City Code Chapter 9-24. Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places during curfew hours without a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

Also covered: Park Curfew (strict). See the full curfew laws guide for Memphis for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Memphis addresses outdoor lighting through the Unified Development Code general development standards. The UDC requires outdoor lighting plans for new development and includes maximum allowable lighting levels based on land use type.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Memphis for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency Limits: Memphis does not set a specific numeric limit on the number of garage sales per year in the city code. However, frequent or ongoing sales from a residential property may be treated as a commercial operation requiring a business license.

Also covered: Time Restrictions (permissive), Garage Sale Permits (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Memphis for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Memphis requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain a permit under the city code. Memphis Code Title 2, Chapter 2-36 governs consumer protection and solicitation.

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Memphis for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Memphis, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Memphis's city hall or code enforcement office.