Property Maintenance in Memphis, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Memphis or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Memphis has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Property Blight

Memphis aggressively enforces blight through Code Enforcement under Ordinance No. 5708 (International Property Maintenance Code) and the Environmental Court. The Blight Elimination Program targets abandoned, deteriorated, and dangerous structures. Properties with overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, broken windows, or structural deterioration can receive citations. The Environmental Court can order demolition of severely blighted structures. Memphis also uses the Neighborhood Preservation Act to address chronic blight.

Key details: Governing Code: Ordinance No. 5708 (IPMC). Court: Memphis Environmental Court. Program: Blight Elimination Program. Penalties: Fines, liens, forced demolition for severe cases. Reporting: Call 311 or use Memphis 311 app.

Written notice with 10-30 day compliance period. Fines $100 to $1,000 per violation per day. Municipal abatement with costs liened against property.

Compared to other cities, Memphis takes a harder line on property blight. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Garage Sale Rules

Memphis regulates garage sales and yard sales under the city code. Sales are permitted on residential property but are limited in frequency and duration. Signs advertising the sale must be on the property where the sale takes place and are prohibited in the public right-of-way. Items for sale must be displayed neatly and all unsold items must be removed or stored out of view after the sale concludes. Ongoing or commercial-scale sales from residential property may trigger home occupation or business license requirements.

Key details: Location: Permitted on residential property. Signage: On-premises only, no ROW signs. Cleanup: Unsold items must be removed after sale. Frequency: Limited — excessive sales may require business license.

Items left out after sale: $50 to $200 blight citation. Signs not removed: $25 to $50. Habitual violations: escalating fines.

Trash Bin Storage

Memphis Solid Waste Management Division provides curbside trash collection and issues standardized roll carts to residents. Trash carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day and retrieved by 7:00 PM the same day. Carts should not be stored in public view from the street on non-collection days. Overflowing carts and loose trash beside the cart are subject to code enforcement action under the property maintenance code.

Key details: Cart Placement: Curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day. Cart Retrieval: By 7:00 PM on collection day. Storage: Not in public view on non-collection days. Cart Provider: City-issued roll carts. Enforcement: Code Enforcement, Ordinance No. 5708.

Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $25 to $100 per occurrence. Repeat violations may escalate to code enforcement action.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Memphis requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties free of high weeds, trash, and debris under Ordinance No. 5708 and the Memphis City Code. Grass and weeds on vacant lots must not exceed 12 inches in height. The city can mow vacant lots and charge the cost to the property owner as a lien if they fail to maintain the property after notice. The Memphis Land Bank and Blight Authority manages city-owned vacant lots for redevelopment.

Key details: Weed Height Limit: 12 inches maximum. City Mowing: City mows and liens property for cost. Land Bank: Memphis Land Bank manages city-owned lots. Reporting: 311 or Memphis 311 app. Enforcement: Environmental Court for chronic violators.

Written notice with compliance deadline. Municipal mowing/cleanup at owner expense ($200 to $500+ per occurrence). Liens placed on property for unpaid abatement costs.

This is one of the stricter rules in Memphis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Memphis does not have a mandatory snow and ice sidewalk clearing ordinance for private property owners. Snow events are relatively infrequent in Memphis, and the city focuses on clearing major roads and bridges through the Public Works Division. When winter weather occurs, the city uses salt trucks on priority routes. Property owners are encouraged but not legally required to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property.

Key details: Requirement: No mandatory sidewalk clearing for residents. City Response: Public Works clears major roads and bridges. Snow Frequency: Infrequent — average ~3 inches per year. Priority Routes: Highways, bridges, emergency routes cleared first.

Failure to clear: $25 to $250 per occurrence. City may clear and bill property owner. Injury liability for negligent non-clearance.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on snow & sidewalk clearing.

The Bottom Line

Memphis is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Memphis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Memphis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.