Memphis's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Memphis, Tennessee, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sidewalk Repair

Every Memphis property owner abutting a public street must build, repair and keep clean the sidewalk adjacent to their lot when the city engineer so orders. Where no curb and grade exist yet, owners must still keep the walkway passable and clear of weeds, trash and obstructions.

Key details: Governing section: Memphis Code § 12-24-3. Who is responsible: Abutting property owner. Tenant duty: Extends to tenant/occupant (§ 12-24-4). No-grade streets: Min. 3-ft gravel/asphalt/cinder walkway. Ordering authority: City engineer.

Failure to build, repair or keep a sidewalk clean and passable when ordered by the city engineer under Section 12-24-3 exposes the owner (or tenant, under Section 12-24-4) to the city's notice-and-repair process; several companion sections in the chapter (e.g., 12-24-8, 12-24-22) expressly label noncompliance a misdemeanor carrying the Section 1-24-1 general penalty of up to $50.00 per violation, with continuing violations charged daily.

Obstruction Rules

Memphis Code Section 12-24-2 makes it a misdemeanor to obstruct any sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels or other items that block public passage or make the walk unsafe. Bicycle parking is expressly carved out as a permitted use under the Unified Development Code.

Key details: Governing section: Memphis Code § 12-24-2. Prohibited conduct: Boxes, barrels, obstructing items. Bicycle exception: UDC § 4.5.3(C) permits bike parking. Classification: Misdemeanor. Base fine: Up to $50.00 per violation.

Obstructing a sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels or similar items under Section 12-24-2 is a misdemeanor. It is punished under the Section 1-24-1 general penalty, a fine of up to $50.00 per violation plus up to $200.00 in additional penalty at the judge's discretion, and each day the obstruction continues is charged as a separate offense.

Encroachment Permits

Memphis requires a permit from the Division of Engineering before placing a street closure, easement, or encroachment in the public right-of-way, and charges a flat $250 processing fee under City Code § 2-22-7. Unpermitted work is a Class C misdemeanor with a daily fine.

Key details: Permit fee: $250 flat, encroachments/easements/street closures. Issuing office: City of Memphis Division of Engineering. Advance notice required: 10 calendar days. Unpermitted encroachment penalty: Class C misdemeanor, $50/day. Fee waiver eligible: City crews, contractors, emergencies, permitted events.

Blocking any part of the public right-of-way, or starting encroachment, easement, or street-closure work that needs a permit before the Division of Engineering issues one, is a Class C misdemeanor under § 2-22-7(C)(3). Each day the unpermitted encroachment continues draws its own $50.00 fine, and the violator must still pay the associated permit fees retroactively once cited.

The Bottom Line

Memphis's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Memphis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.