Environmental Rules in Memphis, TN (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Memphis Code Chapter 13-40 bans dumping trash, petroleum products, paints, pesticides and 29 other listed contaminants into the city's storm sewer system, and declares any stormwater violation a public nuisance under Section 13-40-4. The Division of Public Works' stormwater manager, based at 125 N. Main, enforces the chapter, and violators face a misdemeanor charge plus a civil penalty of $50 to $5,000 per day.
Memphis Stormwater Discharge & Pollution Rules
Significant RestrictionsMemphis Code § 13-40-4
Discharge of stormwater in any manner in violation of this chapter; or any violation of any condition of a permit issued pursuant to this chapter; or any violation of any condition of a stormwater discharge permit issued by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is declared a public nuisance and shall be corrected or abated.
Erosion Control
Any construction activity in Memphis that disturbs one acre or more of land must obtain coverage under Tennessee's general NPDES construction stormwater permit and send the city a copy of the notice of intent, under Memphis Code Section 13-40-10. Developers must also file a letter of intent with the stormwater management office and follow the state's Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook's best management practices at every site.
Memphis Construction Erosion & Sediment Control
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code § 13-40-10
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any discharge of stormwater from a construction activity from land owned or controlled by them on a total land area of one or more acres disturbed by construction activity without having received coverage under the general permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conserva...
Flood Zones
Any development within a Special Flood Hazard Area in Memphis or unincorporated Shelby County requires a development permit before work begins, under the joint Unified Development Code. The City Engineer administers the rule inside Memphis; the County Engineer administers it in the unincorporated county. Violators face a $50 fine per day of noncompliance.
Memphis Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsMemphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code § 8.8.3(A), (C), (D)
A. Application This Chapter shall apply to all areas within the incorporated area with the City of Memphis and the unincorporated areas of Shelby County. ... C. Requirement for Development Permit A development permit shall be required in conformity with this Chapter prior to the commencement of any development activities. D. Compliance No land, structure or use shall hereafter be located, exten...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New residential construction and substantial improvements in a Memphis or Shelby County flood hazard area must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least 24 inches above the base flood elevation when BFE data exists. Where no BFE data is available, the floor must sit at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade.
Memphis Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsMemphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code § 8.8.5.B.1.a
Where base flood elevation data is available, new construction or substantial improvement of any residential building (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than 24 inches above the base flood elevation. Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate equalization of flood hydrostatic fo...
Looking for Shelby County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Memphis city rules.
Environmental Rules in Shelby County →