Property Maintenance in Memphis, TN (2026)
5 verified property maintenance rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Memphis Trash Bin Storage & Placement
Some RestrictionsProperty 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.
Memphis Property Blight & Nuisance Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsOrdinance No. 5708, International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances; Section 104.7 (Lien Waiver Hearing)
The purpose of the Department of Housing Code Enforcement is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in existing buildings used for dwelling purposes. The department administrates and enforces Ordinance No. 5708, the International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances. These ordinances regulate: Storage of inoperable or abandoned vehicles on a public and ...
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.
Memphis Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsOrdinance No. 5708, International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances (Abandoned Vehicles; Abandoned Commercial Structures)
The purpose of the Department of Housing Code Enforcement is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in existing buildings used for dwelling purposes. The department administrates and enforces Ordinance No. 5708, the International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances. These ordinances regulate: Storage of inoperable or abandoned vehicles on a public and ...
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.
Memphis Snow & Sidewalk Clearing Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage 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.