Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Memphis, TN (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Memphis Sidewalk Repair Duty Falls on Owners
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 12-24-3
Sec. 12-24-3. - General duty of property owner to build, repair and clean. A. The owner or every lot and parcel of land abutting on any street... is required to provide and maintain adjacent to his or her property a sidewalk in accordance with the specifications set out in this chapter and chapter 12-28 when so ordered by the city engineer... B. It shall be the duty of every owner of property, ...
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.
Memphis Bans Obstructing Sidewalks and Walkways
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 12-24-2
Sec. 12-24-2. - Obstructions generally. It shall be a misdemeanor to obstruct any sidewalk or walkway with boxes, barrels, or other things interfering with the free passageway of the public or which may render such sidewalk or walkway unsafe for public travel. Bicycle parking is permitted on sidewalks, pursuant to section 4.5.3(C) of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code.
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.
Memphis Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Fee
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 2-22-7
A.For the processing of engineering permits and the performance of engineering administration in the processing of final plans for land development projects ... k.Street Closures, Easements, Encroachments .....250.00 ... C.Engineering permit fees:1....Applicants will be required to give the division of engineering at least ten calendar days of advance notice on all permit requests unless the re...
Looking for Shelby County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Memphis city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Shelby County →