8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Shelby County adopted the 2021 International Fire Code, codified at Chapter 22, Article II and enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department. Fire Code Section 307 governs fire pits: recreational fires stay 25 feet from structures, portable outdoor fireplaces 15 feet.
International Fire Code (2021) Sec. 307.4.2, as adopted by Shelby County Code Ch. 22, Art. II
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Tennessee allows consumer (Class C/1.4G) fireworks statewide, but local governments may restrict them. In practice, discharging fireworks without a permit is treated as illegal across unincorporated Shelby County and inside Memphis, where the city code bars nearly all fireworks activity absent a city permit.
Flat, humid West Tennessee has low wildfire risk, so Shelby County has no wildfire-driven defensible-space mandate. Overgrown weeds, grass, and brush are instead handled as public nuisances and health hazards, with owners required to cut and remove excessive growth or face abatement by the county or city.
Open burning in Shelby County is prohibited except by permit. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department Air Pollution Control Section issues burn permits under Shelby County (3-16) and Memphis City (16-50) air codes. Only on-site trees and brush may burn; a $100 fee applies.
Memphis & Shelby County Health Dept., Air Pollution Control (Shelby County code 3-16)
Open burning in Shelby County is prohibited. Exceptions can be granted under specific conditions which do not interfere with the maintenance of acceptable air quality or create a public nuisance. Only trees and brush from the burn site may be burned. Material may not be hauled in from other sites.
Shelby County is not a designated wildfire-hazard region. Sitting in the flat, humid Mississippi River delta of West Tennessee, the Memphis area has low burn probability and no CAL-FIRE-style Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. There are no wildfire-zone building overlays or defensible-space mandates here.
Smoke alarms in Shelby County follow Tennessee law and the adopted building and fire codes. State law requires approved smoke alarms in every one- and two-family rental unit, and the International Fire and Residential Codes require alarms in bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of a dwelling.
Small backyard recreational fires in unincorporated Shelby County follow the adopted 2021 International Fire Code (county code Chapter 22), enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department. Fires must stay 25 feet from structures and be attended. Burning yard debris is separately prohibited without a Health Department permit.
International Fire Code (2021) Sec. 307.5, as adopted by Shelby County Code Ch. 22, Art. II
Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Shelby County is regulated by the adopted 2021 International Fire Code (county code Chapter 22), enforced by the Shelby County Fire Department. Fire Code Chapter 61 sets container, separation, and permit rules. Large aggregate quantities need a permit; household grill cylinders are generally exempt.
Shelby County Ordinance adopting 2021 IFC (County Code Ch. 22, Art. II)
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE INCLUDING CERTAIN APPENDICES IN THAT CODE... Appendix A - Permit, Plans and Inspection Fees... shall take effect in unincorporated areas of Shelby County.
1 cities in Shelby County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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