FEMA flood zone rules in Memphis, TN — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Memphis has extensive FEMA-designated flood zones along the Mississippi River, Wolf River, Nonconnah Creek, and Loosahatchie River. The Unified Development Code (UDC) and Memphis City Ordinance No. 4538 regulate construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). New construction in the 100-year floodplain must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation. The Shelby County Zoning Atlas identifies flood zones for all parcels.
Shelby County participates in NFIP and publishes FEMA FIRMs for the Memphis area. The Mississippi River at Memphis can flood over days/weeks; the Wolf River and Loosahatchie River can flash flood with little warning. Floodplain development in SFHA requires a permit from Shelby County. Tennessee Flood Damage Prevention Act governs; TDEC administers. The 2010 Nashville flood highlighted statewide flood vulnerabilities. Memphis area flood maps available through Shelby County: shelbycountytn.gov.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
Memphis, TN
The City of Memphis does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Memphis, TN
Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thun...
Memphis, TN
Memphis does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in Memphis is overwhelming...
Memphis, TN
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Memphis require permits from Construction Code Enforcement for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structu...
Memphis, TN
Memphis - the global capital of dry-rub barbecue - has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, and the cultural and culinary tradition of backyar...
Memphis, TN
Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cookin...
See how Memphis's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.