Memphis requires a home-occupation permit or business license for most home-based businesses. Applications go through the Business Tax Office and are routed through Zoning for compliance review. Fees are modest and the permit renews annually with Memphis business tax.
Memphis treats home occupations as accessory residential uses that require a business license under Chapter 16. Applications through the Memphis Business Tax Office include business name, owner information, address, type of activity, expected customer traffic, employees, signage, and parking. Zoning staff confirm the occupation is permitted in the applicable residential district and that all home-occupation conditions are met (floor area, no external evidence, employee limit). Approved permits renew annually with the Memphis business tax filing and Tennessee Department of Revenue. Tennessee business tax ranges based on gross receipts, with local rates added in Memphis. Certain occupations (childcare, cottage food, cosmetology, real estate) require additional state-level licensing in parallel. Historic districts may require Landmarks Commission review. Unpermitted home occupations face Code Enforcement citation and back-tax assessment. Online-only businesses with no local customer traffic still need a Memphis business license if gross receipts exceed the de minimis threshold.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Memphis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Memphis, TN
Memphis uses a combined decibel and plainly-audible standard. Residential zones cap noise at roughly 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night, measured at the prop...
Memphis, TN
Memphis restricts leaf blower use to daytime hours under the city noise ordinance. Gas blowers are permitted but must not produce sound that is plainly audib...
Memphis, TN
Memphis regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance, with stricter limits after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Beale Street entertai...
Memphis, TN
Outdoor music in Memphis is allowed with permits for events and is restricted in residential neighborhoods to the plainly-audible standard. Beale Street, the...
Memphis, TN
Memphis requires vehicles to park on paved or approved all-weather surfaces. Lawn parking in front yards is prohibited, and driveways must not obstruct the p...
Memphis, TN
Memphis generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential zones unless signs prohibit it. Downtown and certain Midtown blocks have metered or permi...
See how Memphis's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.