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Memphis is not located in a designated wildfire hazard zone. The city lies within humid bottomland and Mississippi River floodplain, far from fire-prone wildland-urban interface areas. No state or federal wildfire defensible-space mandate applies to Memphis parcels.
Memphis requires property owners to keep yards clear of dead vegetation and overgrowth under the weed and blight ordinance. Brush exceeding 10 inches must be cut, and accumulations near structures that create a fire hazard are abated by the city with costs liened to the property.
Backyard recreational fires in Memphis are permitted in approved outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits under 3 feet in diameter. Open burning of yard waste is generally prohibited inside city limits under Shelby County Health Department air-quality rules.
Above-ground pools in Memphis over 24 inches deep require a building permit and compliant barrier. The pool wall may serve as the barrier if it is 48 inches tall and the ladder is removable or lockable. Permanent decks attached to above-ground pools need structural permits.
Memphis requires a 48-inch barrier around all residential pools with self-closing, self-latching gates. Openings cannot exceed 4 inches. House walls used as part of the barrier must have door alarms or a pool safety cover.
Memphis pool safety rules include Virginia Graeme Baker anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI electrical protection, and emergency signage for multi-family pools. Residential pools must have barriers and compliant lighting; public pools follow Shelby County Health Department rules.
In-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Memphis require a building permit from Construction Code Enforcement. Electrical, plumbing, and barrier inspections are part of the permit. Small wading pools and storable hard-sided pools under 24 inches are exempt.
Hot tubs and spas in Memphis require a permit for electrical connection and must comply with barrier or safety-cover rules. A lockable hard cover meeting ASTM F1346 can substitute for the 48-inch fence. GFCI protection and proper wiring are mandatory.
Memphis allows backyard hens (no roosters) on residential lots subject to setback, coop-size, and cleanliness rules. Other livestock are restricted to agricultural zones. Up to 6 hens are commonly permitted on standard residential lots with a 25-foot coop setback.
Livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and pigs are restricted to agricultural zones in Shelby County outside Memphis city limits or on permitted large-lot parcels. Standard Memphis residential zones do not allow livestock other than limited backyard hens.
Memphis prohibits feeding of wild animals including deer, raccoons, and feral cats in ways that create a nuisance or attract pests. Backyard bird feeders are allowed but must not attract rodents. Feeding wildlife that causes property damage to neighbors can trigger code enforcement action.
Exotic animals in Tennessee regulated under TCA §70-4-401 et seq. (TWRA). Class I animals (big cats, great apes, bears): personal possession prohibited without exhibitor permit (age 21+, 2 yrs experience, $150/animal fee). Class II animals require permit. Class III (small reptiles, non-venomous snakes) generally no permit needed.
Memphis Code Chapter 5 caps the number of dogs and cats per residential dwelling, with combined totals enforced by Memphis Animal Services and the Public Animal Services Division across all city zoning districts.
Memphis Animal Services requires all dogs and cats adopted from the city shelter to be sterilized before release, and Chapter 5 mandates sterilization deposits for redemptions of unaltered impounded animals throughout Memphis.
Memphis Chapter 5 pairs annual rabies-license registration with microchip requirements for adopted and impounded animals, supporting return-to-owner workflows handled by the Public Animal Services Division.
Memphis enforces animal hoarding through the cruelty provisions of Chapter 5, supported by Tennessee TCA Title 39 cruelty statutes, with PASD and MPD coordinating welfare checks and removals at hoarding-suspected addresses.
Memphis Chapter 5 requires cats over four months to be licensed and current on rabies vaccination, while community-cat TNR programs operated by PASD partners are recognized and exempted from running-at-large enforcement.
Memphis follows a non-lethal hazing-first coyote framework coordinated with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, leveraging PASD nuisance-wildlife guidance and Chapter 5 wildlife-feeding bans to discourage habituation in residential neighborhoods.
Memphis pet grooming establishments operate under Chapter 9 business licensing and Chapter 5 humane-care standards, with the Memphis-Shelby UDC controlling location, signage, and any boarding component bundled with the grooming service.
Memphis pet retailers operating under Chapter 5 and Chapter 9 business licensing must keep sourcing records and comply with Tennessee TCA Title 44 commercial-breeder oversight, with PASD inspections enforcing health and humane-care standards on retail premises.
Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and boarding kennels in Memphis are governed by the Memphis-Shelby Unified Development Code, which sets permitted districts, buffer requirements, and conditional-use review for facilities adjacent to residential zones.
Beekeeping in Tennessee governed by TCA §44-15 (state bee inspection and disease prevention). Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code addresses urban agriculture; beekeeping may be permitted as an accessory agricultural use. No statewide ban on local regulation.
Memphis requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. TN Code §44-17-108 covers dangerous dogs (behavior-based only).
Tennessee preempts all breed-specific legislation statewide. TN Code §44-17-120 prohibits cities from banning specific dog breeds. All regulation behavior-based.
Outdoor music in Memphis is allowed with permits for events and is restricted in residential neighborhoods to the plainly-audible standard. Beale Street, the Levitt Shell at Overton Park, and FedExForum area operate under special-event or district rules that permit louder outdoor performance.
Memphis regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance, with stricter limits after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Beale Street entertainment district has dedicated rules allowing extended amplified music hours, while residential neighborhoods follow the plainly-audible standard at property lines.
Industrial noise in Memphis is regulated through zoning-based decibel limits and the city noise ordinance. Facilities in heavy industrial zones along the Mississippi River and near the FedEx World Hub must not exceed limits at the nearest residential property line, typically 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime.
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 audible across property lines during restricted nighttime hours. Commercial landscapers should operate between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to avoid complaints.
Memphis is home to Memphis International Airport (MEM) and FedEx World Hub, one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. Aircraft noise is federally regulated by FAA; the city has no local authority over flight paths. Complaints directed to airport authority.
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 property line. Commercial zones allow 70 dBA and industrial 75 dBA, stepping down to residential limits at any shared boundary.
Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 prohibits construction noise on Sundays and restricts hours to 7 AM–6 PM on other days. A permit from the Superintendent of Public Works is required for work outside these hours. No Sunday construction without permit.
Barking dogs are a prohibited noise under Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 (Noise Control) and animal provisions in Title 8. Excessive barking constitutes a public nuisance; Memphis Animal Control and Police enforce. State law TCA §44-8-408 also applies.
Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 9-68 (Noise Control) prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise within city limits. Quiet hours are enforced as 11 PM to 7 AM for residential areas. Memphis Police enforce violations: 901-545-COPS.
Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses home-based childcare. Memphis family home daycares caring for 5 or more unrelated children must be state-licensed and meet local zoning. Home daycares with 4 or fewer children operate under reduced regulation but must follow safety basics.
Tennessee Code §43-28 authorizes cottage food production of non-hazardous foods in home kitchens for direct sale to consumers. Memphis producers must follow labeling rules, stay within annual sales limits, and cannot sell to restaurants or through resellers. Sales to end consumers are allowed in person and online within Tennessee.
Memphis home occupations must minimize customer visits and may not generate traffic beyond normal residential patterns. Typical limits allow client visits by appointment only, with adequate off-street parking and limited hours of operation.
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 allows home occupations in residential zones subject to use, customer-traffic, and employee limits. The business must be secondary to the residential use, generate no external evidence, and employ only residents plus typically one non-resident employee.
Memphis restricts home-occupation signage to small identification signs, typically 1 square foot, non-illuminated, and attached to the dwelling. Freestanding signs, illuminated signs, and signs larger than permitted are prohibited in residential zones.
Memphis allows carports as accessory structures on residential lots with setback and material compliance. Attached carports meet principal-structure setbacks; detached carports follow accessory-structure rules. Fabric or vinyl instant carports over a permit threshold require approval.
ADUs are permitted in Memphis residential zones through the Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code (Chapter 2.7). Size varies by lot: lots 10,000 sq ft–1.5 acres: max 700 sq ft or 1/3 of principal structure ground floor (whichever is less). Lots >1.5 acres: max 50% of principal floor area. Parking required. ADUs may be used as STRs (max 4 bedrooms).
Accessory structures including sheds in Memphis are governed by the Memphis-Shelby County UDC and Tennessee residential building codes (IRC 2018 base). Permits required for structures over 144 sq ft or those with electrical/plumbing. Setbacks set by UDC zoning district.
Memphis has no standalone tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation may be built as an accessory dwelling unit under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC), capped at 700 sq ft or one-third of the principal dwelling on most lots. Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed as full-time dwellings outside RV parks.
Memphis does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through Construction Code Enforcement apply based on construction valuation, plus separate plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas permits. Memphis Light Gas & Water tap fees apply if new connections are required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU fee waiver, but Memphis has not adopted impact fees for residential growth.
The Memphis-Shelby UDC does not impose a blanket statutory owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs, but R-zoned single-family districts limit lots to one principal dwelling plus one accessory unit. Operating both as independent non-owner-occupied rentals may convert the use to two-family in violation of single-family zoning. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602+ governs short-term rentals and indirectly shapes ADU use.
Memphis ADUs may be used for long-term rentals (30+ days) subject to UDC use limits. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated under Memphis Code Chapter 16.84, which distinguishes Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) from Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied) STR permits. Type 1 permits are widely available; Type 2 permits are limited and may be capped in residential districts. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602 governs preemption.
Memphis allows accessory dwelling units under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 4 in most residential districts. ADUs require a building permit through the Division of Planning and Development and Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Standards include lot size, setbacks, size caps, and one additional parking space. Tennessee has no statewide ADU streamlining law.
Garage conversions in Memphis to living space or ADUs require building permits from OCCE and must comply with UDC Chapter 2.7 ADU provisions. Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate; local UDC governs. ADU size limits apply.
Memphis requires short-term rental operators to carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 or use a booking platform that provides equivalent host protection. Proof of coverage must be submitted with the STR permit application annually.
Memphis does not currently impose a hard annual night cap on short-term rentals. Owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units both operate year-round, provided the STR permit and taxes stay current. Non-owner-occupied units in residential zones face density caps instead.
Every Memphis short-term rental must be registered with the city and receive a permit before accepting bookings. Registration requires proof of insurance, a parking plan, a 24/7 local contact, and payment of the annual permit fee. Unpermitted units face fines up to $500 per day.
Memphis short-term rentals must comply with the citywide noise ordinance and carry a 24/7 local contact responsible for resolving disturbances. Operators face escalating fines and permit revocation for repeated noise violations, with quiet hours beginning at 10 p.m.
Memphis short-term rentals must provide off-street parking for guests and may not overflow onto neighboring yards. The STR permit requires a parking plan showing one space per bedroom, with on-street parking allowed only where legal and posted.
Memphis short-term rentals are capped at two guests per bedroom plus two, with a hard overall maximum set by the building code. The occupancy limit must be posted inside the unit and listed on all booking platforms.
Memphis Code Enforcement and Permit Office track STR violations under Ord. 5894. Three substantiated violations within a 12-month period trigger automatic permit revocation and a one-year reapplication ban.
Memphis Ordinance 5894 splits short-term rentals into Type A (owner-occupied primary residence) and Type B (non-primary). Type A operators must use the dwelling as their primary residence at least 185 days per calendar year.
Memphis Ord. 5894 requires hosting platforms operating in the city to display valid permit numbers on every listing. Platforms that knowingly facilitate unpermitted STR bookings may face civil enforcement and listing-removal demands.
Memphis does not require Type A hosts to be physically present during guest stays, but the unit must remain the host's primary residence. A 24/7 local responsible-party contact is mandatory and must respond to complaints within one hour.
Memphis Ord. 5894 applies only to rentals shorter than 30 consecutive days. Extended home-shares and corporate housing of 30 days or more are governed by Tennessee URLTA (TCA 66-28) as standard residential tenancies, not STRs.
STR operators in Memphis must collect and remit a total lodging tax of approximately 12%: 7% state sales tax + 5% Shelby County lodging tax (TCA §67-4-1401). Additionally, a city occupancy privilege tax and $2/bedroom/night assessment applies. Monthly filing by the 20th.
Memphis requires every short-term rental to hold a city permit under Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 5-44 (Short Term Rental Ordinance), effective July 1, 2023. The application fee is $300 and the annual renewal is $150. Operators must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance, limit each unit to no more than 4 sleeping rooms, and cap stays at 30 continuous days. Tennessee's preemption law (T.C.A. Section 13-7-602) allows Memphis to maintain this permit framework.
Memphis requires pool barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools. The barrier must not have openings larger than 4 inches, and the latch must be at least 54 inches above grade.
Retaining walls in Memphis over 4 feet in height, or any height if supporting a surcharge, require an engineered structural permit. Drainage behind the wall must be designed to prevent hydrostatic failure, a common issue in Memphis loess soils.
Fences in Memphis require a permit when over 4 feet tall in front yards or 6 feet in rear and side yards. All fences must meet setback and visibility-triangle rules. Masonry or retaining walls taller than 4 feet need a separate structural permit.
Memphis allows wood, vinyl, composite, chain link, wrought iron, and masonry fences in most zones. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts require compatible traditional materials such as wood pickets and wrought iron.
Memphis fences must comply with height, material, and setback rules in the Unified Development Code. Residential front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet; side and rear yards allow 6 feet. Fences cannot use barbed wire in residential zones or block corner visibility.
Tennessee law treats boundary fences as shared when both owners use them, with 50/50 cost splits common by agreement. Memphis has no written good-neighbor fence ordinance, so disputes fall under Tennessee common law and property-line surveys. Written agreements are strongly recommended.
Memphis fence height standards under §150.078: in areas zoned or used for business/commercial: max 6 ft; industrial: max 8 ft. Residential fence heights set by local zoning district in the Unified Development Code. Typical residential: 4 ft front, 6 ft rear/side.
Memphis encourages native plantings and does not require turf lawns in residential zones. Pollinator and naturalized landscapes are permitted provided they comply with the 10-inch weed ordinance or are registered as managed natural areas.
Memphis is served by MLGW from the deep Memphis Sand aquifer and has no mandatory water-use restrictions or drought schedules. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during dry summers. MLGW offers rebates for efficient fixtures but does not impose watering-day rules.
Memphis requires grass and weeds to be kept below 10 inches. Overgrown lots are cited under the property maintenance code, and unresolved violations are abated by the city with the cost added to the property-tax lien.
Memphis allows artificial turf on residential property with no citywide ban. Front-yard installations may face HOA design review, and permeable base preparation is required for stormwater compliance. Commercial and athletic-field installations follow separate drainage and heat-management standards.
Memphis regulates trimming and removal of public right-of-way trees through the Division of Parks and Urban Forestry. Private trees on private property may generally be trimmed without a permit, but overhanging branches have defined neighbor rights under Tennessee common law.
Memphis permits residential rainwater harvesting with no capacity cap. Rain barrels and cisterns are encouraged for landscape irrigation. Potable indoor use of harvested rainwater requires Shelby County Health Department approval and treatment.
Memphis enforces maximum grass and weed height per TN Code §6-54-113. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement.
Tree removal in Memphis governed by the Unified Development Code. Street trees require permit from Memphis Public Works. The Wolf River Conservation greenway and riparian buffers provide additional tree protections near waterways.
Memphis generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential zones unless signs prohibit it. Downtown and certain Midtown blocks have metered or permit-only restrictions. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds and RVs over 25 feet face overnight limits in residential zones.
Memphis permits private residential EV charger installation with a standard electrical permit. Multi-family and commercial chargers follow the adopted International Fire Code Chapter 12. MLGW administers EV rebates and off-peak rate options. No city-mandated EV-ready building code has been adopted.
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 public sidewalk. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds are restricted in residential zones.
RV parking in Memphis depends on zoning. Living in an RV requires properly zoned land. Street parking of RVs subject to municipal ordinances and size restrictions.
Memphis street parking regulations are set by the Memphis City Council under Title 11 of the Code of Ordinances. Residential parking rules vary by neighborhood. Downtown Memphis and certain districts have permit parking zones.
Commercial vehicle parking in residential zones is regulated under Memphis Code Title 11 and the Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code. Large commercial trucks are generally restricted in residential areas. Delivery vehicles allowed for normal business operations.
Abandoned vehicles in Memphis are addressed in the Housing Code Article 9. A vehicle is abandoned when the owner has relinquished control, or when it is wrecked, partially dismantled, or inoperable for 10 days. State law TCA §55-16-103 (48 hrs on public property if illegally parked) also applies.
Elevators in Memphis buildings are inspected and certified under the Tennessee Elevator Safety Act administered by the State Fire Marshal, with Memphis Office of Construction Code Enforcement coordinating local building permits for installation and major alterations.
Memphis follows the Tennessee-adopted International Building and Fire Codes for fire sprinkler installation, with Memphis Fire Department plan review and Memphis Construction Code Enforcement inspections required for new construction and substantial renovations.
Lead paint hazards in Memphis pre-1978 housing are addressed through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation lead program, federal RRP rules, and Memphis Code Enforcement habitability inspections under Chapter 6 building standards.
Pest infestations in Memphis rental and owner-occupied housing are addressed through Memphis Code Chapter 8 health and Chapter 6 building standards, with Shelby County Health Department coordinating on rodent and bed-bug concerns of public-health significance.
Door locking and panic hardware in Memphis commercial, assembly, and educational occupancies must comply with the Tennessee-adopted International Building and Fire Codes, enforced jointly by Memphis Fire Department and Memphis Construction Code Enforcement.
Scaffolding on Memphis construction sites must comply with the 2018 International Building Code as adopted in Memphis Code Title 14, Chapter 14-6, plus federal OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart L for worker safety. Scaffolds in the public right-of-way require a separate sidewalk closure or encroachment permit from Memphis Public Works.
Tennessee preempts most local landlord regulation under TCA 66-35-101, and Memphis has not adopted (and cannot adopt) a tenant relocation-assistance ordinance for rent hikes, no-fault evictions, or condo conversions.
Tennessee URLTA (TCA 66-28-301) requires landlords in URLTA-counties (including Shelby) to hold security deposits in a separate account and return them with itemized deductions within 30 days of move-out.
Tennessee URLTA (TCA 66-28-512) lets a landlord end a month-to-month tenancy for any non-discriminatory reason with 30 days written notice. Memphis cannot impose a just-cause requirement because TCA 66-35-101 preempts local rent control and most local landlord regulation.
Tennessee URLTA prohibits landlords from changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings to force a tenant out (TCA 66-28-504). Retaliation for code complaints filed in the prior six months is also barred (TCA 66-28-514).
Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in the city. Tennessee does not bar source-of-income discrimination, so private Memphis landlords may legally refuse vouchers unless a federal program rule applies.
Unlike many states, Tennessee does not classify source of income as a protected category. Memphis landlords may legally refuse Section 8 vouchers, SSI, child support, or veterans benefits as the basis for rent without state-law liability.
Memphis has no ordinance setting minimum cash-for-keys payments. Landlords may negotiate voluntary buyouts of leases or month-to-month tenancies at any amount, and tenants may accept or refuse without statutory protections.
Memphis does not have rent control, and Tennessee state law preempts local rent control ordinances. TCA Section 66-35-102 prohibits any Tennessee municipality from enacting rent stabilization or rent control measures. Landlords in Memphis may set and increase rents without limit, subject only to the terms of the lease agreement. There are no caps on rent increases, no mandatory notice periods for increases beyond lease terms, and no local tenant protection ordinances governing rental pricing.
Memphis does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Tennessee follows standard landlord-tenant law under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (TCA Title 66, Chapter 28). Landlords may decline to renew a lease for any lawful reason. Evictions for nonpayment require a 14-day notice under TCA 66-28-505. Month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice without stating cause. Tennessee law does not require landlords to provide a reason for non-renewal.
Memphis requires rental property registration through its rental property code enforcement program. Landlords must register rental properties with the city and maintain them in compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance No. 5708). The Code Enforcement division conducts inspections of rental properties upon complaint or as part of proactive enforcement. Properties that fail inspection must be brought into compliance or face Environmental Court action.
Tennessee restricts hemp-derived cannabinoid retailers, including Delta-8 sellers, from operating near schools. Memphis zoning further restricts smoke and vape shops carrying hemp products under Memphis-Shelby Unified Development Code adult-use spacing.
Marijuana commercial activity is illegal in Tennessee. Memphis zoning permits hemp retailers, smoke shops, and vape stores only in commercial and limited industrial districts under Memphis-Shelby Unified Development Code, often subject to conditional-use review.
Tennessee law prohibits all personal marijuana cultivation regardless of quantity. Growing even one plant is a felony under TCA 39-17-417. Memphis residents cannot legally cultivate marijuana indoors or outdoors for any purpose.
Tennessee restricts online and delivery sales of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Sellers must verify buyer age 21+, hold a state license, and follow packaging and labeling rules under TCA 39-17-451 et seq. Marijuana delivery remains illegal.
Cannabis dispensaries are not permitted in Memphis because Tennessee has not legalized recreational or full medical marijuana. Tennessee law does not authorize dispensaries. No zoning districts in the Memphis Unified Development Code accommodate cannabis retail sales. Until state law changes, no cannabis dispensary can legally operate in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee.
Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. Tennessee has not legalized recreational marijuana and only permits limited use of CBD oil with less than 0.9% THC under the state's narrow medical cannabis law. Growing any amount of marijuana plants is a criminal offense under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-417. Memphis Police enforce state drug laws and there are no local exemptions for personal cultivation.
Memphis Code Chapter 17 (Streets) prohibits obstructing sidewalks and public rights-of-way. While not a sweeping sit-lie ban, the rule lets MPD clear seated or recumbent persons whose presence blocks pedestrian passage, particularly in downtown and Beale Street districts.
Memphis Public Works and Solid Waste (Ch. 26) coordinate with Code Enforcement (Ch. 25) and the Shelby County Health Department to clear encampments under Health and Sanitation (Ch. 8). Notice-to-vacate windows typically run 72 hours.
Memphis Housing Authority and the Community Alliance for the Homeless coordinate bridge-housing placements, transitional shelters, and rapid-rehousing referrals. There is no LA-style emergency-shelter ordinance, but federal CoC funding flows through the Continuum of Care.
Shelby County Health Department inspects food establishments under Memphis-Shelby Sapphire grading. Scores are posted at the entrance and published online so diners can see the latest health inspection rating before entering.
Memphis property owners must maintain premises free of rats, mice, and other vectors. Shelby County Health Department's Vector Control Program responds to complaints, and Code Enforcement can cite owners whose blight or trash conditions harbor rodents.
Memphis landlords must keep rental units free of bed bug infestations under habitability rules in Memphis Code Chapter 8 and Tennessee landlord-tenant law. Tenants who report infestations are protected from retaliation.
Tennessee requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff at every Memphis food establishment. Other food handlers do not need state-mandated cards, but employers commonly require ServSafe-style training.
Tennessee authorizes syringe services programs under TCA 68-1-136, and Memphis-area providers offer needle exchange and sharps disposal. Residents must dispose of used needles in puncture-resistant containers, never in curbside trash.
Tennessee preempts local plastic bag bans, fees, and taxes under TCA 68-211-1101. Memphis cannot adopt a single-use plastic bag ordinance or charge a per-bag fee. Voluntary retailer programs and recycling are unaffected.
Tennessee preempts local bans on polystyrene foam containers and other auxiliary containers under TCA 68-211-1101. Memphis cannot prohibit Styrofoam takeout containers, cups, or coolers through ordinance.
Tennessee preempts local plastic straw bans under TCA 68-211-1101. Memphis cannot require restaurants to switch to paper straws or to provide straws only on request. Federal ADA requires bendable straws as a reasonable accommodation.
Tennessee raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21 under TCA 39-17-1504, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law. Memphis retailers must verify ID for anyone appearing under 30 and post age-warning signage.
Memphis vape and e-cigarette retailers must hold a Tennessee tobacco retailer license, comply with TCA 39-17-1500 et seq., and follow Memphis-Shelby UDC zoning rules. Online age verification and child-resistant packaging are required.
Tennessee has not banned flavored tobacco or vape products, and TCA 39-17-1551 limits local authority to regulate tobacco beyond state law. Memphis cannot adopt a citywide flavor ban; only federal FDA flavor restrictions on cartridge e-cigarettes apply.
Memphis adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2018 setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 71% by 2050 across buildings, transportation, and waste sectors citywide.
Memphis 3.0 and the Climate Action Plan call for tree canopy expansion, cool roofs on city buildings, and green infrastructure to reduce summer urban heat in dense neighborhoods like South Memphis and Frayser.
Memphis does not have a citywide commercial idling cap, but Shelby County Health Department air-quality rules and Tennessee diesel standards restrict prolonged unnecessary idling near schools and sensitive sites.
Memphis has no mandatory cool-roof ordinance for private buildings, but city facilities and MLGW efficiency rebates encourage reflective roofing materials to lower cooling load and curb urban heat.
Memphis encourages city departments to prefer recycled-content paper, energy-efficient equipment, and lower-emission fleet vehicles through procurement guidelines tied to the 2018 Climate Action Plan.
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.
Memphis requires erosion and sediment control plans for all construction sites disturbing one acre or more under the Stormwater Management Manual 3.0 and Ordinance No. 4538. Construction sites must install perimeter silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, and sediment basins before grading begins. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 days of final grading. TDEC also requires a Construction General Permit (CGP) with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Memphis is an inland city on the Mississippi River and has no coastal development regulations. Tennessee does not have a coastal zone management program since the state lacks ocean coastline. Development near the Mississippi River is governed by floodplain regulations rather than coastal development rules. The Army Corps of Engineers regulates activities within the river channel under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Memphis requires grading and drainage plans for development projects under the Stormwater Management Manual 3.0 and the Unified Development Code. Site grading must direct runoff away from neighboring properties and toward approved stormwater facilities. Projects disturbing one or more acres need a land disturbance permit with a grading plan showing existing and proposed contours. Fill material must be properly compacted and erosion controls maintained throughout grading operations.
Memphis operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Memphis City Ordinance No. 4538 and the Stormwater Management Manual 3.0 (effective February 2025) govern all new development and redevelopment. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain a land disturbance permit and implement stormwater best management practices. Post-construction stormwater controls must manage the first inch of rainfall on-site.
The Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code allows density and height bonuses in select districts in exchange for affordable units, structured parking, or qualifying public improvements at site plan review.
Memphis 3.0, adopted in 2019, is the city's first comprehensive plan since 1981 and assigns each neighborhood an Anchor designation guiding zoning, infrastructure investment, and Unified Development Code amendments.
Memphis 3.0 designates transit corridors served by MATA bus routes, including future bus rapid transit lines, as priority transit-oriented development areas eligible for higher density and reduced parking minimums under the UDC.
Memphis tree canopy is unevenly distributed, with historically Black neighborhoods like South Memphis carrying lower canopy than East Memphis, prompting equity-focused planting through the Tree Board and Memphis 3.0.
Memphis residents who want to plant a tree in the public right-of-way between curb and sidewalk must coordinate with the city Parks Division Tree Program and follow approved species and clearance standards.
Memphis regulates tree removal through the Unified Development Code, which requires tree preservation and replacement for development projects. Commercial and multi-family development must submit a tree survey and preservation plan. Removal of significant trees on development sites may require replacement plantings at a specified ratio. Individual homeowners removing trees on their own residential property generally do not need a city permit unless the property is in a historic overlay or special district.
Memphis does not have a standalone heritage tree ordinance with a registry of individually protected trees. However, the Unified Development Code provides enhanced protection for significant specimen trees on development sites, typically defined by diameter at breast height (DBH) thresholds. Trees above a certain caliper on commercial or subdivision development sites may require additional mitigation if removed. The Memphis Tree Alliance advocates for urban tree canopy protection but does not have regulatory authority.
The Memphis Unified Development Code requires tree replacement for development projects that remove significant trees. The replacement ratio varies based on the size of the removed tree — larger caliper trees typically require more replacement plantings. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper standards at the time of planting and be from an approved species list. If on-site planting is not feasible, developers may contribute to a tree replacement fund. Street trees destroyed during construction must also be replaced.
Memphis tobacco retailers must hold a Tennessee Department of Revenue tobacco license and remit Shelby County tobacco tax. The city issues a standard business license under Chapter 9 — no separate flavor or vape ordinance applies because state law preempts local tobacco regulation.
Massage therapists in Memphis must hold a Tennessee Massage Licensure Board license, and establishments need a Memphis business license plus zoning approval. The city restricts adult-oriented massage parlors through zoning to prevent illicit operations near schools and residences.
Memphis pawnbrokers must register under Tennessee Code Title 45 Chapter 6 with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions and report all transactions daily to the Memphis Police Department through LEADS Online. Items must be held 30 days before resale to allow recovery of stolen property.
Memphis tow operators need a city wrecker license under Memphis Code Chapter 9 and must post rate schedules. Nonconsensual tows from private property require posted signage, and storage fees are capped. MPD maintains a rotation list for police-initiated tows.
Memphis pawnbrokers are licensed under Memphis Code Chapter 6-60 and must hold a Shelby County Pawnbroker License from the County Clerk. Dealers in scrap jewelry and precious metals must register with the Memphis Police Chief and Shelby County Sheriff under Tenn. Code Ann. §38-1-201, keep daily transaction logs, and observe a 20-day hold before resale or alteration.
Memphis Code Chapter 16 prohibits aggressive panhandling — touching, blocking, threatening, or following — and bans solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, outdoor cafes, and after dark. Passive panhandling remains protected speech under First Amendment limits.
Memphis prohibits open alcohol containers on public streets, sidewalks, and parks under Chapter 7. The Beale Street Entertainment District is a notable exception where pedestrians may carry open beer or wine in approved plastic to-go cups during posted hours.
Public urination in Memphis is a Class B misdemeanor under Chapter 16, carrying potential jail and fines. Conviction rarely triggers sex offender registration in Tennessee but indecent exposure charges can — context matters significantly.
Memphis disorderly party rules under Chapter 16 allow MPD to cite hosts for unreasonably loud gatherings disturbing neighbors. Repeat calls within 90 days trigger escalating fines and potential cost-recovery for police response time.
Hotels and short-term rentals in Memphis collect a combined 13.7% lodging tax: 5% Memphis hotel-motel tax, 1.7% Shelby County tourism tax, plus 7% Tennessee state sales tax. Revenue funds tourism marketing, FedExForum, and convention facilities.
Memphis Code Chapter 18-49 requires city contractors and recipients of city economic-development incentives to pay employees a defined living wage indexed annually. Hotel workers benefit only when hotels receive PILOT tax breaks or city contracts; otherwise federal $7.25 minimum applies.
Unlike Los Angeles or Long Beach, Memphis has no hotel worker retention ordinance requiring new owners to retain incumbent staff after sale or rebranding. Tennessee right-to-work and at-will employment doctrines plus state preemption block such local mandates.
Memphis cannot require paid sick leave or paid family leave from private employers. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-304 expressly preempts local rules on leave, fringe benefits, and employment terms. Tennessee has no state paid-leave program. Federal FMLA (12 weeks unpaid) is the only floor.
Memphis cannot set a private-employer minimum wage. Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-1802 preempts local wage ordinances. Tennessee has no state minimum wage statute, so federal FLSA $7.25/hour applies. Tipped wage: $2.13/hour cash + tips equaling $7.25.
Tennessee preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances under T.C.A. 50-2-112, preventing cities from regulating private employer scheduling practices.
Tennessee Code 50-1-703 requires Memphis employers with 35 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization for all new hires. Smaller employers may instead retain copies of identity documents.
Tennessee Code 7-68-101 prohibits Memphis and all local governments from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. MPD must honor ICE detainers and share information when requested by federal authorities.
Memphis does not run a citywide recycled-water purple-pipe network because abundant aquifer drinking water makes potable reuse unnecessary, but treated effluent from the Maxson plant is discharged to the Mississippi River.
MLGW customers should promptly report visible water leaks on city mains and may request bill adjustments for hidden leaks behind the meter that are repaired within a reasonable period after discovery.
Memphis sits atop the Memphis Sand aquifer, one of the nation's best groundwater sources, so MLGW imposes no routine drought-based lawn-watering schedule like arid Western cities, only voluntary conservation guidance.
The Memphis Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Big River Crossing on the Harahan Bridge anchor a growing on-street bike network where motorists must yield in marked lanes and at protected crossings.
Shared electric scooter operators in Memphis must hold a city permit, cap fleet size, geofence prohibited zones, and respond to relocation requests from city staff within set time windows.
Memphis cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1314 preempts the entire field of firearm transfer, ownership, possession, transportation, and ammunition regulation. Statewide rules apply uniformly inside Memphis.
Tennessee allows permitless concealed and open carry for adults 21 and older (or qualified 18-20 year olds) under T.C.A. 39-17-1307 and 1351, with optional enhanced and concealed permits available.
Open carry of handguns is lawful in Tennessee under permitless carry, but rifles and shotguns are subject to general unlawful-carry rules in T.C.A. 39-17-1307.
Tennessee allows eligible adults to carry handguns openly or concealed in private motor vehicles without a permit under T.C.A. 39-17-1351 and 39-17-1307, preempting stricter local rules.
Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thunderstorms, occasional tornado-warning conditions) are the primary practical limitations. HOAs are the principal regulator and commonly require architectural-review approval, size caps, and overnight deflation rules in newer subdivisions.
The City of Memphis does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allowed without permits. Restrictions come from HOAs and from the Memphis Landmarks Commission in historic overlay districts (Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, Victorian Village). Religious and political displays follow federal and state law.
Memphis does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in Memphis is overwhelmingly an HOA matter governed by CC&Rs in subdivisions in East Memphis, Cordova, and Germantown-bordering areas. City rules apply only when lights create a glare nuisance, block public rights-of-way, or violate the noise ordinance through amplified audio.
Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family (R-2) buildings. Single-family yards are largely unregulated. The Memphis Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau enforces. Sprinklered buildings are exempt from the balcony restriction.
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Memphis require permits from Construction Code Enforcement for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structural elements like permanent counters, pergolas, or roofs. Permits are issued under the locally adopted IRC, IBC, IFGC, and NEC. Drop-in BBQ islands without fixed utilities generally do not require permits. Memphis Landmarks Commission review applies in historic overlay districts.
Memphis - the global capital of dry-rub barbecue - has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, and the cultural and culinary tradition of backyard smoking is deeply embedded. Smokers fall under general nuisance code only if smoke or odor unreasonably affects neighbors. Multi-family R-2 buildings are subject to IFC 308 open-flame restrictions. Shelby County Department of Health may address severe complaints.
Solar panel installations in Memphis require a building permit from the Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Rooftop solar systems must comply with the International Building Code and International Residential Code as adopted by Memphis. Electrical permits are also required for the inverter and grid-tie connection. Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) administers net metering and interconnection for solar installations connecting to the utility grid.
Tennessee enacted the Solar Access Law (TCA Section 66-32-101 et seq.) which limits the ability of HOAs to prohibit solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions on solar panel placement but cannot effectively prohibit solar installations. Architectural review committees may require specific mounting locations or aesthetics but cannot block systems outright. Memphis does not have a local solar access ordinance beyond the state law.
Memphis regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Unified Development Code. Garage sale signs may be placed on the property where the sale occurs but are prohibited in the public right-of-way including on utility poles, traffic signs, and medians. Signs placed illegally in the ROW are subject to removal by the city. Temporary sign permits are generally not required for on-premises garage sale signs.
Memphis does not have specific regulations targeting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations including lights, inflatables, and yard displays are generally permitted under the UDC as temporary decorations. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct sidewalks, or violate electrical code requirements. HOAs in Memphis subdivisions may impose their own seasonal display rules, but the city itself takes a permissive approach.
Memphis regulates signs through the Unified Development Code sign regulations. Political signs on private property are protected under the First Amendment and Tennessee law. The UDC limits temporary sign size and placement but cannot ban political speech. Political signs must not obstruct sight triangles at intersections or be placed in public rights-of-way. Signs in the public right-of-way are subject to removal by the city.
The Memphis Unified Development Code establishes maximum lot coverage ratios by zoning district. Single-family residential districts typically limit impervious lot coverage to 40-50% of total lot area. Multi-family and commercial districts allow higher coverage. Lot coverage includes the building footprint, driveways, patios, and other impervious surfaces. Pervious pavers may receive partial credit toward coverage calculations. Exceeding lot coverage limits requires a variance from the Board of Adjustment.
Memphis building setbacks are established by the Unified Development Code (UDC) and vary by zoning district. Residential districts typically require a 25-foot front setback, 8-foot side setback, and 25-foot rear setback, though these vary by district classification. The UDC replaced the former zoning code and applies to both Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County. Setback variances can be requested through the Board of Adjustment. Corner lots and through lots may have additional setback requirements.
Building height limits in Memphis are established by zoning district in the Unified Development Code. Single-family residential districts generally limit structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Multi-family and commercial districts allow progressively greater heights. Downtown Memphis zoning districts permit taller structures with additional design review requirements. Height is measured from average grade to the midpoint of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment may extend above the height limit with conditions.
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 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.
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 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 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 provides bulk waste pickup for items that do not fit in the standard roll cart. Residents must call 311 or use the Memphis 311 app to schedule a bulk pickup. Items should be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, appliances, and large household items. Hazardous waste, tires, and construction debris are not accepted through bulk pickup and must be taken to designated drop-off locations.
Memphis provides weekly curbside trash collection through the Solid Waste Management Division. Residents receive a city-issued 96-gallon roll cart. Trash must be placed in the cart with the lid closed; loose bags beside the cart are not collected on regular pickup days. Collection schedules vary by neighborhood and can be checked through the Memphis 311 system. Bulky items require a separate pickup request. The city also conducts neighborhood cleanup events periodically.
Memphis provides curbside recycling collection through a separate blue recycling cart. Recycling is single-stream, meaning all accepted recyclables go in one cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles. Contaminated items, plastic bags, and food waste should not be placed in the recycling cart. Recycling is collected on the same day as trash but may be on an alternate schedule.
Memphis residents must place their city-issued roll cart at the curb with the handle facing the house and the opening facing the street. Carts must be at least 3 feet from mailboxes, utility poles, parked cars, and other obstacles. Carts should be on a flat surface at the edge of the curb or street. On non-collection days, carts must be stored behind the front plane of the house or otherwise out of public view.
Commercial drone operations in Memphis require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and follow Part 107 rules including 400-foot altitude limit, visual line of sight, and daylight operations (or with anti-collision lighting). Memphis International Airport, a major FedEx hub, creates extensive controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization for commercial flights. The city does not impose additional local licensing beyond FAA requirements.
Recreational drone operation in Memphis is primarily governed by FAA regulations. Operators must follow FAA Part 107 or recreational flyer rules under 49 USC 44809. Drones must stay below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and yield to manned aircraft. Memphis International Airport creates significant restricted airspace in the southern part of the city — recreational drones are prohibited within 5 miles of the airport without FAA authorization through LAANC. City parks may have additional restrictions.
Food trucks in Memphis must obtain a mobile food vendor permit from the city and a food service establishment permit from the Shelby County Health Department. Operators must also hold a valid Memphis business license. Trucks must pass health inspections and maintain required food safety standards. Memphis City Code Chapter 9-36 addresses fire prevention for mobile cooking operations. Food trucks must carry fire extinguishers and comply with grease trap and propane safety requirements.
Memphis regulates where food trucks may operate through zoning and right-of-way rules. Food trucks may not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or building entrances. The city has designated certain areas and events as approved vending locations. Operating in the public right-of-way requires compliance with street vending regulations. Many food trucks operate in private parking lots with property owner permission, which is the simplest method. Downtown Memphis has specific rules for street vending locations.
Memphis enforces a juvenile curfew under Memphis City Code Chapter 9-24. Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places during curfew hours without a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Curfew hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Exceptions include minors traveling to or from work, school events, or emergencies. Parents can also be cited for allowing curfew violations. Memphis Police actively enforce the curfew.
Memphis city parks are closed to the public from dusk (or posted closing time) until dawn. Memphis Code Title 12 governs parks and public places. Persons found in city parks after closing hours are subject to citation by Memphis Police or Park Rangers. Some parks have specific posted hours that differ from the general dusk-to-dawn rule. Special event permits may extend park hours for organized activities. The Shelby County park system has similar after-hours rules.
Memphis addresses outdoor lighting through the Unified Development Code general development standards. The UDC requires outdoor lighting plans for new development and includes maximum allowable lighting levels based on land use type. Full cutoff fixtures are required for new commercial and multi-family development to minimize light pollution. Memphis does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, but the UDC standards serve a similar purpose by limiting upward light cast and off-site glare.
The Memphis Unified Development Code regulates light trespass by establishing maximum allowable lighting levels at property boundaries for different zoning districts. New development must submit outdoor lighting plans demonstrating compliance with foot-candle limits at the lot line. Residential districts have lower allowable levels than commercial or industrial zones. Existing residential properties causing light trespass may be addressed through nuisance complaints to Code Enforcement.
Memphis does not set a specific numeric limit on the number of garage sales per year in the city code. However, frequent or ongoing sales from a residential property may be treated as a commercial operation requiring a business license. Code Enforcement may issue a violation if sales appear to be an ongoing retail business rather than occasional disposal of household goods. As a practical guideline, a few sales per year is generally acceptable without triggering commercial requirements.
Memphis does not impose specific time-of-day restrictions exclusively for garage sales in the city code. However, the general noise ordinance applies, meaning loud activities associated with sales setup or customer traffic should respect quiet hours. Most garage sales in Memphis operate during daylight hours as a practical matter. Setting up signage or displays before dawn or continuing sales late into the evening could trigger noise or nuisance complaints from neighbors.
Memphis does not require a formal permit for residential garage sales and yard sales. Residents may hold occasional sales on their property without obtaining a city permit. However, if sales become frequent or appear commercial in nature, a business license may be required. Items must be displayed on the property and not encroach on the sidewalk or public right-of-way. Sales should not create traffic hazards or excessive on-street parking in the neighborhood.
Memphis requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain a permit under the city code. Memphis Code Title 2, Chapter 2-36 governs consumer protection and solicitation. Solicitors must register with the city, provide identification, and may be subject to background checks. Permits must be carried while soliciting and shown upon request. Religious and political canvassers are generally exempt from permit requirements under First Amendment protections. Solicitation is prohibited before 9:00 AM and after 9:00 PM.
Memphis residents can post 'No Soliciting' signs to deter unwanted door-to-door solicitors. Under the city's solicitation regulations, it is a violation for a permitted solicitor to knock on a door or ring a bell at a residence that displays a 'No Soliciting' or 'No Peddlers' sign. Violators can be fined and have their solicitor permit revoked. Residents can report violations to Memphis Police or Code Enforcement. The no-knock protection does not apply to political canvassers or religious visitors.
Tennessee limits local zoning interference with bona fide farm operations under T.C.A. 13-7-114 and Right to Farm protections in T.C.A. 43-26-103, preserving rural land use rights.
The Tennessee Right to Farm Act under T.C.A. 43-26-103 protects established farms from nuisance suits when operations existed for at least one year before the complaint.