Memphis, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

The purpose of the Department of Housing Code Enforcement is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in existing buildings used for dwelling purposes. The department administrates and enforces Ordinance No. 5708, the International Property Maintenance Code of the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances. These ordinances regulate: Storage of inoperable or abandoned vehicles on a public and private property; Minimum housing standards for existing dwellings, and environmental conditions which may contribute to deterioration in the community; Abandoned commercial structures, which may contribute to deterioration in the community. [...] In some situations, the inspector may refer dangerous structures to the Special Operations Department. The condemnation procedures begin with a title search. Once the title search is done, all appropriate parties are notified by the "First Notice" of condemnation by certified mail that the structure must be repaired or demolished. If this order is not complied with, all appropriate parties are notified by certified mail that a condemnation hearing will be held by the Code Official or designated agent, known as the Condemnation Review Officer, at this time, parties may petition the Condemnation Review Officer for an extension to make repairs. Upon the Condemnation Review Officer condemning the structure, all interested parties are notified by certified mail that they have 30 calendar days to demolish the structure or the City will proceed to do so. If the property is demolished by the City, the amount of the demolition is assessed against the property taxes where the structure was located. [...] To get more information about the Lien Waiver Hearing process outlined in Ordinance No. 5708, Section 104.7, the International Property Maintenance Code as amended for Memphis, Tennessee, contact the Division of Community Enhancement