Shelby County, TN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacant lot litter
- Sec. 44-89
- Weeds/blight
- Sec. 44-88
- Vacant buildings
- T.C.A. 13-6-101
- Remedy
- Receiver / abatement
Summary
Shelby County Code section 44-89 bars anyone in charge of property, improved or vacant, from allowing litter to accumulate, and section 44-88 prohibits high weeds that permit urban blight. Vacant lots are enforced through the Environmental Court, which can also pursue vacant nuisance buildings under the Neighborhood Preservation Act.
A person in possession or in charge of or in control of any property, improved or vacant, shall not allow litter to accumulate on the property, except property legally designated for that use.
Full Breakdown
Under section 44-89, a person in charge or control of any property, improved or vacant, shall not allow litter to accumulate except where legally designated. Section 44-88 separately prohibits high weeds or grass that permit urban blight, defined in section 44-87 as overgrowth and disrepair that invites dust, obstructs view, or harbors unauthorized persons or animals. Litter offenses carry fines up to $50 per offense, each day separate (section 44-92). For vacant, substandard buildings that are public nuisances, the Environmental Court applies Tennessee's Neighborhood Preservation Act (T.C.A. 13-6-101); a 2018 amendment allows an in-rem action against the property itself, and the court may appoint a receiver to abate the nuisance. These rules apply outside incorporated municipalities.
Violations & Fines
Allowing litter, debris, weeds, or grass to accumulate on a vacant or improved lot so as to create urban blight. Fine up to $50 per offense under section 44-92; vacant nuisance buildings may face receivership under the Neighborhood Preservation Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the rule cover empty lots?
What happens to vacant nuisance buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee property maintenance overview
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