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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Backyard composting is allowed in Shelby County and has no dedicated permit, but compost and organic material must be managed so it does not become harmful v...
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Shelby County has no ordinance banning or specially permitting artificial turf. Synthetic turf is not counted as living landscaping under the Unified Develop...
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The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code favors native landscaping, directing that trees and shrubs be predominately hardy Tennessee native spe...
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Shelby County has no ordinance prohibiting or specially licensing residential rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and cisterns are generally allowed, and Tenn...
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Shelby County has no mandatory outdoor watering schedule. Water is supplied by Memphis Light, Gas and Water from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, and MLGW promotes ...
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The Code of Shelby County authorizes the county to compel owners of unincorporated property to cut rank weeds, grasses, and underbrush deemed a health or tra...
See how Shelby County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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