Building permits in Memphis, Tennessee
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Memphis, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Memphis
Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, Office of Construction Code Enforcement (Construction Enforcement)
- 6465 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134
- Phone: 901-222-8300
- Email: develop901@memphistn.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Memphis
Memphis permit records are public, and you can check a property's permit history by address or permit number online.
What needs a permit in Memphis
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Memphis, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | 200 square feet of deck area, taken with a 30 inch height above grade at any point, no attachment to the dwelling and no service to the exit door required by Section R311.4 | CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR/ALTERATION TO DECKS, SPAS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES $50.00, plus the APP. |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | E-0 fee issuance cost per permit $20.00, E3.1 minimum fee $15.00, E-6.2 EXISTING... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | RESIDENTIAL FENCE PERMIT 400 LINEAR FT OR LESS $25.00 and RESIDENTIAL FENCE PERMIT 401... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | M-0 fee issuance cost per permit $20.00, M-3.1 fee for the first $1,000 valuation $15.00... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | whether the work only stops a leak or clears a stoppage without replacing, rearranging or removing pipe, valve or fixture components | Permit issuance $20.00, plus $4.00 for issuing each permit (data processing) and a $1.00... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated swimming pools, measured by the depth of the pool | POOL OR RETAINING WALL $5.00/1,000 (NO MAX) with a $70.00 minimum, per the 2022 Fee... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | whether decking, structural members or equipment supports are modified | No residential roofing line item. |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | DETATCHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS 400 SQ. |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | No solar line item. |
Planning a project in Memphis?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project