Memphis Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Memphis and Shelby County use a joint development and construction framework for many building, zoning, and inspection services. The official Develop901 portal states that it serves Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington, and unincorporated Shelby County. Bartlett and Collierville are not submitted through that portal and require their own municipal offices, so confirm the jurisdiction before applying.

Memphis building permits and Develop901

Develop901 provides an online way to submit planning and zoning approvals, engineering permits, construction permits, sign permits, fire permits, and related licenses. It also provides permit-activity searches, a zoning atlas, project-locator tools, fee information, and construction inspection scheduling. Create or sign in to the official Accela Citizen Access account, select the correct jurisdiction and application type, upload the requested plans, and monitor the record for review comments or payment instructions.

For a project in the City of Memphis or an eligible Shelby County area, begin with the official Develop901 guidance rather than a third-party permit site. Construction Enforcement handles building permits, occupancy permits, and code compliance; Land Use and Development Services handles zoning and land-use processes. County and municipal participation can differ by address.

Memphis inspections and certificate of occupancy

Memphis states that businesses operating in Memphis and Shelby County need a Certificate of Occupancy, which requires an application and inspection or inspections. The certificate is issued by Construction Enforcement and can be requested through Develop901. Schedule building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspections through the permit record and correct any failed items before requesting final approval.

The City of Memphis lists the Downtown Service Center at (901) 636-7384 for land-use, permitting, and construction-enforcement assistance, with the East Service Center at (901) 222-8300. Shelby County’s official directory lists Construction Code Enforcement at (901) 222-8300, with separate building, electrical, mechanical/gas, plumbing, and zoning-enforcement contacts.

Memphis zoning and plan review

The joint Land Use Control Board processes area plans, neighborhood plans, zoning-map changes, zoning-text changes, planned developments, special-use permits, and related land-use matters. For projects within Memphis, recommendations proceed through the city’s approval process; for unincorporated Shelby County, the county commission is the relevant legislative body. Check the official zoning atlas and project locator before choosing the application path.

Official contact information

The City of Memphis lists 125 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103 and a general operator number of (901) 636-6500. The construction and permitting contacts above are more specific for building work. Use the official Develop901 portal and the county or city office for the parcel’s actual jurisdiction.