A Guide to Commercial Building Permits in Memphis, TN

This year Memphis, TN has been named the 27th most populous city in the United States. As a top-10 city for technology jobs, companies are flocking to Memphis to build their businesses. Not only has the tech industry been booming in Memphis, the city is one of the most affordable in the United States. Since so many people are coming into Memphis, more and more businesses will pop up. While building in Memphis will pay off quickly, Tennessee does have some confusing building regulations and a permit expediter can help navigate those complexities.

Tennessee has statewide building codes, however, individual jurisdictions can choose to implement their own. Some jurisdictions have even voted to completely opt out of building codes. These decisions can also change, as it is never guaranteed that your local jurisdiction will continue to opt-out. With regulations varying so greatly from city to city, it is important to work with someone who knows exactly what regulations your build needs to meet.

Having a general understanding of how the permitting process works in Memphis, and which areas require certain regulations, you can choose the right permitting partner for you.

In Memphis, TN, all permits go through the Shelby County Permit and Code Enforcement Office. They handle permits for everything from special events to electrical. The Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development serves Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington, and unincorporated and incorporated areas in Shelby County.

Understanding the scope and requirements of your project will allow you to know what kind of permit you may need. To start, describe the kind of work you’ll be doing. This includes detailed descriptions of any plumbing, electrical and mechanical work that needs to be done. You should then provide construction drawings, proposed layouts, any necessary calculations and other reports that can prove that you can safely and feasibly get the job done. Finally, assessing the cost of materials and labor will give you the project’s fair market value.

You should also check to see if your project needs separate zoning approval. This may be required depending on your project or location. A zoning approval letter is required for projects in the City of Millington, the City of Germantown, the City of Lakeland and the Town of Arlington.

Each project is different and you may need specific permits. Knowing upfront what permits your project requires will save you time and money. There are various types of permits from new construction to addition to demolition to alteration and, sometimes, it is hard to know what you need. Working with Scout Services as your permit expediter can help you figure out exactly what you need.

Recently, the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development rolled out an online permit application. This online process is meant to make the permitting process easier. It is crucial that you submit all necessary documentation and plans to save you from having to apply a second time. Requirements can vary with each project, but some basic things to have ready include:

• The technical requirements, such as drawing set formatting and submittal
• Drawings to scale prepared by a registered design professional
• Other plans you might need, such as civic, site, landscape, structural, etc.

At Scout Services, we know how intimidating it can be to get everything together for a permit application. Our permit expediters can help you properly submit important technical requirements that pose common issues, along with your drawings and other plans.

While reviewing your application, the plans examiner will do a full assessment of every part of your project. These plans are then forwarded to the Office of Planning and Development (OPD), either east or downtown, for approval. Depending on your project, you may need engineering approval, in which the design professional, owner, or contractor will have to submit your plans.

It is crucial that you follow up with your permit application during this process. There are a lot of moving parts and things can get stuck or lost in the pipeline, so it is important to keep tabs on where your application is at and know who to contact if there is an issue.

Once your application has been approved, permits are issued. It is important that you start work within six months of issuance or your permit will become invalid and you will have to start the process over again, costing you valuable building time and an additional application fee. Your inspections can be scheduled when your permit is issued as it is important to ensure you are always in compliance with building codes and regulations.

How long does the permitting process typically take in Memphis?

The Department of Planning and Development estimates that the standard turnaround time for the initial review takes anywhere from 7-20 business days. The process timeline may vary, pending additional review time.

When do projects require separate Zoning Approval?

Projects that meet specific Unified Development Code (UDC) criteria may require separate Zoning Approval, depending on how reviews are structured and the submission process. There are also certain locations mentioned above that require a separate approval letter. It is recommended to check your specific requirements for your project very early in the process to avoid delays.

How do I receive my permit?

Once approved, you will receive your permits online provided you have a general contractor’s license in the state of Tennessee.

Our goal at Scout Services is to provide you with a painless, expedited permitting experience. Working with architects, general contractors, and engineers all over the country, we have all of the tools and connections needed to get your permits quickly. We will match you with an experienced Field Scout that can provide you with specific expertise of permitting in your area, wherever that may be in the United States*.

We want to focus on the permitting so you can focus on your project.

If you have a project coming up in Memphis, TN, or anywhere else in the US*, and want to work with a permit expediter, contact our team at Scout Services today.

Disclaimer: While we aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, the local regulations and standards that govern the permitting process are constantly evolving. Reach out to us about your next project and we’ll connect you with one of our permitting experts in your area.

*Scout Services does not operate in the New York metropolitan area.