Where to File Subdivision Plats in Memphis

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee developers, surveyors, and property owners must follow specific review and recording procedures for subdivision plat maps to become part of the public record. This guide explains where to submit plats for municipal review, where to record the approved plat, which offices enforce plat and subdivision rules, and practical steps to complete filing correctly. Read on for application routes, enforcement contacts, common pitfalls, and a concise how-to checklist to move a plat from plan to recorded document.

Approved plats are recorded with the county register of deeds to create an official, searchable public record.

Where to file subdivision plats

Initial plat review and approval is handled by the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development. Submit preliminary and final plats, supporting documents, and any required fees to the planning office for review and signature prior to recording. After the City issues approval and any required signatures, the final plat is recorded with the Shelby County Register of Deeds to enter the map into county land records. For official submission portals and contact details, see the City planning page and the Shelby County Register of Deeds website City of Memphis Planning & Development[1] and Shelby County Register of Deeds[2].

  • Pre-approval submission: preliminary plat and supporting exhibits to City planning.
  • Final plat: signed and sealed mylar or electronic file as required by approval letter.
  • Recording: file final approved plat with the Shelby County Register of Deeds for indexing and public record.
  • Questions: contact the Office of Planning and Development for review timelines and submittal standards.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of subdivision and plat requirements is carried out by the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development, with recording and acceptance functions performed by the Shelby County Register of Deeds. Specific monetary fines and civil penalties for recording or creating plats without required approvals are not specified on the cited City or Register pages; consult the offices listed below for any statutory fines or administrative penalties.

Failure to obtain required approvals before recording can result in the plat being rejected or administrative action by the city or county.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: corrections, stop-work orders, record rejections, and court action may be pursued by the enforcing authority.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development; recording acceptance: Shelby County Register of Deeds.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the planning office for local appeal procedures.
  • Common violations: recording without city approval, incorrect signatures/seals, missing dedications or easements; penalties vary and should be confirmed with the enforcing office.

Applications & Forms

The City of Memphis Planning & Development provides application instructions and submittal checklists for subdivision review; specific form names, fee schedules, and electronic submission requirements are posted on the City planning pages. Recording requirements and recording fee schedules are published by the Shelby County Register of Deeds. If a named form or fee is required it will be listed on those official pages; if not listed, the official pages are the point of contact for current requirements.

How-To

  1. Prepare a survey-quality plat drawn by a licensed Tennessee surveyor that meets City formatting and content standards.
  2. Submit the preliminary or final plat and supporting documents to the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development for review and approval.
  3. Address review comments, obtain required signatures, certifications, and any required municipal easement dedications or bonds.
  4. After City approval, present the final signed plat to the Shelby County Register of Deeds for recording and payment of recording fees.
  5. Retain recorded copies and distribute any required recorded documents to stakeholders as directed by the approval letter.

FAQ

Where do I file a subdivision plat for recording?
File the final approved plat with the Shelby County Register of Deeds after City approval from the Office of Planning and Development.[2]
Do I need City approval before recording a plat?
Yes. Plats require review and approval by the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development before the Register of Deeds will accept the final recording.
Where can I find forms and fee information?
Forms and submission checklists are posted by the City planning office; recording fees and requirements are posted by the Shelby County Register of Deeds.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain City approval before attempting to record a plat.
  • Recording occurs at the Shelby County Register of Deeds after all signatures and corrections.
  • Contact the City planning office early to confirm format and fee expectations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Planning & Development
  2. [2] Shelby County Register of Deeds

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data