Memphis Green Infrastructure Incentives - Bylaws

Environmental Protection Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee property owners considering green infrastructure should know how city bylaws, permits and incentive programs interact with stormwater rules and local permitting. This guide summarizes available incentives, eligibility, common requirements, enforcement pathways and step-by-step actions to apply or appeal under Memphis municipal rules.

Incentives overview

Local incentives for green infrastructure typically include stormwater fee credits, technical assistance, and permit-streamlining for rain gardens, permeable paving, and cisterns where installed and maintained according to city standards. Eligibility often depends on property type, impervious area treated, and approved design or maintenance plans.

  • Permits or approvals may be required before construction; check local stormwater requirements.
  • Fee credits or reductions are applied to stormwater utility charges when verified.
  • Long-term maintenance agreements or recorded covenants are commonly requested.
Confirm eligibility with the stormwater office before you build.

Eligibility & common requirements

Typical conditions for incentives include documented pre- and post-construction calculations of treated impervious area, approved engineering or landscape plans, and accepted maintenance regimes. Property owners should prepare as-built drawings and an operation and maintenance (O&M) plan for inspection.

  • Deadlines for submittal often align with permit applications or billing cycles and vary by program.
  • Applications generally require site plans, plant lists for biofiltration, and evidence of long-term maintenance responsibility.
  • Technical review is performed by Public Works or a designated stormwater reviewer.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater and related green infrastructure requirements is handled by the City of Memphis Public Works and Stormwater Division; specific program enforcement procedures and contact pathways are published by the city.Memphis Stormwater Division[1] The controlling ordinance provisions for stormwater, illicit discharge, and related civil remedies appear in the Memphis Code of Ordinances and implementing regulations.Memphis Code of Ordinances[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, stop-work orders, required remediation, and referral to municipal court are indicated in municipal enforcement summaries.
  • Appeals and review routes: appeals typically follow procedures in the municipal code; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaints: complaints and inspection requests are routed to Public Works - Stormwater Division using the city contact page.
If a specific fine or appeal deadline is needed, request the cited ordinance section from the stormwater office.

Applications & Forms

Official application forms for stormwater credits or green infrastructure incentives are not listed on the city stormwater overview page; contact the Stormwater Division to request program applications, fee schedules, or credit calculation worksheets.[1]

How to comply and apply

Follow these practical steps to pursue incentives while reducing enforcement risk and maximizing likelihood of credit or permit approval.

  1. Contact the City of Memphis Stormwater Division to confirm program availability and preliminary eligibility.
  2. Hire or consult a qualified designer to prepare plans that meet city technical standards.
  3. Submit permit applications, as-built drawings and any required maintenance agreements to Public Works.
  4. Schedule inspections and retain documentation to support fee-credit calculations.

FAQ

What incentives are available to property owners?
Stormwater fee credits, technical assistance, and expedited review may be available depending on project type and approval.
How do I apply for a stormwater credit?
Contact the Stormwater Division for current application steps and submission requirements; official forms are not listed on the overview page.
Who enforces compliance and how do I report a problem?
Public Works - Stormwater Division enforces stormwater rules; use the city contact page to report violations or request inspections.

How-To

This How-To shows the basic process to apply for a stormwater credit or green infrastructure incentive.

  1. Confirm program availability with the Stormwater Division and request eligibility criteria.
  2. Prepare design and O&M plan with a professional, meeting city technical standards.
  3. Submit application, plans, and maintenance documentation to Public Works and pay any review fees.
  4. Complete construction, request inspection, and provide as-built documentation to receive credit.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Stormwater Division early to confirm eligibility and forms.
  • Credits depend on measurable treated impervious area and approved maintenance.
  • Keep inspection records and as-built drawings to sustain incentives.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis - Stormwater Division
  2. [2] Memphis Code of Ordinances

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