Memphis Right-of-Way and Street Layout Standards

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

Memphis, Tennessee relies on clear right-of-way and street layout standards to coordinate safe public streets, utilities, pedestrian access, and development review. This guide summarizes the typical standards, permitting steps, and enforcement pathways used by Memphis planning and public works staff so applicants, contractors, and neighbors can understand obligations when designing or working in the public right-of-way.

Scope & Applicability

Standards apply to new subdivisions, street reconstructions, curb cuts, curb ramps, driveways, and any work that occupies or alters the public right-of-way managed by the City of Memphis. Street layout guidance also informs block lengths, setbacks, sidewalk placement, and traffic-calming design used during plan review and approvals.

Design & Technical Requirements

Design requirements typically cover lane widths, sidewalks, curb ramps (ADA compliance), drainage, and placement of utilities. Developers must submit street and grading plans to the City for review; construction must match approved plans and applicable standard details and specifications.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Memphis departments responsible for public works, planning, and code compliance. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for violations of right-of-way or street layout standards are not specified on the cited page; refer to the municipal code and permit pages for citations and procedures.[1] [2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see official code and permit pages for amounts and schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat violations, and continuing violations are addressed by progressive enforcement but exact ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, revocation or withholding of permits, repair or restoration orders, and referral to municipal court are common remedies.
  • Enforcer & reporting: Public Works, Planning, and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; use the official department contact and complaint pages to report violations.[2]
  • Appeals & time limits: appeal processes typically follow administrative review or municipal court procedures; exact appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a stop-work order, contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal and correction steps.

Applications & Forms

Right-of-way and street-related permits are issued by city departments; name and fee information must be confirmed on the official permit page. Common forms include right-of-way occupancy permits, street cut permits, and permit applications for infrastructure work. Where fees or form numbers are not published on the cited page, they are not specified on the cited page.[2]

Many permit applications require engineered plans sealed by a licensed professional.

Typical Process & Action Steps

  • Prepare engineered street and utility plans to city standards and detail ADA elements.
  • Submit permit applications and plan sets to the City of Memphis planning or public works portal.
  • Schedule inspections and comply with correction notices during construction.
  • Pay required fees and post bonds or restorations as required by permit conditions.
  • If cited, follow the listed appeal or review steps on the issuing department page within the stated time limits.

FAQ

What is a right-of-way permit and when is it required?
A right-of-way permit authorizes occupancy or work within public streets or sidewalks; it is required for utility work, street cuts, construction that alters sidewalks, and other encroachments.
How long does plan review take?
Review times vary by project complexity and workload; specific turnaround timelines are not specified on the cited page.
Who inspects completed street work?
City inspectors assigned by Public Works or the permitting department perform inspections and issue approvals or correction notices.

How-To

  1. Confirm the applicable standards and required plan details with the City of Memphis planning or public works office.[2]
  2. Prepare engineered plans, specifications, and any environmental or traffic control documents required.
  3. Submit the permit application, plans, and fees through the city permitting portal or in person to the issuing department.
  4. Respond to plan review comments and secure permit approvals before beginning work.
  5. Arrange inspections during and after construction and obtain final sign-off or restoration release.

Key Takeaways

  • Early coordination with City planning and public works reduces delays.
  • Engineered plans and ADA compliance are typically required for street work.
  • Enforcement can include stop-work orders and restoration requirements; confirm fines and appeal windows on official pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances - library.municode.com
  2. [2] City of Memphis Office of Planning & Development - memphistn.gov

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