Memphis Sewer Connection Permit Guide - TN

Environmental Protection Tennessee 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee property owners and contractors must follow city procedures to obtain a sewer connection permit before tying into the municipal sanitary sewer system. This guide explains which office enforces sewer connections, typical documentation, inspection and inspection scheduling, how to pay applicable fees, and appeal routes. Where the official page does not specify a detail, the text notes that explicitly and cites the primary city sources to help you complete an application correctly.

Overview

The City of Memphis Division of Public Works administers sewer infrastructure and permits for connections to the municipal sewer system. For department guidance and contact details see the Public Works pages.[1]

  • Who needs a permit: property owners or licensed plumbers performing new taps or reconnections.
  • Typical triggers: new construction, lot splits, sewer lateral replacements, or reconnections after demolition.
  • Common documents: site plan, plumbing permit application, contractor license, and proof of payment of fees.
Always check the department page for the latest submittal checklist.

Applying for a Sewer Connection

Start by confirming whether a separate sewer tap application or a plumbing/building permit is required from Building & Permits. The municipal code sets standards for sewer use and connection; consult the City Code for requirements and technical specifications.[2]

  • Submit: completed permit application and required attachments as listed by Building & Permits.[3]
  • Pay fees: fee schedules are published by the issuing office or on the application form; if a fee amount is not listed on the cited page it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Scheduling: inspections are scheduled through Public Works or the Building Permits office after permit issuance.
Licensed plumbers often submit plumbing permits on behalf of the owner.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of unauthorized or noncompliant sewer connections is handled by the City of Memphis enforcement divisions identified in the municipal code and by Public Works. Specific monetary penalties and escalation rules should be confirmed directly from the City Code or enforcement pages; when a penalty or escalation detail is not listed on an official page, this guide states that it is not specified on the cited page and cites that source.[2]

  • Fines: specific fine amounts for illegal connections or violations are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: whether fines escalate for repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disconnect, mandatory repairs, stop-work orders, or civil enforcement actions may be used by the city; the enforcing office may pursue court remedies per the code.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaints: enforcement and inspection requests are handled by Public Works and Code Enforcement; contact details are on the Public Works page.[1]
  • Appeals: appeal routes and time limits for review are governed by municipal procedures; specific statutory appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

  • Plumbing/Building Permit: used when a plumbing contractor performs the lateral work; see Building & Permits for forms and instructions.[3]
  • Sewer tap application or inspection request: where published, the application name and fee will appear on the issuing office page; if no application is published the page does not specify a named form.
If a fee or fine amount is critical, confirm it directly with the issuing office before work begins.

Action Steps

  • Confirm whether your project requires a separate sewer tap application or a plumbing/building permit by contacting Building & Permits and Public Works.[3]
  • Prepare documents: site plan, contractor license, and completed application forms.
  • Submit application and pay fees; schedule inspections after permit issuance.
  • If cited or fined, follow the notice instructions and use the appeal procedure specified by the enforcement notice or the municipal code.[2]

FAQ

How long does the permit process take?
Processing times vary by workload and completeness of the application; a specific standard processing time is not specified on the cited pages.[3]
How much will a sewer connection cost?
Permit and tap fees depend on the project and fee schedule; exact amounts are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the issuing office.[1]
Who inspects the connection?
Inspections are conducted by the City of Memphis inspectors assigned through Public Works or Building & Permits after permit issuance.[1]

How-To

  1. Verify required permits with Building & Permits and Public Works and gather required documents.[3]
  2. Complete and submit the permit application(s) and pay any listed fees.
  3. Schedule and pass required inspections; obtain final approval before connecting to the sewer main.
  4. Retain copies of permits, inspection reports, and receipts for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Public Works early to confirm requirements and contacts.[1]
  • Permit names and fees are published by the issuing office; if a fee is not listed it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspections must be scheduled and passed before final approval to connect.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis - Public Works
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Memphis - Building & Permits

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