Memphis Storm Drain Maintenance - City Code

Memphis, Tennessee property owners, contractors, and the City share duties to prevent pollution and blockages in storm drains. This guide explains who must maintain storm drains, how the City enforces stormwater rules, and practical steps for reporting, permitting, and compliance under Memphis municipal practice. It summarizes official City of Memphis stormwater resources and the municipal code context, and points to where to find forms, complaint processes, and the office to contact for inspections or abatements.

Who is responsible

The City of Memphis assigns primary enforcement and program oversight to its Public Works / Stormwater Division; private property owners are generally responsible for maintenance of storm drains and drainage features located on their property. For City-managed infrastructure and permitted work in the right-of-way, the Public Works Stormwater program enforces requirements and issues permits Stormwater Management^[1]. The consolidated municipal code is the legal reference for ordinances affecting stormwater and drainage; consult the city code for specific text and definitions Memphis Code of Ordinances^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary fines and penalties for illicit discharges, failure to maintain drainage, or unauthorized work in the public right-of-way are set by ordinance and/or administrative rule. Specific fine amounts and escalation (first, repeat, continuing offences) are not specified on the cited city pages and must be confirmed in the municipal code or an enforcement notice on the official sites cited above Stormwater Management^[1]Memphis Code of Ordinances^[2].

Typical enforcement measures used by the City include administrative orders to abate nuisances, stop-work orders for unpermitted construction, civil penalties, placement of liens for abatement costs, and referral to municipal or circuit court for injunctive relief or collection. The enforcing office is the City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Division, which handles inspections, Notices of Violation, and abatement actions. Appeals or requests for review are handled as specified in the applicable ordinance or administrative appeal procedure; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed in the ordinance text.

• Enforcer: City of Memphis, Public Works / Stormwater Division.
• Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited page.
• Appeals/review: procedure and deadlines not specified on the cited page; consult municipal code.
• Permits: required for work in public right-of-way; check Public Works for permit details.^[1]

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permits and application forms for right-of-way work, grading, and construction through Public Works and Building divisions. For routine private maintenance of on-site storm drains, no universal City form is required; where work affects public infrastructure, a permit application will be required and fee information is available on the Public Works pages and the Building/Permits section of the municipal website Stormwater Management^[1]. If a specific form or permit number is required for your action, the online Public Works permit portal or the municipal code page is the authoritative source.

Common violations

• Illicit discharge of oils, paints, or wash water to storm sewers.
• Failing to control sediment and erosion on construction sites.
• Blocking or failing to maintain private drains that cause public flooding.
• Performing unpermitted work in the public right-of-way.

Action steps

• Report an urgent stormwater hazard to City of Memphis Public Works by phone or the online service portal.
• Before any work in the right-of-way, apply for the required permit via Public Works.
• Document existing conditions with photos and keep records of maintenance and communications.
• If you receive a Notice of Violation, review the cited ordinance and file any appeal within the timeframe stated in the notice or ordinance.

FAQ

Who must maintain storm drains on my property?

Property owners are generally responsible for maintenance of stormwater features on their property; the City maintains public drains and mains unless otherwise specified by permit.

How do I report a blocked or illegal discharge?

Contact City of Memphis Public Works or use the City reporting portal to file a complaint; include location, photos, and contact information.

Are there permits for cleaning or repairing a private storm drain?

Routine private maintenance generally does not require a City form, but any work that affects the public right-of-way or alters flow may require a permit from Public Works.

How-To

1. Identify whether the drain is private or in the public right-of-way by checking property lines and street easements.
2. Take photos of the issue and note any immediate safety hazards or pollution.
3. If the issue involves the public system or a spill, report it to City Public Works immediately and provide the evidence you collected.^[1]
4. If work is needed in the right-of-way, apply for the appropriate permit through Public Works before starting work.^[1]
5. Keep records of repairs, receipts, and any City correspondence in case of an enforcement notice.

Key Takeaways

• Property owners are typically responsible for on-site storm drains; the City enforces public system rules.
• Report hazards promptly to Public Works and use official online reporting channels.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Memphis Public Works
• Division of Planning & Development Services
• Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municode)