Memphis Traffic Calming Permit Process

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

Memphis, Tennessee residents and neighbourhood groups seeking to install traffic calming measures must follow the city permitting process administered by the Public Works - Traffic Engineering division. The city evaluates requests for speed humps, curb extensions, chicanes and related devices against engineering criteria, safety standards and community input. For authoritative procedures, application routing and technical criteria, contact the City Traffic Engineering[1].

What is a Traffic Calming Installation Permit?

A traffic calming installation permit authorizes construction or installation of devices placed in the public right-of-way to reduce vehicle speeds or discourage cut-through traffic. Permitted installations are subject to city engineering review, neighborhood notification and compliance with design and maintenance obligations.

Start early: neighborhood outreach and engineering review take time.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility lies with the City of Memphis Public Works - Traffic Engineering and related code enforcement staff, who may inspect, issue orders, or refer violations to municipal court or legal counsel for abatement. For official enforcement contacts and program oversight see the City Traffic Engineering page.City Traffic Engineering[1]

  • Fines: specific civil fines or monetary penalties for unauthorized installations are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat or continuing offence fines escalate is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the city may order removal, require corrective work, or seek court orders for persistent noncompliance; specific sanctions are not itemized on the cited page.
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; applicants should follow the administrative instructions provided by Traffic Engineering.
  • Inspection and complaints: report unsafe or unauthorized installations to Public Works via the Traffic Engineering contact page or the city service portal.
If an installation is performed without an approved permit, the city can order its removal.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application requirements, required attachments and contact details on the Traffic Engineering page; specific form names, form numbers, fees and submission deadlines are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Name/Number: not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: follow instructions on the Traffic Engineering page for electronic or in-person filing.
  • Deadlines: not specified on the cited page.
Applications typically require an engineering review and neighborhood notification.

How-To

  1. Confirm eligibility and review the Traffic Engineering guidance.
  2. Collect required documentation and any neighborhood petitions or signatures as requested.
  3. Submit the application and attachments per the Public Works instructions.
  4. City engineering staff review the request, may conduct site visits and consult stakeholders.
  5. If approved, installation proceeds under city permit conditions and inspections.

FAQ

What types of measures require a permit?
Permanent installations in the public right-of-way, such as speed humps, curb extensions and chicanes, generally require a permit and city approval.
How long does review take?
Review times vary by project complexity; a specific standard review period is not specified on the cited page.
Who pays for installation and maintenance?
Responsibility for costs is determined by the permit terms and city policy; specific cost allocation is not specified on the cited page.

Key Takeaways

  • Coordinate early with Public Works - Traffic Engineering to meet technical requirements.
  • Neighborhood outreach is commonly required before installation.
  • Unauthorized installations may lead to orders to remove devices and other enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Traffic Engineering - Traffic Calming Program and contact information

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