Memphis Utility Excavation Permits - City Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee requires permits for most utility excavations in public rights-of-way and on city property. This guide explains who enforces excavation rules, how to apply, safety and notification requirements, inspection and restoration expectations, and practical steps contractors and property owners must take before digging.

What the permit covers

Permits typically cover excavation for installation, repair, or removal of utility lines where work affects the street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way. Permit conditions often require traffic control plans, pavement restoration, erosion controls, and proof of utility locate or coordination with utility owners. For official application steps and right-of-way rules, see the City of Memphis Public Works permit resources City of Memphis Public Works[1].

Always contact required utility-locate services before work begins.

Permit requirements and pre-work obligations

  • Proof of insurance and bond as required by the city.
  • Planned start and completion dates, and expected working hours.
  • Traffic control and pedestrian protection plans when work affects travel ways.
  • Coordination with affected utility owners and advance notification to residents or businesses.
  • Proof of utility locates through the state One-Call system prior to excavation Tennessee One Call (811)[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Memphis enforces excavation and right-of-way permit requirements through its Public Works and Engineering divisions. Enforcement tools and penalties are administered by the city and may include work stoppage orders, mandatory corrective work, and financial penalties. Specific monetary fine amounts are not listed on the cited city permit pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page City of Memphis Public Works[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease work, mandatory restoration, repair bonds, and court enforcement.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Public Works / Engineering Division; inspection and complaint pathways via the city permit contacts City of Memphis Public Works[1].
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; contact the enforcing department for administrative review timelines City of Memphis Public Works[1].
If enforcement action is taken, document all permits and communications immediately.

Applications & Forms

  • Right-of-Way Permit Application (online portal or PDF) — see the City of Memphis Public Works permit resources for the current application process City of Memphis Public Works[1]. Specific form numbers or fees are not specified on the cited page.
  • Permit fees and deposit requirements: not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the permit office.

Utility owners such as Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) may have separate permitting or coordination requirements for work affecting their facilities; contact MLGW for project-specific guidance and any MLGW permit forms Memphis Light, Gas & Water[2].

Inspections, restoration, and safe digging

Inspections verify compliance with permit conditions and acceptable restoration of pavement and sidewalks. Standard restoration may require temporary surface repairs followed by final restoration after settlement. Always obtain utility locates through Tennessee One Call before excavation Tennessee One Call (811)[3].

  • Pre-excavation locates required via 811.
  • Inspections performed by city inspectors at stages specified in the permit.
  • Restoration standards and materials to be followed as listed in the permit conditions.
Keep photographic and GPS records of feature locations and restored areas.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your work is within the public right-of-way and requires a city permit.
  2. Contact Tennessee One Call (811) to request utility locates at least the required number of days before digging Tennessee One Call (811)[3].
  3. Prepare and submit the Right-of-Way Permit Application through the City of Memphis Public Works portal and include traffic control and restoration plans City of Memphis Public Works[1].
  4. Coordinate with affected utility owners, including MLGW for any utility-specific approvals Memphis Light, Gas & Water[2].
  5. Schedule inspections as required by the permit and complete final restoration to the citys standards.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to excavate for utilities in Memphis?
Most work in the public right-of-way requires a right-of-way or excavation permit from the City of Memphis; confirm with Public Works City of Memphis Public Works[1].
Do I have to use Tennessee One Call before digging?
Yes. Call or submit a ticket to Tennessee One Call (811) to obtain utility locates before any excavation Tennessee One Call (811)[3].
Who inspects restoration after excavation?
City of Memphis inspectors assigned by Public Works inspect restoration and ensure compliance with permit conditions; contact the permit office for inspection scheduling City of Memphis Public Works[1].

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain required right-of-way permits before work begins.
  • Always request utility locates via 811 before excavation.
  • Coordinate with utility owners and schedule inspections to avoid enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Public Works - Permits and Engineering
  2. [2] Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW)
  3. [3] Tennessee One Call (811)

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