Who Handles Rezoning in Memphis: City Zoning Offices

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

In Memphis, Tennessee the primary responsibility for rezoning applications lies with city planning authorities and the legislative body that adopts zoning changes. Property owners, developers and applicants must work with the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development for initial application intake and review, and matters typically proceed to public hearings before the Land Use Control Board and final action by the Memphis City Council.[1]

Start early: rezoning takes time and requires public notice and hearings.

How rezoning is handled

The typical sequence is:

  • Pre-application consultation with the Office of Planning and Development for guidance and submittal requirements.[1]
  • Application filing and staff review for consistency with the citys comprehensive plan and zoning map.
  • Public hearings before the Land Use Control Board, which issues a recommendation to City Council.[2]
  • Final legislative action by Memphis City Council, which has authority to approve, deny or condition rezoning requests.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of zoning regulations and compliance with conditions attached to rezoning approvals is handled by city enforcement divisions; the Office of Code Enforcement and the Office of Planning and Development coordinate compliance actions and inspections. The municipal code sets remedies and penalties for zoning violations; specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited code overview page.[3]

Failure to comply with zoning conditions can lead to enforcement actions and require corrective measures.

Details required by the rules:

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or stop work, compliance orders, and court enforcement are available under city authority.
  • Enforcer: Office of Code Enforcement and Office of Planning and Development; see Contacts in Resources below.
  • Appeals and review: legislative rezoning decisions are subject to Council procedures and may be challenged in court; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The Office of Planning and Development publishes the requirements for rezoning submittal, but the specific application form name, number, fee schedule and filing deadlines are not specified on the general planning overview page cited here; applicants should consult the Office of Planning and Development for current application packets and fee information.[1]

Process: public hearings, notice and participation

Rezoning proposals require public notice and hearings to provide neighbors and stakeholders an opportunity to comment; the Land Use Control Board holds a hearing and forwards a recommendation to City Council, which takes final legislative action. Applicants usually present at both the Board hearing and City Council meeting, and notification procedures are governed by local rules and ordinances.[2]

Public comment at hearings can influence recommendations and council votes.

Action steps

  • Contact the Office of Planning and Development to request a pre-application meeting and obtain the current application packet.[1]
  • Prepare materials: site plan, justification, and community outreach documentation.
  • Attend the Land Use Control Board hearing and the City Council meeting; bring written responses to anticipated concerns.
  • If approved, comply with any conditions; if denied, consider revising and reapplying or pursuing alternatives such as conditional use or variances.

FAQ

Who reviews rezoning applications?
Initial review is by the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development; hearings are held before the Land Use Control Board and final action is by Memphis City Council.[1][2]
How long does rezoning take?
Timelines vary by case and public hearing schedules; exact processing timeframes are not specified on the cited pages.
Are there fees for rezoning?
Fees may apply but specific fee amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited planning overview or code pages; contact the Office of Planning and Development for current fees.[1]

How-To

  1. Contact the Office of Planning and Development to confirm application requirements and schedule a pre-application meeting.[1]
  2. Gather required documents: site plans, legal descriptions, and a written statement explaining the rezoning justification.
  3. File the application with required materials and pay applicable fees as instructed by the Office of Planning and Development.
  4. Attend the Land Use Control Board public hearing and present the proposal; respond to staff comments.
  5. If recommended, prepare for City Council consideration and follow up on any conditions after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • The Office of Planning and Development manages rezoning intake and staff review.
  • The Land Use Control Board recommends and City Council makes the final decision.
  • Contact the city early for application packets and scheduling guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development
  2. [2] Land Use Control Board information
  3. [3] Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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