Memphis Sewer Connection Fees & Process

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee property owners planning a new sewer connection or service change must follow municipal permitting, inspection, and utility billing procedures. This guide summarizes the typical sequence: confirm sewer availability, obtain city permits and any plumbing approvals, hire a licensed contractor, arrange taps and inspections, and pay connection or tap fees. Exact fee amounts and some procedural details are published by city departments and the local utility; where precise figures are not posted on the official pages cited in Resources below, the text states "not specified on the cited page." Review local permit requirements early to avoid delays and check the listed resources for current forms and contacts.

Confirm availability before ordering materials or scheduling work.

Understanding Sewer Connections

Connecting to the public sewer system involves coordination between the property owner, the licensed plumber or contractor, the permitting office, and the utility that bills wastewater service. Typical stages include availability check, permit application, physical tap or lateral connection, inspection, and billing setup.

  • Check sewer main availability and capacity with the city or utility before applying.
  • Obtain required permits from the city construction or code enforcement office.
  • Hire a licensed plumber or contractor to perform the connection to the property lateral.
  • Schedule inspections for the tap, lateral, and any reinstated pavement or restoration work.
  • Pay applicable tap or connection fees and any inspection or restoration charges.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sewer connections and illegal discharges is handled by municipal code enforcement and the city or regional utility. Specific penalty amounts, schedules, and statutory section numbers are not specified on the cited pages in Resources and should be confirmed with the enforcing office.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease work, stop-work notices, corrective orders, restoration or remediation requirements, and potential civil or court actions.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Code Enforcement and Public Works divisions; appeals and review are handled through the city administrative or permitting appeal process.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: submit complaints or inspection requests to the city permit office or Public Works division listed in Resources.
If you receive a stop-work order, contact the issuing office immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Permit applications and any official tap-application forms are published by the city permit center or the local utility. Specific form names and fee schedules are not specified on the cited pages in Resources; applicants should obtain the current application packet and fee schedule directly from the permit office or utility before filing.

Action Steps

  • Confirm sewer availability and any connection conditions with the city or utility.
  • Apply for any required building or plumbing permits; include site plans and contractor license information.
  • Hire a licensed plumber and schedule the tap and inspection.
  • Pay fees as directed by the permit office or utility; request receipts for billing setup.
  • If cited or fined, follow appeal instructions on the notice and contact the issuing department within stated time limits.

FAQ

Who manages sewer connections in Memphis?
City of Memphis Public Works and the local utility manage sewer system connections and billing; permitting is handled by the city permit or code enforcement office.
How much does a sewer tap cost?
Specific tap or connection fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages; contact the permit office or utility for a current schedule.
Do I need a licensed plumber?
Yes, connections to the public sewer typically require a licensed plumber or contractor and city inspections.
How do I appeal a permit denial or enforcement action?
Appeals follow the city administrative or permitting appeal process; contact the issuing office for time limits and procedure.

How-To

  1. Verify sewer availability for your address with the city or utility.
  2. Obtain required permits from the city permit center, including plumbing permits if applicable.
  3. Engage a licensed plumber to prepare and submit any required plans and to perform the connection.
  4. Schedule inspections for the tap and lateral; complete any required restoration work after inspection.
  5. Pay connection, inspection, and restoration fees as directed; confirm billing setup with the utility.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with an availability check and permit review before contracting work.
  • Licensed contractors and city inspections are typically required for sanitary sewer connections.
  • Fees and penalties should be confirmed directly with the city permit office or the utility.

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