Mixed-Use Small Business Steps in New South Memphis

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

Starting a small business on mixed-use zoned property in New South Memphis, Tennessee requires checking local zoning rules, securing permits, and meeting building and health standards before opening. This guide explains the municipal steps, the departments that enforce rules, and the typical compliance path so owners can plan timelines and budgets.

Before You Start

Confirm that your address is in a mixed-use zone and that your proposed use is permitted or allowable with a special permit or variance. Obtain a zoning verification and review use tables and overlay rules with the city planning office.

City of Memphis Unified Development Code[1]

Check permitted uses early to avoid wasted permit fees.

Typical Steps

  • Apply for zoning verification or certificate of occupancy from Planning & Development.
  • Register for a business tax certificate with the city revenue division.
  • Obtain building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits if you will renovate the space.
  • Schedule inspections (building, fire, health) and correct any violations.
  • Confirm signage and parking requirements with the planning office before installing signs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for zoning, building, and business registration in New South Memphis is handled by City of Memphis departments including Planning & Development and Code Enforcement; specific contact pages and enforcement procedures are published by the city and municipal code sources.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions often include stop-work or abatement orders, permit revocation, and court actions; specific statutory remedies are listed in municipal code sources.[1]
  • To report suspected violations or request inspections, contact Planning & Development and Code Enforcement via official city contact pages.[1]
  • Appeals and reviews: procedures and time limits are set in municipal rules; if not visible on the department page, they are in the code or permit conditions—time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you ignore notice of violation, the city may seek court enforcement or abatement orders.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes specific permit and application forms for zoning verification, building permits, and business tax registration. For building and trade permits, use the official permits page to find application procedures and submission methods. Permits & Inspections[2]

  • Zoning verification or certificate of occupancy: application available from Planning & Development; fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Building permits (commercial renovation): apply online or at permit office; specific form names and fee schedules are on the permits page.[2]
  • Business tax certificate (business registration): register with the city revenue/business tax office; fee amounts and forms are listed on the business tax page. Business Tax[3]

Compliance Checklist

  • Confirm zoning and permitted use before signing a lease.
  • Apply for building and trade permits before starting construction.
  • Arrange all required inspections and keep records of approvals.
  • Budget for permit fees, potential mitigation, and compliance corrections.
Maintain permit documents on-site until final approval is issued.

FAQ

Do I need a zoning verification before leasing?
Yes; obtain zoning verification or a certificate of occupancy to confirm your intended use is allowed in the mixed-use zone.
How long do permits take?
Processing times vary by permit type and workload; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages and depend on plan review and inspection schedules.
Can I run a home-based business in a mixed-use zone?
Some home-based uses are allowed subject to size, signage, and customer limitations; check use tables and conditions with Planning & Development.

How-To

  1. Verify zoning for your address and proposed use with the Planning & Development office.
  2. Apply for any required zoning permits, variances, or certificates of occupancy.
  3. Register for a business tax certificate with the city revenue division before opening.
  4. Obtain building and trade permits for any physical work and schedule required inspections.
  5. Complete fire, health, and safety inspections and secure final approvals.
  6. Open business and maintain records of permits, inspections, and licenses for compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm allowed uses early to avoid costly changes.
  • Permits and inspections take time—plan lead times into your opening date.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Unified Development Code and municipal code resources.
  2. [2] City of Memphis Permits & Inspections - building permit applications and procedures.
  3. [3] City of Memphis Business Tax - business registration and tax certificate.

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