New South Memphis Green Infrastructure Bylaws & Incentives

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

New South Memphis, Tennessee property owners can access city-level programs and code provisions that affect green infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable paving, and stormwater controls. This guide explains which municipal offices oversee incentives, how to apply for credits or permits, and what enforcement or penalties to expect under local rules and ordinances. It summarizes available official resources and concrete action steps for homeowners and small-land developers in New South Memphis, Tennessee.

Overview of Incentives and Legal Basis

In Memphis, stormwater management and green infrastructure are administered through the City of Memphis Public Works and referenced in the city code and ordinances. For program details see the City Stormwater Program page Memphis Stormwater Program[1] and the municipal code Memphis Code of Ordinances[2].

Local stormwater credit programs often require documented maintenance to remain eligible.

Common Incentive Types

  • Stormwater fee credits for on-site retention or infiltration.
  • Grant or rebate programs for residential green infrastructure where offered.
  • Permit fee waivers or expedited review for projects that include approved low-impact development measures.
  • Technical assistance and design guidelines from city sustainability or stormwater staff.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater and related infrastructure regulations is carried out by the City of Memphis Public Works (Stormwater Division) and code enforcement units under the municipal code. Specific monetary fines, escalation for repeat offences, and continuing violation penalties are referenced in the city code and enforcement policy pages; where a precise fine or schedule is not reproduced on the program page it is not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed via the official municipal code or enforcement notice.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited program page; consult the municipal code or enforcement notices for exact figures.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences procedures are governed by the municipal code and enforcement policy; specific ranges are not specified on the cited program page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, corrective action orders, lien placement, and court enforcement are potential remedies under city ordinances as applied by Public Works and Code Enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Division handles inspections and complaints; official contact and reporting are on the stormwater program page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeals or administrative review procedures are set out in the municipal code; time limits for filing appeals are referenced in ordinance sections and are not specified on the program summary page.[2]
If an enforcement action is issued, document maintenance activities and communications to support appeals.

Applications & Forms

Application forms for credits, permits, or LID plan approvals are sometimes published by Public Works or Planning; if a form is not posted on the program page, the city requires applicants to contact the Stormwater Division or Planning office for the current form or submittal checklist.[1]

  • Stormwater credit application: not specified on the program summary page; contact Public Works for current form and requirements.[1]
  • Fees: application and permit fees vary by project type and are not fully itemized on the program landing page; check permit fee schedules with Public Works or Planning.
  • Deadlines: project or funding deadlines appear on specific grant notices; general program pages do not list universal deadlines.

How-To

  1. Identify the incentive you seek and review applicable municipal guidance on the City Stormwater Program page.
  2. Prepare a site plan showing proposed green infrastructure features and maintenance plan.
  3. Submit permit or credit application to Public Works or Planning with required documentation; request forms from the Stormwater Division if not posted online.[1]
  4. Schedule inspections as required and maintain records of installation and ongoing maintenance.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the corrective action instructions and use municipal appeal routes described in the code if you wish to contest the action.[2]

FAQ

What green infrastructure incentives are available to New South Memphis property owners?
Incentives may include stormwater fee credits, grants or rebates, and permit process accommodations; exact programs and eligibility are listed on the City Stormwater Program and municipal code pages.[1][2]
How do I apply for a stormwater credit or permit?
Contact the City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Division for application forms and submittal checklists; if a form is not posted online you must request the current application from the department.[1]
What penalties apply for failing to maintain required green infrastructure?
Possible sanctions include corrective orders, fines, liens, or court enforcement; specific fine amounts and appeal time limits should be confirmed in the municipal code as they are not fully listed on the program landing page.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Start by contacting the City Stormwater Division to confirm current incentives and forms.[1]
  • Keep clear maintenance records to preserve credits and defend against enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Stormwater Program - City of Memphis
  2. [2] Memphis Code of Ordinances - Municode

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