Flood Prevention Bylaws - New South Memphis, TN

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

Introduction

New South Memphis, Tennessee faces localized flooding risks from urban drainage, nearby waterways and aging storm infrastructure. This guide collects the primary municipal resources, permitting paths and practical steps property owners should follow to reduce flood damage and comply with local bylaws. It explains who enforces drainage and stormwater rules, how to check flood maps, where to apply for permits, common violations, and how to report hazards so the city can inspect and respond.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for stormwater, drainage, and related public-right-of-way issues lies with the City of Memphis departments that manage stormwater and building/code compliance. For direct department contacts and reporting channels see the City of Memphis Stormwater Management page City of Memphis Stormwater Management[1]. Specific fine amounts, escalation steps and exact sections of municipal code for flood-prevention violations are not specified on that cited page.

Report blocked storm drains and illegal dumping promptly to reduce flood risk.

Typical enforcement elements include inspections, orders to remediate drainage obstructions, stop-work orders for unpermitted alterations, and referral to municipal court or civil remedies when owners fail to comply. Where monetary fines are applied, the cited municipal pages do not list fixed figures, so fines are listed below as "not specified on the cited page" when exact amounts are not published.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for many stormwater-related violations; amounts must be confirmed with the enforcing office.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences and per-day continuing penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove obstructions, mandatory remediation, stop-work orders, equipment seizure or referral to court.
  • Enforcer & reporting: City of Memphis stormwater and codes departments accept complaints and inspection requests via their official contact pages City of Memphis Stormwater Management[1].
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page; appeals typically follow municipal administrative review or court processes.

Applications & Forms

Permits for grading, drainage alterations or structural changes affecting flood risk are commonly required through city building and permitting offices. The city’s stormwater pages direct owners to the appropriate permitting portals, but detailed fee schedules or form numbers are not published on the stormwater overview page and thus are "not specified on the cited page". For flood zone determination use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to confirm mapped risk before applying for permits FEMA Flood Map Service Center[2].

Some minor maintenance work may not require a permit, but verify with city permitting to avoid penalties.

Common Violations

  • Illegal fill or grading that blocks drainage paths.
  • Unpermitted modifications to swales, culverts or detention features.
  • Failure to obtain required erosion-control or building permits.
  • Dumping or obstruction of storm drains and rights-of-way.

Action Steps for Owners

  • Check FEMA maps early to understand your flood zone before buying or modifying property FEMA Flood Map Service Center[2].
  • Contact City of Memphis stormwater or permitting office before grading or altering drainage features.
  • Obtain quotes for elevation, floodproofing and insurance to compare long-term costs.
  • Report blocked drains or illegal dumping through the city’s official reporting channels.

FAQ

How do I find out if my property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and consult city planning or stormwater staff for local clarifications.[2]
Do I need a permit to add fill or change grading on my lot?
Often yes; contact the city permitting office and stormwater management to confirm permit requirements and any erosion-control conditions.[1]
How do I report a blocked storm drain or illegal dumping?
Use the City of Memphis stormwater reporting/contact page to submit complaints and request inspections.[1]

How-To

  1. Locate your property on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to determine mapped flood zones.
  2. Contact City of Memphis stormwater or permitting staff to discuss proposed work and permit needs.
  3. Submit required permit applications and erosion-control plans to the city permitting portal.
  4. Implement approved flood-prevention measures: proper grading, swales, detention, and elevation where required.
  5. Obtain or update flood insurance and keep documentation of work to support appeals or compliance reviews.
  6. Report unresolved drainage hazards to the city for inspection and enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm flood zone with FEMA and the city before construction.
  • Permits are commonly required for grading and drainage changes; check with the city.
  • Report blocked drains early to reduce property damage and enforcement exposure.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Stormwater Management - Stormwater and drainage information
  2. [2] FEMA Flood Map Service Center

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