New South Memphis Sewer Connection Rules & Fees

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

New South Memphis, Tennessee homeowners must follow municipal and utility rules when connecting to the public sewer system. This guide summarizes who enforces connection standards, typical permitting steps, where to find official requirements, and how fees and inspections are handled for new and replaced connections in New South Memphis, Tennessee.

Apply for sewer connection permits before excavating or starting building work.

Overview of Sewer Connection Requirements

Connections to the public sanitary sewer generally require an approved plan, an authorized tap or lateral installation, and inspection by the responsible agency. The City of Memphis code and utility rules establish technical standards, but specific application steps and fees are published by the local utility and the city engineering department. For official ordinance language and code-based requirements consult the municipal code online City of Memphis Code of Ordinances[1]. For utility permit process and service connections see the Memphis Light, Gas and Water online service pages MLGW Water & Sewer Services[2]. State wastewater permitting and discharge standards are administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TDEC Water Pollution Control[3].

Typical Technical and Siting Requirements

  • Approved plans and specifications showing lateral alignment and depth.
  • Permits for excavation and sewer tap; right-of-way or easement approvals if required.
  • Materials and installation to meet city/utility technical standards.
  • Inspection before backfill and a final compliance inspection.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically by the City of Memphis Department of Public Works or the utility authority; penalties and remedies derive from municipal code and administrative rules.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page. See municipal code[1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory corrective orders, liens or abatement and court actions are available under city authority; specific remedies are set out in the municipal code.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City of Memphis Department of Public Works and the local utility accept complaints and initiate inspections. Contact the city or utility to report unpermitted connections.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes, hearing bodies, and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the enforcing department.
Failure to obtain required permits or inspections can lead to corrective orders and possible court enforcement.

Applications & Forms

  • Sewer tap permit or lateral permit: name/number and fee not specified on the cited page; check the utility and city permit pages for current forms and fees. MLGW service pages[2].
  • Submission: most permits require electronic application or in-person submission to city engineering or the utility; see official application instructions on the linked pages.
Some permits are processed by the utility while structural permits are handled by city engineering.

Inspections, Testing & Connection Work

Inspections usually occur at defined stages: before backfill and at final completion. Testing requirements for pressure or infiltration are set by technical standards in the code or utility manuals. Contractors often must be licensed and provide proof of insurance and bonding.

  • Inspection scheduling is done through the issuing authority; do not backfill before inspection.
  • Recordkeeping: as-built drawings and inspection reports may be required for final acceptance.

How-To

  1. Contact the local utility or city engineering to request current permit requirements and fees.
  2. Obtain and complete the sewer tap or lateral permit application and provide plans.
  3. Schedule required inspections and arrange for licensed contractor work.
  4. Pass inspections, submit as-built documentation, and obtain final acceptance.
  5. Pay any applicable tap fees or service charges as invoiced by the utility.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to connect my house to the public sewer?
Yes. A permit and inspection are typically required; check the city code and the utility permit pages for the exact process and forms.[1][2]
How much does a sewer tap cost?
Tap fees are established by the utility; the exact fee schedule is published by the utility and is not specified on the municipal code page.[2]
Who inspects a new sewer connection?
Inspections are performed by the issuing authority, typically city engineering or the utility inspector, as listed on the permit.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm permit and fee details with the utility and city engineering before starting work.
  • Do not backfill without required inspections to avoid enforcement.

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