Special Use Permit Hearings - New South Memphis

Events and Special Uses Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, applicants for a special use permit should understand the public meeting and hearing sequence used by the City of Memphis. This guide explains who reviews applications, how public notice works, typical timelines, opportunities to present at meetings, and how appeals or conditions are handled. It is written for property owners, developers, neighborhood groups, and representatives preparing to apply or participate in hearings before city planning bodies. Where specific numeric fees or fine amounts are not stated on the official pages cited, the text notes that fact and points to the appropriate official office for confirmation.

Overview of the Process

The special use permit process generally includes pre-application guidance, formal application filing, staff review, public notice, a public meeting or hearing, and a final decision with possible conditions. The City of Memphis Division of Planning and Development administers land use reviews and public hearing schedules; applicants should contact the division for current practice and meeting dates City of Memphis Planning & Development[1].

  • Pre-application conference to review submittal requirements and neighborhood outreach.
  • Complete application form and attachments; include site plan, legal description, and supporting narrative.
  • Pay application and public notification fees as required by the department.
  • Staff review for completeness and conformance with zoning standards and overlay rules.
  • Public notice sent to adjoining property owners and published per city rules.
  • Public meeting or hearing where applicants and the public may present evidence and testimony.
  • Decision issued by the reviewing body with any conditions; decisions may be appealed where allowed by ordinance.
Start early: schedule a pre-application meeting to reduce delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of zoning, permit conditions, and compliance with special use approvals is handled by the City of Memphis enforcement offices and the Division of Planning and Development; specific enforcement mechanisms and any monetary penalties referenced in the municipal code should be confirmed with the official ordinance or enforcement office. Where the official pages do not list exact fine amounts or escalation rules, the text below notes that fact and points to the controlling office or code section for verification Land Use Control Board information[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement orders to cease work, corrective actions, and referral to municipal court may be used as authorized by ordinance.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Division of Planning and Development and code enforcement divisions; inspect and investigate complaints via official contact channels.
  • Appeals and review: appeals may be filed to the designated board or court as provided by ordinance; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: administrative discretion, requests for variances, or compliance plans may be considered where the ordinance allows.
If you receive a notice of violation, contact the planning division promptly to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes application forms and submittal checklists for land use reviews and special use permits; applicants should use the official application packet and follow submittal instructions on the city site Applications & Forms[3]. If a specific fee, form number, or deadline is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Application packet name: see the city packet on the official Applications & Forms page for current file names and requirements.
  • Fees: check the application packet or contact the planning division; specific amounts may change.
  • Submission: follow electronic or in-person submittal instructions on the official page.
  • Deadlines: filing deadlines for meeting cycles are set by the department; confirm dates when you apply.

Public Notice, Meetings, and What to Expect

Public notice normally includes mailed notice to nearby property owners and a published agenda or legal notice; the reviewing board schedules public meetings where testimony is accepted. Applicants should prepare a concise presentation, bring visual aids, and coordinate neighborhood outreach in advance. Maintain records of notices, emails, and proof of delivery for the administrative file.

  • Notice: mailed to adjoining property owners and posted per department procedure.
  • Staff report: staff issues a report and recommendation before the hearing.
  • Public hearing: applicants and members of the public may speak; hearings follow the board's rules of order.
Bring copies of your site plan and written summary to every meeting.

FAQ

How long does the special use permit process take?
The timeline varies by application completeness and meeting cycles; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the planning division.
How can neighbors be notified?
Neighbors are generally notified by mailed notice and by published agenda or sign; follow the notice procedure in the official application packet.
Can a decision be appealed?
Yes, decisions may be appealed according to the ordinance; check the controlling ordinance or contact the Land Use Control Board for appeal procedures and deadlines.

How-To

  1. Schedule a pre-application meeting with the planning staff to review required materials.
  2. Prepare and submit the complete application packet with required plans and narratives.
  3. Pay required fees and confirm the application is accepted for the next review cycle.
  4. Respond promptly to staff requests for additional information during review.
  5. Perform neighborhood outreach and document responses before the public meeting.
  6. At the hearing, make a short presentation, provide evidence, and be prepared to answer board questions.
  7. If the decision is adverse, file an appeal within the time allowed by ordinance and follow appeal instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with a pre-application meeting to avoid incomplete filings.
  • Public notice and meeting schedules drive hearing dates—confirm cycle deadlines early.
  • Contact the planning division for current forms, fees, and appeal time limits.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Division of Planning & Development
  2. [2] Land Use Control Board - City of Memphis
  3. [3] Applications & Forms - City of Memphis

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data