Storm Drain Ordinance and Liability - New South Memphis

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, storm drain maintenance and stormwater controls are managed through city stormwater programs and local ordinances that assign responsibilities for public gutters, curb inlets and private drain connections. Residents should know when the city conducts routine cleaning, when property owners must act, and how to report blockages or damage to prevent flooding and fines. The City of Memphis Public Works Stormwater Management explains program scope, maintenance plans and reporting methods.[1]

Who is responsible for storm drain cleaning

Maintenance responsibilities can vary by feature: the city typically maintains public inlets and mainlines, while homeowners may be responsible for curbside debris removal, private lateral connections, and keeping gutters clear. For the controlling municipal provisions and definitions that govern liability and maintenance duties, consult the city's stormwater code and local ordinance references.[2]

Keep gutters and the sidewalk curb clear of leaves and trash to reduce local flooding risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Memphis Public Works and related code enforcement divisions; inspection and complaint intake are managed through the city's 311 service and the stormwater program. The municipal code or enforcement page should be consulted for the exact enforcement authority and procedures.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for concrete dollar figures and daily continuance penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to abate, repair directives, and court action are possible under city enforcement rules; specific remedies and timelines are set in ordinance text.
  • Inspection and complaints: report clogged or damaged drains via Memphis 311 or the Public Works Stormwater contact points listed below.[1]
If a drain causes immediate flooding or presents a hazard, report it to 311 right away.

Applications & Forms

The city may require permits for work that affects the public right-of-way, connections to storm sewers, or construction that changes drainage; specific form names, fees and submission steps are not specified on the cited pages and should be requested from Public Works or the permitting office.[1]

Some maintenance activities on private property do not require city permits, but right-of-way or outlet work usually does.

Reporting, inspection and appeal steps

  • Report the issue through Memphis 311 online or by phone to initiate an inspection.
  • Document photos, dates and any related property damage for inspection and appeal records.
  • If the city issues an abatement order, follow the notice for compliance and use published appeal procedures and time limits in the ordinance text; if the ordinance does not list time limits, the page cited does not specify them.

Common violations

  • Disposing leaves, yard waste or trash into gutters or inlets.
  • Unauthorized alterations to public drainage infrastructure or connections.
  • Failure to comply with an abatement or repair order from the city.

FAQ

Who cleans public storm drains in New South Memphis?
The City of Memphis Public Works Stormwater Management is responsible for cleaning and maintaining public inlets and mainlines; homeowners are generally responsible for keeping curbside drains and private connections clear.[1]
Can a homeowner be fined for a blocked drain?
Yes, enforcement actions and monetary fines can apply when blockages violate local ordinances or cause public hazards, though specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal pages.[2]
How do I report a clogged or damaged storm drain?
Report through Memphis 311 or the Public Works Stormwater Management contact channels; provide photos, location, and any property impact for faster response.[1]

How-To

  1. Call or submit a Memphis 311 report with the drain location and photos.
  2. Keep a dated record of your report and any city response or case number.
  3. If ordered to abate, follow the city's instruction and obtain any required right-of-way permits before work.
  4. If you disagree with an order, file an appeal per the ordinance procedures and include evidence of timely compliance or permit status.

Key Takeaways

  • Public inlets are usually city-maintained; curbside debris is often a homeowner responsibility.
  • Report issues via Memphis 311 to trigger inspection and enforcement.
  • Check permit requirements before altering drainage or the public right-of-way.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Public Works - Stormwater Management
  2. [2] Memphis Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation - MS4

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