Sewer Connection Fees - New South Memphis

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

New South Memphis, Tennessee contractors must follow City of Memphis and Shelby County rules when applying for sewer connections. This guide summarizes typical fees, required permits, inspection and enforcement pathways, and practical steps to complete a new sewer connection or service transfer in New South Memphis. Where the municipal code or department pages do not list a specific amount or deadline, the text notes that the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and points to the responsible office for confirmation.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The enforcement of sewer connection rules in New South Memphis is handled by City of Memphis divisions responsible for public works, building permits, and environmental compliance, and by Shelby County where county infrastructure applies. Exact fine amounts for illegal connections or work done without a permit are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the listed sources for the controlling code and enforcement contacts.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; follow enforcement guidance on the municipal code and permit pages.[1]
  • Escalation: municipal code describes enforcement powers but first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, required remedial repairs, and court actions are authorized by city code and permit rules.
  • Enforcer and inspections: City of Memphis Public Works or Code Enforcement schedule inspections and accept complaints; contact details are in Resources below.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically go to the city review board or administrative hearings; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the permitting office.
Always obtain written permit approval before starting sewer work.

Applications & Forms

Contractors will generally need a sewer connection permit or utility service application from the City of Memphis or Shelby County permitting office. The municipal code publisher and the city permit pages list procedures but may not display a single consolidated form name or fee table; some forms are available from the department offices linked in Resources.[1]

  • Form name/number: not specified on the cited page; obtain the current application from the City of Memphis Permits office or online portal.[2]
  • Submission and fee payment: typically submitted to the city permits counter or online; fees vary by meter size and project scope and are not fully specified on the code page.
  • Deadlines: time limits for inspection scheduling or appeals are not specified on the cited page; confirm with the permitting office.

How-To

  1. Confirm jurisdiction: determine whether the connection point falls under City of Memphis or Shelby County sanitary sewer service.
  2. Contact permitting office: request the sewer connection permit application and confirm required documents and fees.[2]
  3. Prepare documents: site plan, contractor license, plumbing plan, and any grease or discharge permits if applicable.
  4. Pay fees: submit payment as instructed by the permitting office; if fees are not listed online, obtain written fee confirmation from the office.
  5. Schedule inspections: book required inspections and follow inspector directions for final approval.
  6. Receive approval and record: after passing inspections, obtain the final connection approval and any required as-built documentation.
Keep permit receipts and inspection reports on site until final acceptance.

FAQ

Who issues sewer connection permits for New South Memphis?
The City of Memphis Permits office issues permits within city limits; Shelby County issues permits where county infrastructure applies. See agency pages for contacts and submission instructions.[2]
How much are sewer connection fees?
Fees vary by project and meter size; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code page and must be confirmed with the permits office or utility billing authority.[1]
What if a contractor connects without a permit?
Unauthorized connections can trigger stop-work orders, required corrective work, and possible court enforcement; monetary fines are referenced in enforcement powers but specific fines are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm whether the site falls under City of Memphis or Shelby County jurisdiction before applying.
  • Obtain written fee and permit confirmation from the permitting office; municipal code pages may not list exact fees.
  • Do not begin work before permit approval to avoid stop-work orders and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances via Municode (sewers, permits and enforcement)
  2. [2] City of Memphis Planning and Development - Permits & Inspections