Memphis uses a joint City–County development system through the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. Construction Enforcement reviews plans, issues building and trade permits, and performs inspections for projects in Memphis, while Land Use and Development Services handles zoning, subdivisions, historic-district applications, and other land-use approvals. Applications are centralized through the Develop 901 Citizen Portal.
Develop 901 allows applicants to submit planning and zoning requests, engineering permits, construction and sign permits, fire permits, and contractor registrations, as well as search permit activity and schedule inspections. Zoning is governed by the Unified Development Code (UDC), which serves as the zoning code and subdivision regulations for both the City of Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County. Depending on the project, a variance, conditional use permit, subdivision approval, planned development, or other land-use action may be required before construction permitting proceeds.
Historic properties can add another review layer. The Memphis Landmarks Commission reviews work visible from the street within local historic districts, including new construction, demolition, relocation, and exterior alterations. Qualifying projects generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness before the associated exterior work proceeds.
Public improvements are reviewed separately by the City Engineer’s Office. Work affecting City streets, sidewalks, curbs, drive approaches, utility connections, or other public right-of-way can require a separate right-of-way permit even when a building permit has already been issued. Applicants can start with the Develop 901 portal and then identify the zoning, historic, engineering, or other approvals required for the site.