Code Enforcement is housed in the Division of Community Enhancement and works to prevent and protect the welfare of residents through regular property inspections, investigative efforts, condemnation and court action. This department upholds the City of Memphis Housing code ordinances to assist in sustaining livable conditions for citizens and protecting neighborhoods against blighted conditions. This department thoroughly inspects properties to detect potential harmful, dangers that pose a risk to all residents. The overall mission includes making a concerted effort to maintain the property values of all neighborhoods and business districts in Memphis Shelby County. There are several areas of Code Enforcement, and they are Residential Code Enforcement, Special Operations and Commercial Code Enforcement.

Residential Code Enforcement addresses the living conditions of residential properties by detecting health and safety concerns. Special Operations focuses on compliance and deterioration to correct unsightly, substandard vacant properties. Special Operations addresses dilapidated housing by issuing board-ups, overseeing court ordered demolitions, and referrals for the Neighborhood Preservation Act (NPA). Commercial Code monitors and inspects vacant, blighted commercial establishments that are public nuisances. Some of our Most Common Code Violations include: Abandoned and Derelict Structures, Off Street Parking, and Accumulation of Junk, Trash & Debris.

Code Enforcement also works closely with the other departments in the Division of Community Enhancement to assist with neighborhood sweeps that help to identify areas of Memphis that are heavily blighted and poorly maintained.

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Grounds Services is another department that is housed under the Division of Community Enhancement They enforce city ordinances for high weeds & grass on vacant, privately-owned properties with grass 12 inches or higher. They work to combat blight by managing and inspecting thousands of vacant properties that are abandoned and neglected. The goal of Grounds Services is to bring these properties that have excessive overgrowth into compliance.

Grounds Services also relies on Code Enforcement to assist with identifying properties that are in violation of the high weeds and grass ordinance.

Memphis City Beautiful is the nation’s oldest beautification agency and works to inspire and educate people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Memphis City Beautiful through public education, community engagement, and special programs & resources works with citizens to take a greater responsibility for their community. Their focus is to end littering, encourage recycling and help beautify neighborhoods to help build community pride and a cleaner more attractive Memphis.

Memphis City Beautiful has key resources such as a Tool Bank Program where residents can borrow tools for a clean-up or beautification project, Litter Box Lending for community events to deter littering as well as a Littering Motorist Hotline. They also offer programs to help citizens improve their neighborhoods including the Clean City Guide, the annual Beautify Your School contest, and adoption opportunities for parks, trash cans, and streets.

Memphis City Beautiful collaborates with all departments in Division of Community Enhancement and other divisions like Solid Waste (recycling) and Public Works (Storm Water), to promote litter education. More Info

The Environmental Enforcement Department enforces laws and ordinances, educate citizens and prosecute violators that contribute to endangering the public health. Housed under the Division of Community Enhancement, Environmental Enforcement is responsible for investigating illegal dumping, used tire shops, and illegal set-outs.

These violations not only pollute our environment, but also contribute to blighted conditions that are unpleasant and unwelcomed in our communities. Other environmental hazards include: regulating improper tire hauling, uncovered loads, and improper disposal of material and debris.

New to the Division of Community Enhancement, The Memphis Public Service Corps (MPSC) offers part-time employment opportunities to serve the community through various blight remediation efforts around Memphis. 

The mission of the Memphis Public Service Corps is to create employment opportunities while fostering a cleaner and safer community. By engaging participants in blight remediation and community improvement projects, the program aims to reduce blight, enhance neighborhood pride, and contribute to the overall beautification and revitalization of Memphis. Through these efforts, the Public Service Corps empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact, develop job skills, and support the city’s growth and resilience.