Code Enforcement is housed in the Department of Neighborhood Improvement 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 Inspection, Condemnation and Commercial Code Enforcement.

Residential Inspection addresses the living conditions of residential properties by detecting health and safety concerns. Condemnation focuses on compliance and deterioration to correct unsightly, substandard vacant properties. Condemnation 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.

These areas work in conjunction with other departments in Public Works such as Heavy Equipment to assist with demolition of damaged, derelict structures. Code Enforcement also works closely with the other departments in Neighborhood Improvement 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 area that is housed under the Department of Neighborhood Improvement. 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 the assistance of 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 multiple departments in Public Works such as 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 Department of Neighborhood Improvement, 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.