Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Memphis and Shelby County adopted the 2021 edition of the ICC International Building Code with local amendments and the 2021 Memphis and Shelby County Energy Conservation Code; verify the specific technical code and local amendments for the project. The joint CCE program handles county/unincorporated work and Memphis, while Bartlett and Collierville use separate municipal offices.
Inspection lane
Apply and schedule inspections through the Develop901 Citizen Portal. For portal/application assistance call 901-636-7384; for Construction Code Enforcement call 901-222-8300 or Building at 901-222-8394. Keep work accessible for required inspections and obtain final inspection/occupancy approval before use.
Minor-work playbook
No single consolidated minor-work exemption list was exposed in the accessible official sources. Most construction, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing work require permits under the adopted codes; verify minor finish-work exceptions with CCE. Municipal rules vary: Develop901 covers Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington, and unincorporated Shelby County, while Bartlett and Collierville require their own offices.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Apply and schedule inspections through the Develop901 Citizen Portal. For portal/application assistance call 901-636-7384; for Construction Code Enforcement call 901-222-8300 or Building at 901-222-8394. Keep work accessible for required inspections and obtain final inspection/occupancy approval before use.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development / Construction Code Enforcement is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 901-222-8300; Building 901-222-8394; Develop901 portal assistance 901-636-7384.
N/A; no current general county review timeline published.
Apply and schedule inspections through the Develop901 Citizen Portal. For portal/application assistance call 901-636-7384; for Construction Code Enforcement call 901-222-8300 or Building at 901-222-8394. Keep work accessible for required inspections and obtain final inspection/occupancy approval before use.
Memphis and Shelby County adopted the 2021 edition of the ICC International Building Code with local amendments and the 2021 Memphis and Shelby County Energy Conservation Code; verify the specific technical code and local amendments for the project. The joint CCE program handles county/unincorporated work and Memphis, while Bartlett and Collierville use separate municipal offices. No single consolidated minor-work exemption list was exposed in the accessible official sources. Most construction, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical/gas/mechanical/plumbing work require permits under the adopted codes; verify minor finish-work exceptions with CCE. Municipal rules vary: Develop901 covers Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington, and unincorporated Shelby County, while Bartlett and Collierville require their own offices.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.