What's New in DPD

November 2025

Prepare for the Winter Ahead!

As the seasons change, residents should consider any home maintenance or weatherization tasks that could help them prepare their homes for upcoming winter. Our Mechanical Inspectors compiled a list of tips to help you prepare for the season ahead.

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Check for drafts, and seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulking.
Service Your Heating System (and Change Your Air Filter!)
Clean vents and ducts, and ensure your thermostat is working correctly.
Protect the Pipes from Freezing Temps
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Shut off and cover your outdoor faucets.
Let faucets drip during extreme cold temperatures to prevent freezing.
Check the Roof and Gutters
Clean leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice damns.
Inspect roof shingles and flashing for damage or leaks.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace batteries and test alarms as heating systems increase winter risk.
Install detectors on every level of your home.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Set fans to spin clockwise on low to push warm air down.
Inspect Insulation
Check attic, basement, and crawl space insulation levels.
Add insultation where needed to reduce heat loss.
Prepare Emergency Supplies
Stock blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.

If you have questions or concerns about more in-depth maintenance or repairs for your heating system—especially if they may require assistance from a licensed contractor—call the Mechanical Section at (901) 222-8396 to find out when you’ll need a licensed professional to step in and assist.

The Building Beat: NEW Tiny Home Episode Series

A new episode of our division podcast, The Building Beat, is available now! This month’s episode is part two in the Tiny Home series, covering zoning guidance concerning tiny, manufactured, and modular homes.

Building Official Rita Anderson interviews Land Use and Development Services Manager Lucas Skinner about what builders and property owners need to know about land use and zoning.

Episodes are released the first Monday of each month and are available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music.

Lead Hazard Reduction Program

Program Manager Anita Tate was interviewed for a recent FOX13 investigation concerning the hazardous effects of lead found in older homes and how this phenomenon affects children’s growth and development. The interview and article can be found here.

If you or someone you know lives in a home built before 1978 and also has a child or children (6 years or younger) who spend time in the home, then contact the SCDH Lead Hazard Control Program about a free lead inspection at (901) 222-LEAD. Eligible residents may receive free lead paint removal services. For more information about the program, visit this site.

Applications are now accepted online via the website Neighborly. Use this site to register and create a new account before beginning an application.

Staff Announcements

At the 2025 American Planning Association, Tennessee Chapter Annual Conference, the Regional Transportation Planning department (Memphis MPO) was recognized for their work on the Memphis Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan. This plan was created collaboratively with the Office of Sustainability and Resilience (OSR). Congratulations to MPO and OSR!

Upcoming Public Meetings

Public meetings are held in-person and are broadcast live on the Division’s YouTube channel. To view each meeting's public notice, click the board below.

Subscribe to Watch Meetings!

November 13, 2025 – Land Use Control Board

November 19, 2025 – Board of Adjustment

November 20, 2025 – Landmarks Commission

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