What's New in DPD

September 2025

The Takeover: A New Initiative from Signs & Zoning Enforcement

The Takeover is a proactive enforcement initiative launched by the Signs and Zoning Enforcement team to close the gaps left by the traditional complaint-driven system.


The goal is simple but powerful: cleaner streetscapes, stronger enforcement, and a visible commitment to protecting community standards across the City and County. 


Inspectors actively enforce the Unified Development Code (UDC) to ensure that violations are identified and addressed. As they report violations they find in the field, repeated inspections will occur until violations are corrected. Inspectors can document and cite these violations while performing their daily inspections. 


Common violations include parking lot vendors, dog kennels and roosters in residential neighborhoods, various commercial enterprises in a residential neighborhood, and use of residential property as a party or event center. 


Community members can continue to report violations they observe online via the Shelby County Mayor’s Action Center or by calling (901) 636-7384


Memphis 3.0 Update: Public Workshops in September

Memphis 3.0 is more than just a plan; it's an opportunity for residents to become the heroes of their own neighborhood stories. By voicing their priorities for the future, residents can help shape a dynamic and equitable city.


The Comprehensive Planning department is wrapping up their public workshop series with the last three Planning districts: Oakhaven/Parkway Village, Southeast, and Cordova. Use the links below to RSVP to show your interest in attending as we move forward together, shaping the future of Memphis.


Below are the upcoming public workshops for September:


Thursday, September 18      Oakhaven/Parkway Village District Workshop #3 – Zoning

Thursday, September 25      Cordova District Workshop #1 – District Priorities

The Building Beat: New Episode!

A new episode of our division podcast, The Building Beat, is available now! On this month’s episode, Deputy Building Official Mario Moton interviews Senior Plans Examiner John Storms and discusses the goals and duties of Plan Review, a team of Plan Examiners who review building plans for various permits to ensure that they are code compliant.


John and Mario share what all is involved in the review process, how long the process takes on average, and why their reviews are so important before permits are issued and construction begins.


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

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.


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.


The Lead Hazard Control Program is continuing to get the word out about lead remediation with their new MATA bus advertisements, shown below.

Staff Announcements

Tejal Shah joined the Regional Transportation Planning department as the new Accountant B.


Grayson Vincent joined the Comprehensive Planning department as a new Planner I.

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!


September 11, 2025 – Land Use Control Board

September 24, 2025 – Board of Adjustment

September 25, 2025 – Landmarks Commission

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