Building permits and zoning in Germantown

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Germantown Planning Division, Engineering Permits and Memphis and Shelby County Construction Enforcement.

Building in Germantown involves two governments. The City of Germantown decides what may be built where (zoning, design review, grading, driveways, demolition), and Memphis and Shelby County Construction Enforcement reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects new buildings in Germantown, as it does in Memphis, Arlington, Lakeland, Millington and unincorporated Shelby County. The county says a separate zoning approval letter from Germantown is always required before a building permit is issued here.

Who to call

• Zoning, setbacks, fences, home improvement rules: Germantown Code Compliance, 901-757-7281, CodeCompliance@Germantown-TN.gov
• Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review: Planning Division Manager Sarah Goralewski, 901-757-7295; planners Staci Tillman, 901-751-7623, and Lillian Haddock, 901-751-5643
• Grading, demolition, foundation and right-of-way permits: Germantown Engineering, 901-751-5720, Engineeringpermits@Germantown-TN.gov
• Easements and right of way on your lot: City Engineer, 901-757-7287
• Building permits and inspections: Shelby County Construction Enforcement, Develop901 portal; design questions 901-636-7384; contractor licensing 901-222-8390

Step 1: check the zoning

The city’s zoning map shows the district for every lot. The rules are in the Germantown Code of Ordinances:

• zoning: Chapter 23
• subdivision regulations: Chapter 17
• signs: Chapter 14
• trees: Chapter 22
• fences: Chapter 6

The city’s home improvement page covers additions, fences, detached buildings and pools for single-family homes. Permanent structures are not allowed in easements, and owners are limited in what they may put in the public right of way. Projects in the Old Germantown district and new commercial, multifamily and institutional buildings also go to the Design Review Commission, which applies the Design Review Commission Manual.

A zoning verification letter is requested on the city’s Planning forms page, which also has the Planning Commission, BZA and DRC applications and the Planning fee schedule. Only complete applications are accepted, and the filing deadline is 3 p.m.

Step 2: city engineering permits

Germantown Engineering issues four permits through its online portal, and a valid city business tax license is required for all site work:

• Demolition: removing a structure and capping utilities
• Grading: site preparation, drainage, excavation, pools and other land disturbance
• Foundation: foundation work and new utility connections before a building permit
• Right-of-way: sidewalks, driveways, curb repairs, fiber and utility cabinets

The city says demolition and pool permits are processed by both the city and Shelby County. City construction inspectors cover all construction in the city except the buildings themselves, which the county inspects.

Step 3: the building permit

Apply through the county’s Develop901 citizen portal. The county lists these points on its Construction Enforcement page:

• Germantown enforces the same adopted building codes as Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County, including the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments.
• Paper plans are still accepted for one- and two-family homes; commercial plans must be submitted electronically.
• A homeowner may build, alter or add to a single-family home for their own use, not for sale or rent, under state law. Licensed contractors must do mechanical, plumbing and electrical work, and a statement of ownership is required. The county posts a homeowner affidavit.
• State-licensed contractors must register their licenses with the county office.

Meetings: when the boards sit

From the city’s 2026 meeting and deadline calendar. Planning Commission, BZA and DRC meetings are in the City Hall council chambers, 1930 S. Germantown Road.

The Planning Commission and DRC hold executive sessions at 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting. The city’s current development projects map shows what is under review.

What this means for you

• Start with the city: zoning letter, and any grading, pool or driveway permit.
• Then apply to Shelby County for the building permit.
• A variance goes to the Board of Zoning Appeals; check the filing deadline on the city calendar.

Related: property taxes, who to call at City Hall and moving to Germantown.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues building permits in Germantown, Tennessee?

Memphis and Shelby County Construction Enforcement reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects buildings in Germantown. A separate zoning approval letter from the City of Germantown is always required first.

Does Germantown require a permit for a fence or a pool?

Fences fall under Chapter 6 of the city code and pools need a city grading permit; pool and demolition permits are processed by both the city and Shelby County. Call city Code Compliance at 901-757-7281 before you build.

When does the Germantown Planning Commission meet?

The first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 1930 S. Germantown Road. The next meetings are Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.

Can a homeowner pull their own building permit in Shelby County?

Yes. Under state law an owner may build or alter a single-family home for their own use, not for sale or rent, but licensed contractors must do the mechanical, plumbing and electrical work.