Approval review.
Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-95-4
in effectSec. 2-95-4. - Approval review.
A. Review committee.
1. Completed applications will be submitted to the review committee for further consideration.
a. Applications shall be submitted to permits office for preliminary review. Permits office shall forward completed applications with eligible proposed sites to the review committee;
b. The review committee shall have five members. The review committee will contain at least one representative from legal, public works, engineering, and parks as well as a designated legislative representative. Legislative representative shall have the ability to request a discussion during the public works, solid waste, transportation and general service committee. If requested, the item will be placed on the first subsequent committee meeting following the request with the permission of the chairman of the public works, solid waste, transportation and general service committee;
c. The review committee will route application materials to their respective divisions/departments for comments and conditions re: design/installation approval;
d. Notification of application will be provided to council members for the district where proposed artwork is to be located;
e. Once an application is set for a public meeting, applicant must submit proof of public notice regarding the meeting. Must provide all required notices:
i. Posting notice on proposed location outlining date, time, and location of public meeting;
ii. Written notice to adjacent or adjoining property owners outlining date, time, and location of public meeting;
iii. Written notice to any church and/or school located within 500 feet from the proposed location when measured along a center line of streets from point to point or within a 250-foot radius in any other direction from the proposed location outlining date, time, and location of public meeting.
2. The review committee shall conduct public meetings.
a. Public meetings will be held by the review committee where applicants will present proposed artwork.
b. Community members may attend and comment in support or opposition of the proposed artwork and/or placement.
c. Decision made by review committee by majority vote to approve application, deny application, or request additional information.
d. The review committee will review the public art procedures and guidelines annually.
B. Modification or denial.
1. The permits office and review committee shall act promptly upon a timely filed application for community initiated public art.
2. The review committee may modify the request to be different from that requested by the applicant in a manner that protects the lives, safety, health, welfare and property of the general public.
3. Upon receipt of written notice, and applicant desiring to accept the modifications must file a written notice of acceptance with the permits office within three business days.
4. The review committee shall issue in writing a denial and reasons thereof to the applicant.
C. Appeals procedure.
1. Any applicant shall have the right to appeal the permits office's denial of a public art approval to the city council. The denied applicant shall make the appeal within five calendar days after receipt of the denial by filing a written notice with the permits office and a copy of the notice to the review committee.
(Ord. No. 5727, 11-5-2019)
Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2-95COINPUARPR_S2-95-4APREFetched: 10/28/2026