PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 13, ch. 13-12

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-1 Required when public sanitary sewer not available.

Sec. 13-12-1. - Required when public sanitary sewer not available. Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of [section] 13-8-3, the sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provision of this chapter. (Code 1985, § 33-41; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-2 Permit—Required—Application and fees.

Sec. 13-12-2. - Permit—Required—Application and fees. Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the division of public works. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished to the applicant, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other information, which may be deemed necessary by the regulatory agency. A permit and inspection fee as designated by the regulatory agency shall be paid at the time application is filed. The permit and inspection fee of $25.00, to help defray the cost of plan review and construction inspection, shall be paid to the city and shall be placed in an account designated as "sewer collection and treatment fund." (Code 1985, § 33-42; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-3 Permit required-effective date; notification of completion of work; inspection.

Sec. 13-12-3. - Permit required-effective date; notification of completion of work; inspection. A private sewage disposal system shall not operate until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the applicable governmental entity for which approval is required (e.g., TDEC, Health Department) The city shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction, and, in any event, the entity seeking to operate a private sewage disposal system shall notify the city when the work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portions are covered. (Code 1985, § 33-43; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-4 Design and other specifications—Discharge to natural outlet prohibited.

Sec. 13-12-4. - Design and other specifications—Discharge to natural outlet prohibited. The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the state regulatory agency and the city. No septic tank or cesspool shall directly discharge to any natural outlet. (Code 1985, § 33-44; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-5 Connection to public sewer upon availability—Filling of abandoned facilities required—Hardship exemptions.

Sec. 13-12-5. - Connection to public sewer upon availability—Filling of abandoned facilities required—Hardship exemptions. At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with chapters 13-8, 13-12, 13-16, 13-28 and 13-32 of this title, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material, as required by the state regulatory agency and/or the city. In the event a person cannot make immediate connection, application may be made for a hardship exemption. Proof of hardship is incumbent upon the applicant. The division of public works may grant a hardship exemption, not to exceed 12 months, as long as no health hazard exists or is imminent. (Code 1985, § 33-45; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-6 Maintenance and manner of operation.

Sec. 13-12-6. - Maintenance and manner of operation. The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city. The removal of septage (septic contents) from private sewage disposal facilities shall be performed by individuals licensed to perform such work. (Code 1985, § 33-46; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-7 Private industrial disposal as exception to [chapters 13-8 and 13-28] provisions.

Sec. 13-12-7. - Private industrial disposal as exception to [chapters 13-8 and 13-28] provisions. Nothing in [chapters 13-8 and 13-28] of this [title] shall exclude the right of any industry or other facility to properly directly discharge its wastewater, after proper treatment in accordance with an NPDES permit, as applicable, into any stream designated by the State of Tennessee. (Code 1985, § 33-47; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 13-12-8 Penalty for violation.

Sec. 13-12-8. - Penalty for violation. Any person using the city storm sewers and drain system or any part thereof in violation of chapters 13-4 through 13-24 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to punishment as provided in section 1-24-1. (Code 1985, § 33-48; Ord. No. 4023, § 1, 3-26-1991; Ord. No. 5793, § 2, 8-17-2021)

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=TIT13PUSE_CH13-12PRSEDIFetched: 10/28/2026