FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTIONS, CHARGES AND PERMITS

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 9, ch. 9-40

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-40-1 Definitions.

Sec. 9-40-1. - Definitions. For purposes of this chapter the following definitions and terms shall apply: Alteration means any addition, repair and/or replacement of any building. Applicant means the person who applies for an application. Building is any structure designed or built for the support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons, animals, chattels or property. Building code is the building codes of the City of Memphis and County of Shelby, as amended. Corporation means the entity in charge of a building and in control of its operation. Director means the director of fire services of the City of Memphis, or his or her designated representative. Division means the division of fire services of the City of Memphis. Fees include charges and permits as required by the fire prevention bureau. Fire prevention bureau is the authorized bureau established under the fire services division. Inspection means physical inspection of buildings, and shall include all tests as required by the rules and regulations prescribed in the Standard Fire Prevention Code adopted by the city. Inspector is the person appointed by the director to carry out inspections of buildings. Licensee includes the term individual and is the person officially in charge of any building and has control of the operations therein. New installation means new buildings constructed for any habitation and includes the application for permit and all accompanying documents necessary to complete the application. Operator includes the term individual and is the person officially in charge of any building and has control of the operations therein. Owner includes holder of legal title as well as holders of any equitable interest, such as trust beneficiaries, contract purchasers, option holders, lessees under leases having an unexpired term of at least ten years, and the like. Plans review means an inspection by the fire prevention inspector of the design of buildings or systems and/or installation layouts. Premises means a lot, plot or parcel of land, together with the buildings and structures thereon. (Code 1985, § 14-110; Ord. No. 4192, § 1, 6-22-1993)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-40-2 Fees, charges and permits established.

Sec. 9-40-2. - Fees, charges and permits established. There is established fire prevention inspection fees, charges and permits to defray part of the costs of administering the city's anti-neglect and/or dangerous derelict abandoned structures in multi-housing, commercial and industrial districts, regulations, chapter 14-8, which fees, charges and permits shall be payable by the applicant, the owner, the operator or the corporation, as set out in this chapter, prior to the physical inspection. The fees, charges and permits shall be billed by the fire prevention bureau on behalf of the city and the proceeds used exclusively by the city. (Code 1985, § 14-111; Ord. No. 4192, § 1, 6-22-1993)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-40-3 Fees deposited in anti-neglect administrative fund.

Sec. 9-40-3. - Fees deposited in anti-neglect administrative fund. All fire prevention inspection fees, charges and permits collected herein at the fire prevention bureau pursuant to section 9-40-2 shall be placed in the anti-neglect, administrative fund for the implementation of regulations of chapter 14-8, and used for the purposes stated herein. Beginning with the fiscal year 2004, all anti-neglect expenses for inspections and general operation of this department shall be funded out of the general fund of the city and fees collected shall be paid into the office of the city treasurer and placed in the general fund. (Code 1985, § 14-112; Ord. No. 4192, § 1, 6-22-1993)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-40-4 Fee schedules—Payable to fire prevention bureau.

Sec. 9-40-4. - Fee schedules—Payable to fire prevention bureau. Fees, charges and permits are hereinafter set out as follows, and shall apply to any applicant, owner, operation, licensee or corporation, as defined in this chapter: A. Original inspections. Original inspection for occupancies which require fire department approval for state licensing, including but not limited to: Day care centers | $75.00 Adult day care centers | $75.00 Residential board and care homes | $75.00 Day treatment centers | $75.00 Institutional occupancies | $100.00 Alcohol and drug care centers | $75.00 B. Yearly inspections. Annual re-inspection for occupancies which require fire department for state licensing, including but not limited to: Day care centers | $50.00 Adult day care centers | $50.00 Residential board and care homes | $50.00 Day treatment centers | $50.00 Institutional occupancies | $100.00 Alcohol and drug care centers | $50.00 C. Plans review for new installations. Following fees including plans review and two approval inspections for new installations. Fire pump installation | $25.00 Plus per 250 gpm | $50.00 Fire suppression system (hood and duct system) | $100.00 Smoke and heat detection system | $100.00 Standpipe system | $100.00 Sprinkler system (each system) | $100.00 Dry/wet chemical system | $100.00 Carbon dioxide system | $100.00 Foam system | $100.00 Fire alarm system: a. 1—5 stories | $100.00 b. 6 plus stories | $150.00 Transmitter installation for purpose of supervising a fire protection system | $50.00 Point of connection to fire alarm by central station to monitoring system | $50.00 Private fire hydrant installation | $50.00 Each additional fire hydrant | $25.00 Flammable liquid storage room | $75.00 Flammable liquid storage building | $100.00 Hazardous chemical storage room | $75.00 Hazardous chemical storage building | $100.00 Paint spray booth | $50.00 Paint spray room/area | $100.00 Installation of inside/outside above ground flammable/combustible liquid storage tank | $100.00 Installation of inside/outside above ground hazardous chemical storage tank | $100.00 Liquid petroleum storage tank (120 gallons plus) | $100.00 Cryogenic storage tank | $100.00 D. Plans review for alterations. Fees include plans review and two approval inspections. Fire suppression system (hood and duct system) | $50.00 Smoke and heat detection system | $100.00 Halon system | $50.00 Dry/wet chemical system | $50.00 Carbon dioxide system | $50.00 Foam system | $50.00 Sprinkler system (10+ heads) | $50.00 Fire alarm system: a. 1—5 stories | $50.00 b. 6 plus stories | $75.00 Flammable liquid storage room | $75.00 Flammable liquid storage building | $100.00 Hazardous chemical storage room | $75.00 Hazardous chemical storage building | $100.00 Paint spray booth | $50.00 Paint spray room area | $100.00 Installation of inside/outside above ground flammable/combustible liquid storage tank | $100.00 Installation of inside/outside above ground hazardous chemical storage tank | $100.00 Liquid petroleum storage tank (120 gallons plus) | $100.00 Cryogenic storage tank | $100.00 E. Miscellaneous permits and fees. Fireworks, pyrotechnic, or flame effect display (Standby firefighter requires additional cost) | $25.00 Tent inspection (over 400 square feet) | $25.00 Cutting and welding | $25.00 Flammable and combustible liquid underground tank test | $50.00 Flammable and combustible liquid line test | $50.00 Flammable and combustible liquid tank removal | $50.00 Use, handle or store explosives | $50.00 Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle (annual) | $50.00 901 fire report | $10.00 Fire investigation report | $25.00 Fire inspection report: a. First page | $10.00 b. Each additional page | $1.00 Fire inspection required by alcohol commission | $50.00 Fire inspection photos (per each photo) | $10.00 Permit for approved, controlled, open burning | $50.00 Inspection requested for insurance (charge per hour or similar purpose) | $25.00 High piled combustible storage, exceeding 500 square feet (for compliance with chapter 32, International Fire Code) | $100.00 (Code 1985, § 14-113; Ord. No. 4192, § 1, 6-22-1993; Ord. No. 5700, § (a), 8-28-2018; Ord. No. 5809, 11-16-2021)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-40-5 Penalties.

Sec. 9-40-5. - Penalties. A. Additional inspections required in connection with the permit approval, after the first two inspections, shall be billed at a rate of $25.00 per man hour. B. For applications submitted less than 48 hours in advance of date permit is needed, include additional $25.00 fee. C. Failure to obtain permit approval prior to installation and/or construction shall result in double permit fees. (Code 1985, § 14-114; Ord. No. 4192, § 1, 6-22-1993)

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=TIT9HESA_CH9-40FIPRINCHPEFetched: 10/28/2026