A monthly e-Newsletter from the Division of Planning and Development – August 2022

A Message from John Zeanah, Director

In July, DPD hosted architects, planners, engineers, and designers for a workshop to test proposed design guidelines for future development projects in Memphis. These design guidelines were developed to provide staff and applicants with design recommendations and model conditions, aiding in the project review process as well as implementing recommendations from the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan for higher quality building and site design.


By establishing these guidelines, the Division can set expectations for the type of design elements and approaches that should be used for new mixed-use and multi-unit residential buildings, providing more predictability for developers and landowners as well as better pedestrian environments. Most developments do not undergo an architectural review, but these design guidelines demonstrate what the City and County are interested in seeing, especially regarding consistency within communities. Final guidelines are anticipated to be available on our website later this month.


We are looking for candidates to fill three positions within our Division: Municipal Planner – Sustainability, Municipal Planner – Land Use Controls, and Permit Technician – Land Use Controls. The deadline to apply for each of these positions is Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Moving Together: 2050 Regional Transportation Plan

Join the Memphis MPO at an upcoming public meeting to review the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and hear more about the development of the MOVING TOGETHER: 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)!


For more information on the meetings, visit the Memphis MPO’s website. Also, be sure to take this quick survey to provide your input for the RTP!

Planning and Implementation
Lead Hazard Reduction Program

Homes built before 1978 present a unique lead hazard risk to the adults and children who live and spend time within them. When children are exposed to lead paint, they are at-risk of becoming lead poisoned, which can affect their growth and development. The Shelby County Department of Housing (SCDH) Lead Hazard Control Program provides free assistance to homeowners, landlords, and renters who want to act proactively against the risk of lead-based paint hazards and who want to protect children from adverse health-related effects.


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) 222-7600. 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.

Staff Announcements

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our Mechanical Inspector David Kelly. David served Shelby County for 4 years, having brought his many years of experience as a contractor to the role, showing dedication to the safety and well-being of Memphis and Shelby County citizens. In a part-time capacity, he also assisted the Town of Oakland as a Building Inspector when there was a dire need. The obituary can be read here.


Business & Technology Manager Colleen Funk joined the division last month, having had experience with the Shelby County Information Technology Services department.


Magaly Ramirez joined the Land Use and Development Services department as the new Zoning Examiner.


Senior Plumbing Inspector George Rodgers will be retiring at the end of this month after nearly 23 years with the Construction Code Enforcement department and Shelby County Government. We appreciate his knowledge and contributions to the Division and wish him a happy and peaceful retirement.


Plan Review Manager Rick Meister will be departing the Plan Review team and Construction Code Enforcement department after 4 years of serving Shelby County. He will become the Director of Building & Code Enforcement for St. Charles County, Missouri. We wish him the absolute best in his new endeavors.

Upcoming Public Meetings
The Division has returned to holding in-person meetings. Meetings will still be broadcast live on the Division's YouTube channel.

8/11/22 – Land Use Control Board

8/24/22 – Board of Adjustment

8/25/22 – Landmarks Commission

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