Planning a kitchen or bath remodel in Memphis and not sure if you need a permit? You’re not alone. Permits can feel intimidating, but they protect your home, your budget, and your resale value. In this guide, you’ll learn when permits are required, how the Develop901 portal works, what fees and timelines to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.
What needs a permit in Memphis
Most kitchen and bathroom projects need permits if you change structure, plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, or gas. Memphis and Shelby County use the shared online portal called Develop901 for applications, fees, and inspections. You can review the portal’s role and how it streamlines permits in this overview of Develop901.
Work that usually needs a permit
- Residential alteration building permit: removing or altering walls, changing framing, adding openings, or other structural changes. See how permits are handled through Develop901’s system overview.
- Plumbing permit: moving fixtures, adding drains/vents, or altering pressurized supply lines. The state’s consumer guidance explains typical triggers for trade permits in Tennessee’s contractor tips.
- Electrical permit: adding or reconfiguring circuits, dedicated range/oven circuits, moving wiring in walls, or panel/service changes. See the same Tennessee tips for electrical work basics.
- Mechanical/HVAC permit: new or changed ventilation, ductwork, or bathroom exhaust tied to ducts. Covered in the state’s guidance.
- Gas permit: new or relocated gas lines or appliances like gas ranges or tankless water heaters. The state tips stress permits and inspections for gas work.
- Historic district approvals: exterior changes visible from the street may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Memphis Landmarks Commission. Review the process via the Memphis Landmarks Commission page.
When a permit is not usually required
- Cosmetic-only updates like paint, replacing cabinets in the same footprint, new countertops, or floor covering often do not require a building permit. If you open walls or alter plumbing, electrical, gas, or ducts, permits are usually required. When in doubt, confirm your scope through Develop901’s permitting overview or call DPD.
The Develop901 process step by step
1) Define scope and confirm triggers
List every change to walls, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas. Structural or system changes usually require permits. Memphis and Shelby County run permitting online through Develop901, described in this local portal overview.
2) Apply online and upload plans
- Fill out the application in the portal.
- Provide the address, owner and contractor information, and license details if a contractor is applying.
- Add a scope description. Structural changes often require drawings that show walls to be removed/added and fixture or outlet locations. Larger structural work may need engineered plans. The process is outlined in this summary of the portal.
3) Fees and timing
Permit fees vary by type and project value. Local records show many residential alteration fees in the low hundreds for small remodels, with examples ranging from about $25 to several hundred dollars. See public permit examples in this local permit record extract, then use the portal for your exact fee. Simple permits can be issued quickly, while projects needing plan review can take several weeks. The online portal lets you track status and pay fees as noted in the Develop901 coverage.
4) Inspections and final sign-off
Common inspection milestones include rough-in for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical before walls are closed, plus finals for each trade and the building permit. Accela-based portals let you request and schedule inspections online. For a look at how scheduling works in Accela, review the Civic Platform user guide.
Contractor licensing in Tennessee
Licensing protects you and your home. Tennessee requires a state contractor’s license for projects of 25,000 dollars or more, and specialty licenses for trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Shelby County also enforces home-improvement licensing within certain price ranges. Verify license status and learn thresholds in the state’s business resources guide, and review consumer guidance in the Tennessee contractor tips. The state also shares warnings to avoid home-improvement fraud in this consumer alert.
Common kitchen and bath scenarios
Moving a sink or adding an island
Relocating fixtures or adding new drains and vents almost always needs a plumbing permit and rough-in inspection before closing walls. See typical permit triggers in the state’s consumer tips.
Removing a wall
Non-load-bearing walls may only need a simpler alteration permit. Load-bearing walls usually require structural documentation and plan review. If you are unsure, consult an engineer or ask DPD. Learn how these reviews flow through Develop901.
Swapping cabinets and countertops
Purely in-kind replacements typically do not need a building permit. If you open walls, move outlets, or change plumbing, trade permits are required. Confirm your exact scope with DPD.
Gas ranges and water heaters
New or relocated gas lines and appliances require a gas permit and inspection. The state’s tips outline why licensed, permitted gas work is critical.
Historic districts and exterior vents
If your home is in a local historic district and you plan exterior changes visible from the street, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before pulling permits. Start with the Memphis Landmarks Commission page.
Why permits matter for homeowners and sellers
- Safety and code: inspections catch unsafe wiring, improper drain slope, missing venting, and structural issues. See the state’s guidance in the Tennessee contractor tips.
- Insurance and liability: unpermitted work can lead to denied claims and costly corrections. Review the state’s consumer alert on home-improvement fraud.
- Resale and disclosure: buyers, lenders, and appraisers often ask for permits and finals. Develop901 keeps public records that help with disclosure and closings, as noted in this overview of the portal.
- Enforcement: code officials can require demolition or rework of unpermitted work and may assess fines. The consumer alert explains why proper permitting and licensing matter.
Quick checklist before you start
- Check if your property is in a local historic district and whether a COA is required: start with the Memphis Landmarks Commission page.
- Define your scope in detail. Anything beyond cosmetic likely needs permits. See the state’s contractor tips.
- Verify contractor licensing for your budget and scope. For 25,000 dollars and above, a state contractor’s license is required. Learn more in the business resources guide and the consumer alert.
- Create your Develop901 account and be ready to upload plans, track review status, and schedule inspections, as outlined in this Develop901 overview.
- Keep copies of approvals and final inspections for insurance, refinance, and resale. The Develop901 summary highlights the value of online records.
Ready for your remodel plan?
If you’re planning a kitchen or bath update as part of a future sale or a new purchase, we can help you think through timing, value, and resale impact. For neighborhood-smart guidance and introductions to vetted local resources, reach out to the Holtermann Home Team.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a Memphis bathroom remodel if I’m only replacing fixtures?
- In-kind replacements may not need a building permit, but any plumbing, electrical, or vent changes usually require trade permits. Confirm your exact scope with DPD or through the Develop901 portal resources noted in the local overview.
How long do small kitchen permits take in Memphis?
- Simple permits can be issued quickly; projects needing plan review can take several weeks. Use the portal to track status and plan your timeline.
Who should pull Memphis permits, the homeowner or contractor?
- Licensed contractors typically pull trade permits; homeowners can pull owner permits but assume full responsibility for code compliance and inspections. Always verify licensing and agree in writing who will pull permits.
How much do residential alteration permits cost in Memphis?
- Fees vary by scope and valuation, but public records show small remodels often in the low hundreds, sometimes lower. Use the portal for exact fees on your address.
Do historic district rules affect a new kitchen vent in Memphis?
- Yes, exterior changes visible from the street in local historic districts may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before permitting. Check with the Memphis Landmarks Commission first.
