Restaurant Compliance Checklist for Memphis, Tennessee
Before You Sign the Lease
Business formation, entity registration, zoning verification
Including 18 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDuring Build-Out
Health permits, fire safety, key licenses — the critical path
Including 17 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistHiring & Training
Employee compliance, certifications, workplace posters
- Backflow Prevention Device CertificationInitial inspection: 1-2 weeks after scheduling; Device certification: 1-4 weeks depending on whether upgrades are needed; Annual recertification: Ongoing requirement
Including 18 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDon't Miss a Permit in Memphis, Tennessee
ApronPrep tracks all 62 requirements and alerts you before deadlines.
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Cost Summary
| Requirement | Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate | State | Not specified on page |
| Backflow Prevention Device Certification | Local | Contact MLGW Commercial Services for current certification and testing fees; annual recertification fees typically apply |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Local | Contact authority for current fees; typical Certificate of Occupancy inspection fees range from $200-$500 depending on square footage |
| City of Memphis Outdoor Dining Permit (if applicable) | Local | Contact City of Memphis Planning and Development Department for current application fee |
| Electrical Permit | Local | Contact Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for current permit fee schedule |
| Fire Department Operational Permit | Local | Variable by permit type - Examples: Aerosol Products permit $119.00 (12 months); Afterhours Inspection available; consult specific permit detail sheet for applicable fees |
| Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit | Local | Not specified on page |
| Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit | Local | Contact Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) - plans review fee amount not specified on available page content. Fee covers entire construction process including plans review, approval, and all DSFM field inspections. |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | Local | Contact Shelby County Construction Enforcement for current mechanical permit fees - see Permit Fee Schedule for 2022 baseline rates at https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39428/2022-BUILDING-FEE-SCHEDULE |
| Outdoor Seating/Sidewalk Café Permit | Local | $333 application fee (Cashier Code 24, Account 101-000-476.130) |
| Plumbing Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees - fees vary based on scope of plumbing work |
| Sign Permit | Local | Contact Department of Planning and Development for current renewal fee amounts |
| Water and Sewer Connection Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees - typically ranges from $150-$500 depending on connection complexity |
| Zoning Compliance Letter | Local | Contact authority for current fees. Processing options available: Basic (6+ working days) or Expedited (under 5 working days) at different rates |
Total: $802–$1452
Filing fees only. Does not include insurance, build-out, or consultant fees.
Other Establishment Types in Memphis, Tennessee
Bar / Nightclub
Net change: +4 requirements
Food Truck
Net change: +0 requirements
Coffee Shop / Café
Net change: -2 requirements
Bakery / Patisserie
Net change: +1 requirements
Ghost Kitchen / Cloud Kitchen
Net change: -4 requirements
Catering Company
Net change: +3 requirements
Fast Food / QSR
Net change: +1 requirements
Brewery / Brewpub
Net change: +2 requirements
Opening a restaurant in Memphis requires a total of 62 distinct compliance requirements, which are a combination of permits, licenses, and registrations. These are split between three levels of government: 21 federal requirements, 20 from the state of Tennessee, and 21 specific to the City of Memphis.
The complete regulatory approval process typically takes between 6 and 14 weeks, assuming applications are filed sequentially without major errors or delays. The timeline is heavily dependent on the specific requirements from the City of Memphis and Shelby County, which often involve inspections and plan reviews.
Total government filing fees for all required permits range from approximately $802 to $1,452. This wide range is due to variable costs like the City of Memphis's health permit fees, which are based on seating capacity, and state liquor license fees, which are determined by the type of alcohol service.
No, you cannot legally open for business to the public before securing all mandatory permits. Operating without key authorizations like the City of Memphis Certificate of Occupancy or Tennessee Department of Revenue sales tax permit can result in immediate closure, fines, and legal liability. Not legal advice.
About This Data
Forms & permits for Memphis, Tennessee
Field-by-field guides to every requirement we cover in Memphis, Tennessee.
- ADA Compliance Self-Certification
- Alarm System Permit/Registration
- Annual Report Filing
- Application for Employer Identification Number
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp
- Backflow Prevention Device Certification
- Building Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy
- City Business License/Registration
- City of Memphis Outdoor Dining Permit (if applicable)
- E-Verify Enrollment
- EFTPS Enrollment (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) (2026) |
- Electrical Permit
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act Poster (20
- Employee's Withholding Certificate
- Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return
- Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income
- Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Poster
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
- Fire Department Operational Permit
- Food Establishment Plan Review
- Food Handler Permit
- Food Service Establishment License
- Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
- Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit
- Hazard Communication Program and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Liquor License (Local Approval)
- Mechanical/HVAC Permit
- Memphis Alcohol Server Training Certification
- Memphis Food Protection Manager Certification
- Memphis Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
- Memphis Liquor-by-the-Drink Restaurant License
- Memphis Quarterly Contribution and Wage Report
- Memphis Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Poster
- Memphis Tennessee Liquor License (On-Premises)
- Memphis Tennessee Workers' Compensation Poster
- Memphis Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements
- New Hire Reporting
- OSHA Form 300A - Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (
- OSHA Job Safety and Health - It's the Law Poster
- Plumbing Permit
- Sign Permit
- Tennessee Beer Permit
- Tennessee Business Tax Registration
- Tennessee Child Labor Poster
- Tennessee Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance
- Tennessee Franchise and Excise Tax Registration
- Tennessee Retail Food Establishment License
- Tennessee Sales Tax Registration
- Tennessee Unemployment Insurance Poster
- Trade Name/DBA Registration
- Wage and Tax Statement
- Water and Sewer Connection Permit
- Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- Your Rights Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemploym
- Zoning Compliance Letter
Don't Miss a Permit in Memphis, Tennessee
ApronPrep tracks all 62 requirements, alerts you before deadlines, and auto-fills your forms.