Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement in Memphis, TN?

Yes. Replacing plumbing or gas systems needs a permit, pulled by a licensed and registered contractor (owners only where state and local law allow).

What changes the answer

• Licensed, registered contractor

Note: No project-specific official page found; based on the general permit rule.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Construction Enforcement fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.develop901.com/construction-enforcement

Where to apply

Memphis and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement (Develop901 portal)

Permitting authority: Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement (Division of Planning and Development). Construction Enforcement serves Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington and unincorporated Shelby County. Based on the local amendments to the 2021 residential and plumbing codes. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system or to cause any such work to be done shall first hire or cause to be hired a licensed and/or registered Contractor.”

Source: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39435/2021-IPC-Amendments-Final

“Building permits may be issued to the property and building owner when so allowed by the Memphis and Shelby County Technical Codes and the State of Tennessee Contractors’ License Laws.”

Source: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39435/2021-IPC-Amendments-Final

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: medium