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Default rule and exceptions
Owner bears all costs of the building sewer, defined as "the extension from the building to the public sewer," also called the "house connection."
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Memphis Code 13-4-1: "Building sewer means the extension from the building to the public sewer or other place of disposal, also called house connection." Code 13-16-10: "All costs and expenses incidental to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner." |
| City / public agency | The city owns the public sewer; the owner indemnifies the city for damage from the building sewer. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 7, 2026.
Building sewer means the extension from the building to the public sewer or other place of disposal, also called "house connection."
All costs and expenses incidental to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner.
City rules rest on state law. Read Tennessee's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Memphis, TN?
The property owner. Memphis Code 13-4-1: "Building sewer means the extension from the building to the public sewer or other place of disposal, also called house connection." Code 13-16-10: "All costs and expenses incidental to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner."
What does the city cover in Memphis, TN?
The city owns the public sewer; the owner indemnifies the city for damage from the building sewer.
What is this based on for Memphis, TN?
This verdict is sourced to Sec. 13-4-1. - Definitions (Building sewer). and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Sec. 13-4-1. - Definitions (Building sewer).ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Sec. 13-16-10. - Connection to be at expense of owner; indemnification of city; construction.ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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