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 City of Lakeland, Tennessee
Where Quality of Life is a Way of Life

     

 

 
Legal Matters

 City of Lakeland's license and permit requirements, and the legal requirements may change without notice. Also see pages for Permits and Ordinances. For the official, up-to-date requirements on these subjects, please contact City Hall at 867-2717, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.  

Construction and Inspection

  • All construction, demolition, excavation, drainage and land-disturbance plans must be reviewed and permits issued by City officials and possibly specific City boards PRIOR to doing any work.
  • After approval, City officials will provide appropriate contacts for acquiring Shelby County permits, if necessary.

Firearms

Lakeland ordinances prohibit the discharge of weapons (including firearms, bow or other means) in the City limits except in the following areas:
  • In the protection of life
  • Law Enforcement Officers in their official functions
  • In an established and lawfully operating firing range or related business establishment or educational establishment, under lawful supervision
  • Military functions such as parades, funerals, or the firing of blank charges
  • On property which meets both of the following conditions:

Calls on the illegal discharge of weapons may be directed to the Shelby County Sheriff, 379-7625. 

Actual hunting is regulated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), which may establish more stringent regulations for hunting (such as limiting hunting within a certain distance of a house or business or road). For general hunting questions, call TWRA at 1-800-372-3928. For illegal hunting reports, call 1-800-831-1173. See the TWRA web site for additional information.

Pets

  • All pets must be on a leash when off the owner's private property and especially when in public areas, such as city parks.
  • All dogs and cats in Shelby County must be vaccinated for rabies.
  • All dogs must be licensed, always be under the owner's control and are not to run loose.
  • Parks rules requires everyone to clean up after their dogs or other animals.
  • If necessary, the City will start giving citations to violators to emphasize the need to comply with these rules.
  • Persons walking animals are reminded to clean up after the animal for health and sanitation reasons.

Vehicles

  • Vehicles may not be left on streets for more than 72 consecutive hours without permission from the City Manager.
  • Vehicles may not be repaired in the street except for emergencies.

  • Recreational Vehicles

    • Recreational vehicles, boats, campers, etc., may not be parked on any street at any time and must comply with city ordinances regarding permitted parking or storage. 
    • It is unlawful to keep inoperative vehicles on the lot for more than 10 days unless the vehicle is completely enclosed within a building. 
    • All premises must be kept clean and free of refuse.

Waterways

  • If runoff pattern is altered or increased, erosion control devices must be installed according to TDEC standards. For more information, contact City Hall at 867-2717. 
  • For any significant impact on ponds, creeks or streams (dredging, altering shore line, etc.), a Tennessee Department of Environment permit is required, 368-7939.
  • For Garner Lake, shore line alteration, building a dock or otherwise impacting on Garner Lake, the lake's owner, Terry Edwards, must also be consulted at 388-9176.

 

  
Driver's License

Tennessee driver licenses may be obtained at the State Highway Patrol Station, 6348 Summer Avenue, Memphis.

Vehicle Registration

State license plates can be obtained at the Shelby County Clerk's office or Sheriff's substation on Shelby Oaks Drive. All vehicles must be titled and licensed once the owner has established legal residence in Tennessee. Lakeland residents do not have to go through inspection.

Voter Registration

You may register in person or by mail at the Shelby County Election Commission, 157 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103; 545-4125. 


County Taxes

While the citizens of Lakeland do not currently pay any city real estate taxes, the Shelby County Government does impose real estate taxes that are paid directly to the county.

 
 

 

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Lakeland City Hall
10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, TN 38002
Regular business hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
Phone: (901) 867-2717  Fax: (901) 867-2063
SEWER After-Hours Emergencies Only: (901) 870-8594
Other After-Hours Emergencies: (901) 867-8920 (not for sewer!)
Life-Threatening Emergencies – Police, Fire, or Ambulance: Dial 911

 Copyright © 2009 City of Lakeland, TN