Shelby County Charter and Code of Ordinances

The Shelby County Code is comprised of the Charter and Code of Ordinances.  The Shelby County Charter was approved by the voters of Shelby County, Tennessee on August 2, 1984 and became effective September 1, 1986.  A constitution for the operation of Shelby County's government, the Shelby County Charter places the power to effectively operate government in the hands of the citizens of Shelby County.  The Shelby County Code of Ordinances contains the laws of Shelby County and the ordinances are applicable in the unincorporated areas of Shelby County.  The Shelby County Board of Commissioners is the legislative body empowered to adopt such ordinances.

In order for an ordinance to be adopted, it must first be read on three different days in open session of the full Shelby County Board of Commissioners.  As required by the Shelby County Charter, most ordinances are adopted after receiving a majority vote of the membership of the Board of Commissioners but a few require a two-thirds majority vote in order to be adopted.  Once an ordinance is approved by the Board of Commissioners, it goes to the Mayor for his signature.  If the Mayor signs the ordinance, it becomes law fifteen days after its passage unless a later date is provided for in the ordinance.  Should the Mayor veto an ordinance,  it is returned to the Board of Commissioners for action within thirty days.  A majority plus one vote by the Board of Commissioners is necessary to override the Mayor's veto, except for ordinances that require a two-thirds majority vote which requires a two-thirds majority vote to override the Mayor's veto.  If the Mayor chooses not to sign or veto an ordinance, it will automatically be come law after a 10-day period or later if a specific date is contained within the ordinance.

Copies of all proposed ordinances are available during regular business hours at the office of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners located at 160 North Main Street, Suite 450 or online at www.shelbycountytn.gov.

To view and search the Shelby County Charter, CLICK HERE.   

To download a copy of the Shelby County Charter, CLICK HERE.  (pdf file)

To view and search the Code of Ordinances, CLICK HERE.

To view other Tennessee city and county charters and/or codes of ordinances, CLICK HERE.