Memphis City Council approves zoning changes, multiple contracts and ordinance updates in unanimous votes

The Memphis City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to approve a series of zoning, development and administrative items, award and amend multiple utility contracts, and adopt an ordinance adding provisions on deadly weapons and extreme protection orders.

The measures passed include amendments to the Unified Development Code, special-use permits and plats, multiple Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) contract awards and renewals, the naming of a community pool, a property sale, and a transfer of $600,624 into a fiscal year 2025 capital-improvement project for Westwood Pool repairs.

Why it matters: the package advances several neighborhood-level development actions and authorizes multi-million-dollar utility contracts that affect city operations and infrastructure. The council also cleared an ordinance that adds enforcement provisions related to deadly weapons and extreme protection orders.

Most consequential items - Unified Development Code change (Ordinance No. 5925): The council approved an amendment to remove a section of the White Station residential corridor overlay (case RC24-02) on third and final reading. The item was considered as amended and passed after a committee recommendation. Council member Carlisle recused from this item. The motion carried.

- Planned development (PD24-14): The council approved a planned development on the south side of Sanderlyn Avenue and north side of Willis Drive (sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development). The item was amended in committee and then approved.

- Special-use permits and paper-alley closure: The council…