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Council approves special-use permit for 1507 Airways Blvd with conditions requiring compliance with tire ordinance
Summary
The Memphis City Council approved a special-use permit for 1507 Airways Boulevard Oct. 7, permitting used-tire sales only under conditions that require full compliance with the city's tire ordinance and other site regulations.
The Memphis City Council on Oct. 7 approved a special-use permit under chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code for 1507 Airways Boulevard (Case SUP2025-518) with conditions that regulate used-tire sales and require compliance with the city's tire ordinance.
Council members raised neighborhood concerns about used tires creating eyesores and potential public-health nuisances. Applicant Dawson Dickerson, owner of DMDs LLC at 1507/1511 Airways Boulevard, testified that all tires currently on the property are stored indoors and that no tires are visible from any street during or after business hours. Planning staff said the Land Use Control Board and the Department of Planning and Zoning recommended approval with conditions.
Council and staff discussed enforcement mechanisms if tires were stored outside in the future. Quateris Gilchrist, Environmental Enforcement, said the city enforces the tire ordinance (ordinance cited in council discussion) through education, follow-up inspections, and permit revocation or suspension procedures when property owners fail to comply. Council members noted that the council retains the authority to revoke special-use permits or trigger enforcement if conditions are not met.
The council removed an initial blanket prohibition on used-tire sales and replaced it with a condition permitting used-tire sales "subject to full compliance with ordinance number 58-75 (tire ordinance adopted by the Memphis City Council on 07/25/2023)." Additional conditions related to photometric plans and site layout were adopted as discussed at the prior meeting. The item passed on the council floor after the vice chair moved approval and Spinoza seconded.
Council members emphasized ongoing oversight: several said they will "drive by" the site and expect prompt enforcement if conditions lapse. Planning staff reminded the body that the most significant remedy for noncompliance is revocation of the zoning approval if stipulated conditions are violated.
