Do I need a permit for garage conversion in Memphis?

Most likely yes. Garage conversion usually requires a permit in Tennessee. Confirm the specifics with Memphis.

Turning a garage into living space adds wiring for new rooms or spaces, which Rule 0780-02-01-.04 requires to be inspected, so an electrical permit is needed from the state program or your local electrical program. Converting an existing building into a dwelling is a change of occupancy that needs a state building permit where the state residential program applies. That covers a detached garage turned into a separate living unit. Cities and counties that enforce their own residential code decide whether an attached garage conversion needs a building permit, and it commonly does. Confirm with your local codes office. Where the state code applies, residential energy rules come from the 2018 IECC or Chapter 11 of the 2018 IRC, as adopted with Tennessee amendments. Turning a garage into a bedroom, living room, office or apartment changes it to habitable space, which must meet the code for living areas, such as insulation, heating, ceiling height, light, and an emergency escape opening in any sleeping room. A conversion normally needs a building permit, and often electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits too. Zoning may also require you to keep off-street parking or limit a second unit, so check zoning before you design.