Shelby County, TN Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Shelby County, TN, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Memphis/Shelby County UDC
- New living unit
- Treated as ADU (2.7.2D)
- Attached garage
- Part of principal structure
- ADUs per lot
- One maximum
- Extra parking
- 1 space per 500 sq ft ADU
Summary
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Shelby County is governed by the Unified Development Code. If it creates a separate dwelling it is an accessory dwelling unit under UDC 2.7.2D; attached garages count as part of the principal structure and must meet its setbacks.
Attached garages and carports are considered part of the principal structure and must meet all applicable requirements of the principal structure. Detached garages and carports are considered accessory structures and must meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 2.7, Accessory Structures and Uses.
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Shelby County, a garage conversion is regulated through the Memphis/Shelby County UDC, not a standalone county ordinance. Under UDC Sec. 3.9.1, attached garages and carports are part of the principal structure and must meet its requirements, while detached garages are accessory structures subject to Chapter 2.7. If the conversion produces a second, self-contained living unit, it is an accessory dwelling unit and must comply with UDC Sec. 2.7.2D: one ADU per lot, accessory to a single-family detached home, sized by lot area, with administrative site plan review and one added parking space per 500 square feet. A converted garage remains subject to county building and residential codes. Incorporated cities apply their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage into an unpermitted second dwelling, or one exceeding ADU size limits, is a UDC zoning violation in unincorporated Shelby County, enforced by Planning and Development. Building without required permits also violates the adopted building codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my garage into an apartment in unincorporated Shelby County?
Does a garage conversion need to meet setbacks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee accessory structures overview
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