How Memphis Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Memphis maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
Memphis and Shelby County zoning allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, but a lot under 7,000 square feet cannot have one at all. On a lot between 7,000 square feet and 1.5 acres, the ADU's living area is capped at 700 square feet or a third of the main house's floor area, whichever is smaller.
Key details: Governing section: UDC § 2.7.2.D, Accessory Dwelling Units. Units per lot: One ADU maximum, single-family lots only. Minimum lot size: 7,000 square feet to allow an ADU. Mid-size lot cap: 700 sq ft or 1/3 of house, smaller. Administrative deviation: Up to 10% increase, Zoning Administrator approval.
An accessory dwelling unit built without the required Administrative Site Plan Review, oversized for its lot tier, placed inside the principal structure, or missing the additional parking space it triggers can be denied a certificate of occupancy or ordered brought into compliance by the Zoning Administrator, and an as-built violation can draw a citation and required remediation.
Shed & Carport Rules
Memphis and Shelby County zoning keeps sheds and other accessory structures at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, bars them from the front yard in single-family and residential districts, and caps their combined footprint at 75% of the principal structure's floor area. Taller structures over 20 feet need a deeper 20-foot side and rear setback.
Key details: Governing section: UDC § 2.7.2, Accessory Structures. Standard setback: 5 feet from side and rear lines. Front yard: Sheds prohibited in single-family districts. Tall structure setback: 20 feet if over 20 feet tall. Footprint cap: 75% of principal structure's floor area.
A shed built inside the required 5-foot side or rear setback, sited in a prohibited front yard, built taller than allowed without the extra 20-foot setback, or exceeding the 75% cumulative floor-area cap can be flagged during permitting or by code enforcement and ordered relocated, resized, or removed before a certificate of occupancy issues or a citation follows for an as-built structure.
The Bottom Line
Memphis's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Memphis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.