How Memphis Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 9 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.

Carport Rules

Memphis allows carports as accessory structures on residential lots with setback and material compliance. Attached carports meet principal-structure setbacks; detached carports follow accessory-structure rules. Fabric or vinyl instant carports over a permit threshold require approval.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

ADU Rules

ADUs are permitted in Memphis residential zones through the Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code (Chapter 2.7). Size varies by lot: lots 10,000 sq ft–1.5 acres: max 700 sq ft or 1/3 of principal structure ground floor (whichever is less). Lots >1.5 acres: max 50% of principal floor area. Parking required. ADUs may be used as STRs (max 4 bedrooms).

Key details: Code: Memphis-Shelby County UDC Chapter 2.7. Max Size (medium lots): 700 sq ft or 1/3 of principal floor area. Max Size (large lots): 50% of principal floor area (>1.5 acres). STR Eligible: Yes — max 4 bedrooms, with STR permit.

Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement. May require demolition or legalization. Occupying unpermitted dwelling: code violation.

Shed Rules

Accessory structures including sheds in Memphis are governed by the Memphis-Shelby County UDC and Tennessee residential building codes (IRC 2018 base). Permits required for structures over 144 sq ft or those with electrical/plumbing. Setbacks set by UDC zoning district.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Typically >144 sq ft or with electrical/plumbing. Code: Memphis-Shelby County UDC / IRC 2018. Setbacks: Per UDC zoning district requirements. Contact: OCCE: 901-222-8300.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal.

Tiny Homes

Memphis has no standalone tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation may be built as an accessory dwelling unit under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC), capped at 700 sq ft or one-third of the principal dwelling on most lots. Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed as full-time dwellings outside RV parks.

Key details: Governing Code: Memphis & Shelby County UDC. ADU Cap (≤1.5 acres): 700 sq ft or 1/3 principal, smaller. ADU Cap (>1.5 acres): Up to 1/2 of principal ground floor. Building Code: 2018 IRC/IBC (MSC Technical Codes). Tiny House on Wheels: RV - not a dwelling outside RV parks.

Living full-time in a tiny house on wheels on a Memphis residential lot, exceeding the 700 sq ft / one-third ADU cap, or building without a permit from the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement is enforceable by Code Enforcement and the Construction Code Office. Remedies include stop-work orders, civil citations, and orders to remove the structure.

This is one of the stricter rules in Memphis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

ADU Impact Fees

Memphis does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through Construction Code Enforcement apply based on construction valuation, plus separate plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas permits. Memphis Light Gas & Water tap fees apply if new connections are required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU fee waiver, but Memphis has not adopted impact fees for residential growth.

Key details: City Impact Fee: None (no program). Permit Basis: ~$6 to $8 per $1,000 valuation. MLGW Tap Fees: Only if new connection. Stormwater: Based on impervious surface. Typical Total: $1,000 to $3,500.

Building without paying required permit fees blocks issuance and causes stop-work orders. Failure to obtain proper MLGW connections: utility disconnection and back-charges. Unpermitted construction is assessed double permit fees as retroactive penalty.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on adu impact fees.

ADU Owner Occupancy

The Memphis-Shelby UDC does not impose a blanket statutory owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs, but R-zoned single-family districts limit lots to one principal dwelling plus one accessory unit. Operating both as independent non-owner-occupied rentals may convert the use to two-family in violation of single-family zoning. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602+ governs short-term rentals and indirectly shapes ADU use.

Key details: Direct Owner-Occupancy Clause: No (unlike Nashville). Indirect via Zoning: R-1 use limits enforce it. State STR Act: TCA 13-7-602 et seq.. STR Type 1 / Type 2: Imports owner-occupancy. HOA: May add stricter rules.

Operating two non-owner-occupied units in an R single-family district as independent rentals: UDC zoning violation, code-compliance citations under the Memphis Code of Ordinances. Required cessation of one rental use, conversion to family-only occupancy, or rezoning.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Memphis ADUs may be used for long-term rentals (30+ days) subject to UDC use limits. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated under Memphis Code Chapter 16.84, which distinguishes Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) from Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied) STR permits. Type 1 permits are widely available; Type 2 permits are limited and may be capped in residential districts. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602 governs preemption.

Key details: STR Code: Memphis Code Ch. 16.84. Type 1 (Owner-Occupied): Widely available. Type 2 (Non-Owner): Limited / capped. State Authority: TCA 13-7-602+. Combined Tax: ~16% to 17% on STR revenue.

Unlicensed STR operation: Chapter 16.84 violation, fines starting around $500 per offense with escalation, and possible permit denial for future applications. Tax non-compliance: Tennessee Department of Revenue enforcement separately. UDC use violations for two non-owner-occupied units in R-zoning: code-compliance enforcement, required cessation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Memphis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

ADU Permits

Memphis allows accessory dwelling units under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 4 in most residential districts. ADUs require a building permit through the Division of Planning and Development and Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Standards include lot size, setbacks, size caps, and one additional parking space. Tennessee has no statewide ADU streamlining law.

Key details: Code: Memphis-Shelby UDC Chapter 4. Eligible Districts: R-6 through R-20, RU series. Max Size: 800 sq ft or 30% of main. Max Height: 16 ft or main height. Setbacks: 5 ft side and rear typical.

Building or occupying an ADU without permits violates the Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Building Code) and the UDC, triggering stop-work orders, daily code-enforcement fines, and required demolition or restoration. Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work voids homeowner insurance and creates Memphis Light Gas & Water disconnection risk. Landmarks Commission violations carry separate enforcement.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Memphis to living space or ADUs require building permits from OCCE and must comply with UDC Chapter 2.7 ADU provisions. Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate; local UDC governs. ADU size limits apply.

Key details: Permit Required: OCCE building permit — 901-222-8300. ADU Option: Must comply with UDC Ch. 2.7 ADU rules. No State Mandate: Tennessee has no statewide ADU preemption. STR Eligible: Converted ADU may be used as STR with permit.

Unpermitted conversion: stop-work and $250 fine. Occupancy without final inspection: $100 per day. Rental without proper zoning approval: cease-and-desist.

The Bottom Line

Memphis is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 9 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Memphis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.