Shelby County, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code controls how much of a lot may be built upon. Under UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2C, the cumulative square footage of accessory structures on any tract or lot may not exceed 75 percent of the principal structure's square footage on the same lot, except in the CA district where no limitation applies. The UDC also limits the number of accessory structures: no more than one on a residential lot under 6,000 square feet. For manufactured home parks (Section 3.6.3), residential lots may not exceed 40 percent building coverage and nonresidential lots 60 percent, with common open space required. Standard single-family districts rely on minimum setbacks and lot sizes rather than a flat coverage percentage.