Shelby County, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-15 front setback
- 30 feet min
- R-15 rear setback
- 25 feet min
- Side interior (R-15)
- 5 feet min
- Accessory side/rear
- 5 feet min
- Setback section
- UDC 3.6.1 / 3.2.9
Summary
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code sets minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by zoning district for unincorporated Shelby County, and accessory structures must sit at least five feet from side and rear property lines.
No accessory structure shall be located closer than five feet to any side or rear property lines. No accessory structure shall be located closer than five feet to any other building or manufactured home on the same tract or lot.
Full Breakdown
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code sets building setbacks by zoning district in unincorporated Shelby County. For single-family districts under UDC Section 3.6.1, minimums vary: the R-15 district requires a 30-foot front, 5-foot side interior, and 25-foot rear setback; the R-6 district requires a 20-foot front (without alley); and the R-E estate district requires a 50-foot front and 40-foot rear. Front, rear, and side-street setbacks are measured from the edge of the right-of-way, while side-interior setbacks are measured from the side property line (Section 3.2.9). Accessory structures under Sub-Section 2.7.2A must be at least five feet from any side or rear property line and from other buildings.
Violations & Fines
Structures built inside required setbacks violate the UDC and are enforced by the Division of Planning and Development. A Board of Adjustment variance is required to reduce a setback; unpermitted encroachments can trigger correction and stop-work orders and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the setbacks in unincorporated Shelby County?
How close can a shed be to the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee building setbacks & zoning overview
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