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.
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.
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.
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See how Shelby County's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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