Memphis, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-15 height cap
- 40 ft maximum
- R-6 cottage height cap
- 30 ft maximum
- RE & CA district cap
- 40 ft maximum
- Height variance for homes
- Not available, § 3.2.6(A)(6)
- Measured from
- Grade to highest roof point
- Violation penalty
- Up to $50 fine per day
Summary
The joint Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code caps residential building height at 40 feet in the R-15 and R-6 single-family districts, dropping to 30 feet for the cottage housing type in R-6, per the § 3.6.1 dimensional tables. Height is measured from grade to the highest roof point for a flat roof, or to the mean height between eaves and ridge for a pitched roof, under § 3.2.6(A)(1).
A. Building Height
1. The vertical distance measured from grade to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line for mansard roofs or to the mean height between eaves and ridge of any pitched roof. For buildings on sloped sites, the height shall be measured from the average ground level as measured along either the frontage of the lot or the front façade of the building.
6. Additional height above that permitted in the district or shown on an officially adopted height map may be permitted though the special exception process (see Chapter 9.14), except for all single-family detached and single-family attached housing types.
[R-15 District table] Height (max ft.) 40 / [R-6 District table] Height (max ft.) 40 (Cottage housing type: 30)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
6(A) of the UDC's Article 3 sets the method for measuring building height: the vertical distance from grade to the highest point of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height between eaves and ridge of any pitched roof, with sloped-site buildings measured from average ground level along the lot frontage or front façade. 1 tables. minimum lot) tops out at 40 feet. minimum lot) also caps conventional and side-yard housing types at 40 feet, but a Cottage housing type built there is limited to 30 feet. The Rural Estate (RE) and Conservation Agriculture (CA) districts likewise cap buildings at 40 feet. 6(A)(3)). 5 as the only path past 40 feet.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding a district's height cap without an adopted height map is a violation of the development code. Article 11.1 sets the penalty at a fine of not more than $50 upon conviction, with each day the oversized structure stands counted as a separate offense, and the City or County may seek a court order requiring the excess height be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be built in Memphis?
Can I apply for a variance to exceed the 40-foot height limit?
Are rooftop features like chimneys or elevator penthouses exempt from the height cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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