The Unified Development Code caps single-family building height at 40 feet in most residential districts of unincorporated Shelby County, and an accessory structure may not exceed the height of the principal structure it serves.
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code sets maximum building heights by zoning district. Under UDC Section 3.6.1, the single-family residential districts (RE, R-15, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-3) and the Conservation Agriculture (CA) district each allow a maximum building height of 40 feet. Section 3.2.6 exempts spires, cupolas, water tanks, and mechanical roof appurtenances from the district height limit, and allows chimneys, elevator penthouses, flagpoles, parapet walls, solar panels, and mechanical equipment to exceed it by up to 20 feet. For accessory structures, Sub-Section 2.7.2B provides that height shall not exceed the principal structure, and any portion over 20 feet must be at least 20 feet from all side and rear property lines that do not abut an alley.
Exceeding the district height limit without a special exception (where allowed) or building an over-tall accessory structure violates the UDC. Enforcement by the Division of Planning and Development can include correction orders, permit denial, and reducing the structure.
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See how Shelby County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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