Accessory Structures in Memphis, TN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
ADUs are permitted in Memphis residential zones through the Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code (Chapter 2.7). Size varies by lot: lots 10,000 sq ft–1.5 acres: max 700 sq ft or 1/3 of principal structure ground floor (whichever is less). Lots >1.5 acres: max 50% of principal floor area. Parking required. ADUs may be used as STRs (max 4 bedrooms).
Memphis ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Memphis allows accessory dwelling units under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 4 in most residential districts. ADUs require a building permit through the Division of Planning and Development and Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Standards include lot size, setbacks, size caps, and one additional parking space. Tennessee has no statewide ADU streamlining law.
Memphis ADU Permits (Memphis-Shelby UDC)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Memphis does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through Construction Code Enforcement apply based on construction valuation, plus separate plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas permits. Memphis Light Gas & Water tap fees apply if new connections are required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU fee waiver, but Memphis has not adopted impact fees for residential growth.
Memphis ADU Permit Fees and Utility Charges
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The Memphis-Shelby UDC does not impose a blanket statutory owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs, but R-zoned single-family districts limit lots to one principal dwelling plus one accessory unit. Operating both as independent non-owner-occupied rentals may convert the use to two-family in violation of single-family zoning. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602+ governs short-term rentals and indirectly shapes ADU use.
Memphis ADU Owner-Occupancy Standards
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Memphis ADUs may be used for long-term rentals (30+ days) subject to UDC use limits. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated under Memphis Code Chapter 16.84, which distinguishes Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) from Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied) STR permits. Type 1 permits are widely available; Type 2 permits are limited and may be capped in residential districts. Tennessee Code Ann. Sec. 13-7-602 governs preemption.
Memphis ADU Rental Restrictions (Type 1 / Type 2 STR)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Accessory structures including sheds in Memphis are governed by the Memphis-Shelby County UDC and Tennessee residential building codes (IRC 2018 base). Permits required for structures over 144 sq ft or those with electrical/plumbing. Setbacks set by UDC zoning district.
Memphis Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Memphis to living space or ADUs require building permits from OCCE and must comply with UDC Chapter 2.7 ADU provisions. Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate; local UDC governs. ADU size limits apply.
Memphis Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Memphis allows carports as accessory structures on residential lots with setback and material compliance. Attached carports meet principal-structure setbacks; detached carports follow accessory-structure rules. Fabric or vinyl instant carports over a permit threshold require approval.
Carport Rules in Memphis
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Memphis has no standalone tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation may be built as an accessory dwelling unit under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC), capped at 700 sq ft or one-third of the principal dwelling on most lots. Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed as full-time dwellings outside RV parks.