Home Business in Shelby County, TN (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
In unincorporated Shelby County, a home occupation is allowed as an accessory use under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 2.7.4, so long as it stays clearly incidental to residential use and does not change the neighborhood's residential character.
Shelby County Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsMemphis & Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sec. 2.7.4B(1)
The use of the dwelling unit for home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes... and shall under no circumstances change the residential character of the structure.
Signage Rules
A home occupation in unincorporated Shelby County may not have any sign advertising the business. UDC Section 2.7.4 prohibits home-occupation signage and any visible evidence of the business from the exterior.
Shelby County Home Business Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsMemphis & Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sec. 2.7.4B(11)
No signage specifically associated with the home occupation shall be permitted.
Cottage Food Operations
Homemade food producers in Shelby County are governed by the Tennessee Food Freedom Act (T.C.A. 53-1-118). Foods produced in a home kitchen under the Act are exempt from state licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements.
Shelby County Cottage Food (TN Food Freedom Act)
Few RestrictionsTennessee Food Freedom Act, T.C.A. 53-1-118 (TN Dept. of Agriculture summary)
Foods produced in a home-based kitchen in accordance with TFFA are exempt from all licensing, permitting, inspecting, packaging, and labeling laws of this state.
Home Daycare
In-home child care in Shelby County is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). A family child care home caring for five to seven unrelated children for three or more hours a day must be DHS-licensed.
Shelby County In-Home Daycare Licensing
Some RestrictionsTN DHS Summary of Licensing Requirements for Child Care Agencies; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.02
The Department of Human Services licenses child care agencies with five (5) or more unrelated children operating for three (3) or more hours per day unless exempt.
Home Business by City in Shelby County
1 cities in Shelby County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Shelby County ordinances
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