The Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code allows density and height bonuses in select districts in exchange for affordable units, structured parking, or qualifying public improvements at site plan review.
The Unified Development Code, jointly adopted by Memphis and Shelby County in 2010 and amended since, contains incentive zoning provisions allowing additional residential density or height in designated districts when developers provide affordable housing units, structured parking, public open space, or other qualifying public benefits. Tennessee state law constrains how prescriptive a local inclusionary mandate can be, so Memphis relies on voluntary incentives rather than a hard inclusionary mandate. The Land Use Control Board reviews bonus applications.
No resident fines. Developers electing the bonus must record covenants ensuring affordability or public benefits; failure to deliver triggers permit revocation and recorded liens.
See how Memphis's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.