Memphis Zoning Overview

Memphis is a city of approximately 633,104 residents in Shelby County, Tennessee. As the largest city in the state and a major regional hub, Memphis manages land use through a comprehensive zoning ordinance administered by the city's planning department.

Memphis's zoning framework includes large-lot single-family zones (R-15, 15,000 sq ft minimum), standard single-family zones (R-8, 8,000 sq ft minimum), compact single-family zones (R-6, 6,000 sq ft minimum), residential urban (RU), commercial mixed use (CMU), central business district (CBD), and industrial (I) districts.

Key Zoning Districts

The R-15 district requires 15,000 sq ft minimum lots with 30-foot front setbacks, 10-foot side setbacks, and 25-foot rear setbacks. The R-8 district allows 8,000 sq ft lots with 25-foot front, 5-foot side, and 20-foot rear setbacks. The R-6 district permits 6,000 sq ft lots with 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 15-foot rear setbacks. All single-family districts have a 35-foot height limit.

The RU district allows a mix of housing types at higher densities, while the CMU and CBD districts support mixed-use and high-density urban development.

ADU Regulations

Memphis allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Because Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate, Memphis's local zoning ordinance governs ADU development. Property owners should contact the Planning Department at (901) 576-6600 for specific requirements regarding size limits, setbacks, parking, owner occupancy, and design standards.

Development Process

Development in Memphis generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Memphis, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the planning department at (901) 576-6600 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Memphis and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Memphis Planning Department or municipal code before making development decisions.