City · Tennessee
ADU rules in Memphis
These are the primary sources for accessory dwelling unit regulations in Memphis: the city's own zoning code, planning department pages, and permit guides. Start here before talking to anyone: the rules below are what your permit reviewer will apply.
Rules at a glance
ADUs are permitted as an accessory use to single-family detached dwellings, one per lot, subject to administrative site plan review and the standards of UDC 2.7.2D. Lots under 7,000 sq ft cannot add one.
UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2D; Section 2.9.2AThe current UDC allows only detached ADUs: 'An accessory dwelling shall not be located within the principal structure' (2.7.2D.3), and an accessory structure must sit at least 5 feet from any other building; an enclosed connection makes it an addition, not an accessory structure. The pending UDC rewrite draft would add attached ADUs, but that is not adopted law.
UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2D.3; Sub-Section 2.7.2A.2Height may not exceed the principal structure (up to 1.5x only where required parking is on the ADU's ground floor, and never above the district height limit).
UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2D.1 and D.4The ADU standards in UDC 2.7.2D contain no owner-occupancy requirement, and a full-text search of the UDC found none elsewhere.
UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2DNo parking is required for the ADU itself if the required parking for the lot is otherwise maintained.
UDC Sub-Section 2.7.2D.2Accessory uses listed in the use categories are allowed by right (UDC 2.9.1B.2); ADU structures require administrative site plan review plus a building permit. Exception: a shipping-container ADU needs a Conditional Use Permit (UDC 2.6.1G.3).
UDC Sub-Sections 2.7.2D, 2.9.1B.2, 2.6.1G.3Chapter 5-44 defines STR property to include detached accessory units and exempts pre-ordinance STR uses per T.C.A. 13-7-603 until sold or lapsed.
UDC Section 2.9.2A; Memphis Code Sections 5-44-1, 5-44-3, 5-44-5, 5-44-6The fine print: 5 caveats that can change the picture
- Lot-size gate: no new ADU on residential lots under 7,000 sq ft (UDC 2.7.2D.1.a); the size cap then steps at 1.5 acres.
- ADUs are allowed only as accessory to single-family detached dwellings, so availability tracks wherever single-family detached use is permitted; several special purpose districts also list ADUs by name (Uptown District matrix 7.3.11 across MDR/HDR/MU/UH/ULI, and SCBID sub-districts including South Main, Bluffview Residential, and Gateway Commercial in Chapter 7.2).
- Design standards apply: architectural consistency with the principal structure, height capped at the principal structure (1.5x only when required parking occupies the ADU ground floor), and only clerestory windows on ADU walls within 5 feet of an abutting single-family-zoned parcel.
- The UDC covers the City of Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County; suburban municipalities (Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, etc.) have their own codes.
- A comprehensive UDC rewrite is underway (public review draft dated March 2026 on 901udcupdate.com); the draft introduces attached ADU provisions and different size rules, so these values may change when it is adopted.
Summarized from Memphis's ordinance text, read July 2026; every row links the code section it came from. Rules often vary by zone and lot, so treat this as orientation, not a permit determination, and confirm with the planning department before you commit to a design.
ADU regulations
Short-term rental rules
Planning to rent your ADU on Airbnb or VRBO? Memphis regulates short-term rentals separately; check these before counting on nightly rental income.
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