ADU Permit & Bylaw Guide - New South Memphis

Housing and Building Standards Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Applying for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit in New South Memphis, Tennessee requires following local zoning, building, and permitting processes that apply across Memphis. This guide explains where to start, which department enforces ADU rules, typical application steps, inspection and appeal pathways, and how to prepare your documentation so your ADU project meets city bylaws and building standards.

Overview

ADUs are secondary dwelling units on a single lot with a primary residence. Local rules determine where ADUs are allowed, size limits, occupancy, and parking requirements. In New South Memphis, the City of Memphis zoning and building codes govern ADU permissions and standards; consult the municipal code for specific definitions and restrictions[1].

Check zoning before buying or renovating: ADU rules vary block by block.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm zoning designation and whether ADUs are permitted on your lot.
  • Review building code requirements for fire separation, exits, and egress.
  • Check local setback, height, and lot coverage limits that could affect ADU size.
  • Prepare site plans, floor plans, and evidence of ownership or authorization.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU-related bylaws and building code compliance in New South Memphis is carried out by the City of Memphis Building and Zoning divisions (or equivalent municipal enforcement office). Specific penalties and remedies are set out in the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances and related enforcement policies; if a monetary fine or schedule is not listed on the cited page, it is noted below as not specified on the cited page[1].

  • Fines: monetary fines for violations are not specified on the cited page when a specific schedule is not published; consult the municipal enforcement office for current fines and fee schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first notices, followed by civil penalties or daily fines for continuing violations are typical; exact ranges are not specified on the cited page where not published.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to remove or abate unlawful structures, withholding of occupancy certificates, and referral to courts for injunctive relief.
  • Enforcer and inspections: complaints, plan review, permitting inspections, and enforcement follow the City of Memphis Building Services and Planning divisions processes; contact details and permit procedures are available on the official permit page.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeals of enforcement orders or permit denials are handled by the designated appeals board or hearing officer; specific time limits for appeal filings are not specified on the cited page when absent from the online notice—contact the permitting office for deadlines.[2]
If you receive a stop-work order, contact the permitting office immediately to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The City of Memphis publishes permit applications and checklists for building permits and zoning reviews; name/number for an "Accessory Dwelling Unit" application may be part of the building permit and zoning variance forms rather than a single dedicated ADU form. The official permit center provides application packets, required drawings, and submission methods including online portal and in-person drop-off[2]. If a specific ADU application form number is not shown, it is not specified on the cited page and applicants should use the general residential building permit and any required zoning/variance forms.

How to Prepare Your Application

  • Assemble site plan, scaled floor plans, and elevations showing ADU footprint and distances to property lines.
  • Include structural details and energy compliance documentation required by the building code.
  • Budget for permit fees, plan review fees, and inspection fees; exact fee schedules are available from the permit office or may be not specified on the cited page if not posted online.[2]
  • Allow time for zoning review, plan review, and inspections; timelines vary by workload and completeness of submittal.
Complete, code-compliant plans speed approval and reduce costly re-submissions.

FAQ

Can I rent an ADU in New South Memphis?
Rental of an ADU is generally permitted where ADUs are allowed by zoning, subject to occupancy and licensing rules; confirm local zoning and any rental licensing requirements with the City of Memphis planning or licensing office.[3]
Do I need a separate water or sewer connection?
Utility requirements depend on the ADU configuration; some ADUs may share existing services while others require separate connections—consult the building permit and utility connection guidance on the official permit page.[2]
How long does permitting take?
Permitting timelines depend on plan completeness and review queues; typical plan review and permitting timelines are not fixed on the cited pages and applicants should ask the permit center for current estimated turnaround times.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and ADU allowance for your property by checking the municipal code and zoning maps.
  2. Prepare architectural plans and structural details that meet the City of Memphis building code standards.
  3. Submit permit application, plans, and required forms through the official permit portal or permit counter.
  4. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and schedule inspections as required.
  5. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before renting or occupying the ADU.

Key Takeaways

  • Check zoning first to avoid wasted design costs.
  • Use the City of Memphis permit center for official forms and plan submission.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances - definitions, zoning, and enforcement provisions.
  2. [2] City of Memphis Building Services and Permit Center - permit forms, plan review, inspections, and fee information.
  3. [3] City of Memphis Planning and Development - zoning confirmation, maps, and planning contacts.

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data