ADU Zoning & Setbacks - New South Memphis

Housing and Building Standards Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are secondary residential units on the same lot as a primary home. In New South Memphis, Tennessee, ADU allowance, maximum size, and setback requirements are governed by the City of Memphis zoning and building rules and enforced by municipal planning and code officials. This brief explains typical zoning constraints, how to apply, enforcement pathways, and practical next steps for homeowners and developers.

Check zoning and lot-size limits before planning an ADU.

Zoning basics and common setback rules

ADU rules vary by zoning district and lot characteristics. Typical municipal standards address:

  • Whether ADUs are permitted by right or only by special use permit.
  • Maximum lot coverage and lot area minimums affecting buildable footprint.
  • Maximum ADU size relative to the primary dwelling (often expressed as a percentage of floor area).
  • Minimum setbacks from front, side, and rear lot lines and any required separation between structures.
  • Parking requirements or exemptions for ADUs in certain districts.

Because New South Memphis falls under City of Memphis planning rules, consult the City of Memphis Planning & Development pages for district-specific allowances and maps: City of Memphis Planning & Development[1]. Many rules are implemented via zoning map designations and Unified Development Code provisions; where the exact text is not shown on the cited page, the controlling code section is not specified on the cited page.

Permits, zoning process and approvals

Applying for an ADU normally requires a zoning review and a building permit. Typical steps include pre-application consultation, a zoning verification or permit application, building permit submission with plans, and inspections during construction. Fees, review timelines, and required documents are set by Memphis permitting and building services.

  • Pre-application meeting or zoning confirmation with Planning.
  • Submit building permit application with floor plans and site plan showing setbacks.
  • Pay applicable permit and plan-review fees.
  • Schedule inspections at required construction milestones.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU, setback, and building permit violations is handled by City of Memphis Code Compliance and Building divisions. Where the official pages do not list monetary penalties or escalation details, the specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page. The typical enforcement framework to expect includes administrative notices, civil fines, stop-work orders, and court actions for continuing noncompliance.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal orders, or court injunctions.
  • Enforcer: City of Memphis Building and Code Compliance; contact building and code services for complaints and inspections: Building & Code Compliance[2].
If construction begins without permits, expect stop-work orders and possible civil enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Official permit and application forms for zoning determinations and building permits are published by City of Memphis permitting services. The cited municipal pages present filing pathways but do not list every form name, number, or current fee schedule; those details are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations

  • Building an ADU without a permit.
  • Placing an ADU within required setbacks.
  • Failing to obtain required inspections or paying fees.

Action steps

  • Confirm your zoning district with Planning before design.
  • Schedule a pre-application meeting and submit required site plans.
  • Contact Building & Code Compliance if unsure about permit types or inspections.

FAQ

Can I build an ADU in New South Memphis?
ADU allowance depends on your zoning district and lot; consult City of Memphis Planning & Development for district rules and permits.[1]
What setbacks apply to ADUs?
Setbacks vary by district and lot size; check the zoning standards for front, side, and rear yard requirements in your zoning district.
What if I start construction without a permit?
Starting without permits can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and orders to remove noncompliant work; contact Building & Code Compliance immediately.[2]

How-To

  1. Check your property zoning and permitted uses with City Planning.
  2. Get a site plan showing setbacks and a floor plan for the ADU design.
  3. Submit a zoning verification or special-use application if required, then apply for a building permit.
  4. Pay permit and plan-review fees and address plan-review comments.
  5. Complete required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy.

Key Takeaways

  • ADU permission and setbacks depend on zoning district and lot-specific rules.
  • Obtain zoning confirmation and a building permit before construction.
  • Enforcement is through City building and code divisions; unresolved issues can escalate to court.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Planning & Development - zoning and planning pages
  2. [2] City of Memphis Building & Code Compliance - permits and enforcement

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