Do I need a permit for screen enclosure or pool cage in Memphis?
Most likely yes. Screen enclosure or pool cage usually requires a permit in Tennessee. Confirm the specifics with Memphis.
A screened porch or patio enclosure attached to the home is typically treated as a structural addition and needs a permit; a freestanding open screen frame may fall under a lower threshold, so confirm locally. If the enclosure adds a roof or is later converted to conditioned living space, additional structural and energy-code review applies. A screen enclosure or covered patio structure is generally treated as a structural addition by the joint Memphis and Shelby County office, so a building permit and setback review through the Develop901 portal are likely required. Setbacks and subdivision plat requirements are verified before the permit is issued; confirm the exact requirement for your enclosure. This is general guidance, not a determination from the authority. An enclosure attached to the house is a structural addition to the dwelling rather than a freestanding accessory structure. Attached enclosures require a building permit, and the footings and the attachment to the existing structure are normally inspected before they are covered up.
Documents you may need
- Permit applicationLikely required
- Site plan showing location and setbacksrequired
- Structural details / manufacturer specifications for the enclosure and any roofSometimes required
- Building permit application (Develop901 / Accela portal)Likely required
- Site plan showing setbacks and structure placementLikely required
- Structural details for the enclosure and any foundationSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing / anchoring inspection where a foundation is used
- Final inspection
- Foundation / footing inspection where applicable
- Framing inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for screen enclosure or pool cage in Memphis?
- Most likely yes. Screen enclosure or pool cage usually requires a permit in Tennessee. Confirm the specifics with Memphis. A screened porch or patio enclosure attached to the home is typically treated as a structural addition and needs a permit; a freestanding open screen frame may fall under a lower threshold, so confirm locally. If the enclosure adds a roof or is later converted to conditioned living space, additional structural and energy-code review applies. A screen enclosure or covered patio structure is generally treated as a structural addition by the joint Memphis and Shelby County office, so a building permit and setback review through the Develop901 portal are likely required. Setbacks and subdivision plat requirements are verified before the permit is issued; confirm the exact requirement for your enclosure. This is general guidance, not a determination from the authority. An enclosure attached to the house is a structural addition to the dwelling rather than a freestanding accessory structure. Attached enclosures require a building permit, and the footings and the attachment to the existing structure are normally inspected before they are covered up.
- Who issues the permit in Memphis?
- The local building department for Memphis handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.