Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Memphis?
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Memphis comes down to the details of your project.
Under the Tennessee residential code (IRC based) small one-story detached accessory buildings are often exempt from a building permit, but zoning setbacks and lot placement still apply, so confirm the current size threshold with Construction Code Enforcement before building. Memphis and Shelby County review the subdivision plat for setbacks and lot placement before issuing residential permits; a larger or habitable structure is more likely to need a permit. This is general guidance, not a determination; verify with the joint city-county office. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured. Tennessee does not set one statewide shed threshold, and the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Who enforces residential construction depends on your address: where a city or county has neither taken on residential code enforcement itself nor opted out by a two-thirds vote of its legislative body, the State Fire Marshal's Office runs the residential permit and inspection programme using state-contracted inspectors. So the first question is not the size of the shed but which authority covers you. Confirm whether your city or county enforces its own code, has opted out, or falls under the State Fire Marshal programme, then ask that office for the size threshold. Zoning setbacks apply regardless, and a separate permit is needed for any electrical service run to the shed.
Documents you may need
- Building permit application (Develop901 / Accela portal)Likely required
- Site plan showing setbacks and lot placementLikely required
- Structure size and construction detailsSometimes required
- Permit applicationLikely required
- Site plan showing setbacks and structure sizerequired
- Foundation/anchoring and construction details for larger structuresSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Foundation / setback verification where a permit is required
- Final inspection
- Setback / footing inspection where a permit is issued
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Memphis?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Memphis comes down to the details of your project. Under the Tennessee residential code (IRC based) small one-story detached accessory buildings are often exempt from a building permit, but zoning setbacks and lot placement still apply, so confirm the current size threshold with Construction Code Enforcement before building. Memphis and Shelby County review the subdivision plat for setbacks and lot placement before issuing residential permits; a larger or habitable structure is more likely to need a permit. This is general guidance, not a determination; verify with the joint city-county office. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured. Tennessee does not set one statewide shed threshold, and the 200 square foot figure from the model International Residential Code does not govern here. Who enforces residential construction depends on your address: where a city or county has neither taken on residential code enforcement itself nor opted out by a two-thirds vote of its legislative body, the State Fire Marshal's Office runs the residential permit and inspection programme using state-contracted inspectors. So the first question is not the size of the shed but which authority covers you. Confirm whether your city or county enforces its own code, has opted out, or falls under the State Fire Marshal programme, then ask that office for the size threshold. Zoning setbacks apply regardless, and a separate permit is needed for any electrical service run to the shed.
- 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.