Permit Required? Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$300 Fees are based on project value or square footage.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement →

What's Required in Memphis

  • Building permit required for most residential accessory structures.
  • Shed must not be placed on sewer or drainage easements.
  • Zoning review ensures the shed meets side and rear setbacks.
  • Maximum height is restricted based on the primary dwelling height.
  • Electrical sub-permits are required for wiring.
  • Materials must be consistent with neighborhood zoning standards.

What Size Shed Needs a Permit in Memphis

Whether you need a building permit for a shed in Memphis usually comes down to size. Most cities exempt small accessory structures — commonly those under about 120 to 200 square feet — and require a permit for anything larger; Memphis’s exact cutoff is set by the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement, so check the size threshold in the requirements above before you build. A popular 10x12 shed (120 sq ft) sits right at that common dividing line, so it’s worth confirming. Larger sheds, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or a permanent foundation, almost always need a permit regardless of footprint.

Building a Shed Without a Permit in Memphis

Even when a shed is small enough to skip a building permit in Memphis, “no permit” doesn’t mean “no rules.” A permit-exempt shed generally must stay under the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement’s size threshold, sit on a non-permanent base (sheds on skids or a gravel pad are treated more leniently than those on a poured foundation), and have no electrical or plumbing run to it. Crucially, zoning setbacks still apply — your shed usually has to sit a minimum distance from property lines and other structures, and that holds even for a permit-free shed. Confirm both the size exemption and the setback distance with the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement before you build.

How to Get a Shed Permit in Memphis

1

Step 1: Plot Plan

Mark the shed's location on your property survey.

2

Step 2: Portal Registration

Access the Memphis Permit Administration portal.

3

Step 3: Submit Application

Provide structure dimensions and material details.

4

Step 4: Plan Review

County staff check for zoning and safety compliance.

5

Step 5: Inspection

A final site inspection is required after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, accessory structures cannot be placed on any designated easements.
Fees typically range from $50 to $300 for small residential structures.
Homeowners can pull their own permit if it is for their primary residence.
It depends on Memphis’s threshold — many cities exempt sheds under roughly 120 to 200 square feet, but the exact cutoff is set by the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement (see the requirements above). The exemption usually also requires no permanent foundation and no electrical or plumbing, and zoning setbacks from property lines still apply even without a permit.
Often not, if it’s also under Memphis’s size threshold and has no utilities — many jurisdictions treat a shed on skids or a gravel pad as movable rather than a permanent building. A poured foundation or any electrical/plumbing typically triggers a permit. Confirm with the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement; zoning setbacks apply either way.