Zoning and Subdivision Administration

Land Use Control Board

This Board oversees and guides orderly growth within the City of Memphis and Shelby County through zoning regulations.

Board of Adjustment

This Board hears requests regarding variances, conditional use permits, appeals, zoning district boundaries, and nonconforming use permits.

Memphis Landmarks Commission

This Commission is responsible for preserving and protecting historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks within the City of Memphis.

Document Archive Center

Archived or older documents, including meeting agendas, applications, minutes, and staff reports, are available to view and download.

The Zoning Code (The Unified Development Code)

Download the current Unified Development Code (the "UDC"), which serves as the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations for the City of Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County.

UDC in a Nutshell. This two-page summary contains an overview of the most commonly used sections of the UDC.

UDC, Annotated. Click here to download a current version of the UDC that color codes various amendments over the years with links to corresponding staff reports, which may assist in understanding the legislative intent of particular sections.

UDC, Blog. View the blog that chronicles the history of the UDC.

Historic Zoning Codes and Maps

The Zoning Codes and Maps below were adopted prior to the UDC. Older zoning codes and maps may assist with the determination of whether an existing structure or use is legal, non-conforming. To be considered non-conforming, and therefore "grandfathered" under the older zoning codes, the structure or use must have conformed to the code in place at the time it was established. Some zoning districts have been renamed when new zoning codes have been adopted; this conversion table contains the current zoning district designation for old zoning districts under the 1955 and 1981 codes.

Zoning Codes

Zoning Maps

Learn how to apply for a
building permit online

Departments

Each department within DPD plays a vital role in our overall work. Visit each department's page to learn more about their area of focus.