Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted deck: $160–$425 estimated city/county fees for a typical permitted residential deck in Memphis, TN
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan review + building permit | $160–$425 (estimated) | Memphis/Shelby County fees are valuation-based. The official submittal guidance shows a minimum plan review fee schedule beginning at $80 for projects up to $25,000, with permit fees layered on top. |
| Inspections | Included with permit; reinspection extra | Typical deck permits require footing, framing, and final inspections. Reinspection charges can apply if the site is not ready or corrections remain unresolved. |
| Address / utility coordination | Varies if needed | Some projects require address-assignment or utility-related documentation through local agencies or MLGW depending on site conditions and scope. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- A permit is required for any deck attached to the dwelling because Memphis/Shelby County treats attached deck work as residential structural construction subject to permit review.
- A permit is required for any freestanding deck more than 30 inches above grade at any point.
- A permit is required for any freestanding deck larger than 200 square feet.
- A freestanding deck that is 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit may qualify for the residential permit exemption path, but local setbacks still apply.
- Memphis and Shelby County route permit administration through the Develop 901 Citizen Portal for construction permits, inspections, and permit search.
- Shelby County / Memphis local amendments and permit procedures still control the local review path even when the underlying residential deck design follows IRC-style exterior-deck provisions.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Residential building permit application submitted through the Develop 901 Citizen Portal used by Memphis and Shelby County.
- Scaled site plan showing lot lines, existing structures, proposed deck footprint, setbacks, and easements.
- Construction drawings showing deck dimensions, framing layout, footing locations and depth, stair / guard details, and ledger connection if attached.
- Structural details showing compliance with residential deck design requirements and any applicable Shelby County / Memphis amendment notes.
- Contractor license and registration information or owner-builder authorization, depending on who is filing the permit.
- Any site-specific documents required by Planning and Development, floodplain, or utility coordination.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Confirm whether the deck is exempt or permitted Attached decks require permits. Freestanding decks above 30 inches or over 200 square feet require permits. Small low freestanding decks may be exempt, but local setbacks and parcel constraints still matter.
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Check parcel setbacks and local constraints Before drawing plans, verify placement against lot lines, easements, drainage conditions, and any subdivision restrictions. A structurally simple deck can still fail zoning or site review.
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Prepare complete submittal plans Prepare a site plan and structural drawings showing footing depth, framing, stairs, guards, and all connections. Memphis / Shelby reviewers expect clear, dimensioned construction documents.
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Submit through Develop 901 Use the Develop 901 Citizen Portal to file the permit application, upload plans, and track the permit through review.
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Clear review comments and pay fees If reviewers request corrections, revise the drawings and resubmit. Once approved, pay the remaining fees and keep the permit documentation available on site.
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Schedule inspections and close out the permit Permitted deck work typically requires footing, framing, and final inspections. Pass all required inspections to close the permit and keep the work in the official record.
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Tools & materials
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-19.
2018 IRC residential deck design context with Memphis / Shelby County construction-permit administration and Shelby County / Memphis local amendment review through the Office of Construction Code Enforcement and Develop 901 workflows.
Residential permit page: https://memphistn.gov/buildings-and-zoning/
If you skip the permit
- Memphis / Shelby County can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted structural work is discovered.
- You may be required to expose completed framing or footings so inspectors can verify compliance.
- Retroactive permits usually cost more and are harder to approve than a clean pre-construction submission.
- Unpermitted work can create resale, insurance, and lender problems when permit history is reviewed.
- If a deck crosses setbacks or easements, you can be forced to modify or remove completed work.
FAQ
Common Memphis deck permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Memphis, TN?
Usually yes. Any attached deck requires a permit, and any freestanding deck above 30 inches or over 200 square feet requires one. A small low freestanding deck may be exempt if it is not attached to the home and does not serve a required exit.
Where do I apply for a deck permit in Memphis?
Memphis and Shelby County use the Develop 901 Citizen Portal for construction permits, inspections, and permit tracking. The Buildings and Zoning page routes applicants into that system.
How much does a Memphis deck permit cost?
A straightforward residential deck commonly falls around $160–$425 in combined review and permit fees, depending on valuation and any site complications. Official submittal guidance shows plan review fees starting at $80 for smaller projects.
What code does Memphis use for residential deck work?
Residential deck design follows IRC-style deck requirements, while permit administration runs through Memphis / Shelby County construction-code processes and local amendments. Always follow the reviewer instructions issued for your parcel and scope.
Can I build a small deck in Memphis without a permit?
Possibly. The usual exemption path is a freestanding deck that is 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit. Local setbacks still apply.
What inspections are typical for a Memphis deck permit?
Typical deck permits require footing, framing, and final inspections so the city/county can verify structural compliance before the permit is closed.
How do TVA and MLGW affect Memphis solar plans if I am building a deck too?
Memphis is served by MLGW under TVA’s power framework, so rooftop-solar economics are not driven by rich state incentives. The Memphis solar page explains the lack of Tennessee state incentives and why TVA programs like Green Connect matter as the local differentiator.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Memphis permitting staff before you build.