What the Ordinance Means in Practice
Memphis limits backyard flocks to 4 hens with an annual $35 permit. The 25-foot setback from neighboring homes is standard for a city of this density. Coop must be in the rear yard and predator-proof. Annual renewal is required — mark your calendar. Memphis Animal Services enforces; violations first result in a notice with a compliance window before fines are assessed. Always verify current permit requirements directly with Memphis Animal Services as local ordinance details can change.
Permit Office & Where to Apply
Memphis Animal Services, 2350 Appling City Cove, Memphis TN 38133 — (901) 636-1416
Call ahead to confirm current hours, whether online applications are accepted, and the exact documents required. Application requirements can change without updates to the city's public-facing website.
What You'll Need at Application
Requirements vary by city but typically include:
- Completed application form (from the permit office or city website)
- Hand-drawn site plan showing lot dimensions, house location, and coop position with setback measurements
- Number of hens requested (never exceed the city maximum)
- Permit fee (see above)
- Neighbor notification forms if required
Coop Requirements in Memphis, TN
- Fully enclosed — walls, roof, and predator-proof floor or skirting
- Predator-proof — hardware cloth over openings; buried or skirted to prevent digging entry
- Weather-tight — protects hens from rain, wind, and temperature extremes
- Maintained — no accumulated waste, no visible rodent activity, no standing water
- In the correct yard location — as specified in setbacks above
Check Your Setback Compliance
Use our free calculator to see if your specific lot dimensions can accommodate a compliant coop given Memphis, TN's setback requirements.
Open Setback Calculator →Official Source
This page references Memphis and Shelby County Code Chapter 10 (Animals). Ordinances change without notice — always verify current rules at the official source: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis or by calling the permit office above.