Hattiesburg Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 48,124
- State building code:
- No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- Hattiesburg Urban Development — Planning & Zoning
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the Hattiesburg Urban Development — Planning & Zoning: (601) 545-4571
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Hattiesburg and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Hattiesburg (population 48,124 — 2020 Census) is the county seat of Forrest County, Mississippi, and also extends into Lamar County. The city manages land use through its zoning ordinance found in the Code of Ordinances on Municode. The Planning & Zoning Division under the Department of Urban Development administers the zoning code.
Key Zoning Districts
Hattiesburg's zoning code establishes residential districts ranging from R-1 (low-density, 12,000 sq ft minimum lots) through R-4 (multi-family). Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (Highway Commercial), and C-3 (Central Business District). Industrial districts (I-1 Light Industrial, I-2 Heavy Industrial) and an Agricultural district (A-1) are also available. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) option and Historic District Overlay (H) provide additional flexibility.
Setbacks in residential zones range from 25–30 ft (front), 6–10 ft (side), and 20–25 ft (rear), depending on the district. Maximum building height in residential zones is 35 ft, increasing to 45 ft in R-4 and commercial districts, and up to 60 ft or more in the Central Business District.
Note: Specific dimensional standards should be verified directly in Title 10 of the Hattiesburg Code of Ordinances on Municode, as amendments may have occurred.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Hattiesburg does not appear to have a dedicated ADU ordinance. Mississippi has no state-level ADU mandate. The zoning code addresses accessory buildings and accessory uses, but a specific provision for independent accessory dwelling units has not been confirmed. Contact the Planning & Zoning Division at (601) 545-4571 for current policy.
Development Process
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
- Verify the zoning classification using the city's GIS portal
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements in the municipal code
- Check for overlay districts (including the Historic District overlay)
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department at (601) 545-4571 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Hattiesburg and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Hattiesburg Planning & Zoning Division or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hattiesburg
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Mississippi
- Building Code: No statewide code (locally adopted)
County — Forrest County / Lamar County
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Mississippi)
Local data for Hattiesburg is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Mississippi and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Hattiesburg permit information →Official Sources
City-specific