Hattiesburg Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Hattiesburg Zoning Overview
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 Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Mississippi
- Building Code: No statewide code (locally adopted)
County — Forrest County / Lamar County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Hattiesburg
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Hattiesburg are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Hattiesburg permit fees →