ADU Rules in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg — known as the "Hub City" of south Mississippi — is the Forrest County seat with a population of approximately 48,000. Located in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg is a regional hub for retail, healthcare, and education, home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University. This university presence creates strong and consistent rental housing demand. Mississippi has no statewide ADU law — all accessory dwelling unit rules are set by Hattiesburg's local zoning ordinance.

Mississippi Statewide ADU Law

Mississippi has not enacted statewide ADU legislation. There is no state mandate requiring cities to permit ADUs or streamline approvals. Hattiesburg's local zoning ordinance governs whether an ADU is permitted on your property, what size it can be, and what standards apply.

University Rental Market Context

Hattiesburg's two universities generate substantial demand for rental housing throughout the academic year and beyond. An ADU can serve as:

• Faculty or staff housing near campus
• Student rental near USM or William Carey
• Long-term rental for Hattiesburg's growing healthcare and retail workforce

If you plan to rent an ADU, confirm owner-occupancy requirements, rental licensing requirements, and applicable health and safety inspection requirements with the city.

Permitted ADU Types

Availability varies by zoning district — verify with the Planning Division:

• Detached ADU: A separate structure on the same lot as the primary dwelling
• Attached ADU: An addition to the primary home with its own entrance and living facilities
• Garage Conversion: Converting an existing detached garage to a dwelling unit
• Basement/Interior Conversion: Converting interior space to a separate dwelling unit

Zoning Districts and Eligibility

Hattiesburg's zoning code includes standard residential districts. Contact the Planning Division to confirm:

• Which zoning district your property falls in
• Whether ADUs are permitted by-right or require a conditional use permit
• Minimum lot size for ADU eligibility

Size Limits

Contact the Hattiesburg Planning Division for current ADU size standards. Confirm maximum square footage or percentage-of-primary-dwelling limitations for your specific district and lot.

Setbacks

Hattiesburg's setback requirements vary by zoning district. Contact the Planning Division for your district's specific requirements. General residential standards in comparable Mississippi cities include:

• Front setback: 25–30 feet minimum
• Side setback: 5–8 feet minimum
• Rear setback: 20–25 feet minimum

Accessory structures are commonly permitted with reduced rear and side setbacks compared to the primary dwelling. Confirm current accessory structure setback standards with the Planning Division.

Height Limits

• Primary residential structures: Typically 35 feet maximum in standard residential zones
• Accessory structures: Typically limited to 25 feet or the height of the primary structure, whichever is less
• Confirm current standards with the Planning Division

Flood Zones: Leaf River and Bouie River

The Leaf River and Bouie River converge near central Hattiesburg, creating FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties near these waterways may be in flood zones with specific requirements:

• Elevation Certificate: May be required before permitting in flood zones
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE): New construction must meet or exceed the BFE
• NFIP Compliance: Hattiesburg participates in the National Flood Insurance Program
• Substantial Improvement: Projects costing 50% or more of the structure's market value trigger full flood compliance requirements

Check your property's flood zone status at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before planning any project. Flood zone requirements can significantly affect ADU design and cost.

Parking

Contact the Hattiesburg Planning Division for ADU parking requirements in your zone. Typically one off-street space is required per ADU unit.

Owner-Occupancy

Hattiesburg may require the property owner to reside in the primary dwelling or the ADU. Confirm current owner-occupancy requirements with the Planning Division, especially if you plan to rent the ADU.

Rental Licensing

If you intend to rent an ADU as a separate dwelling unit, contact the city about any rental registration, licensing, or inspection requirements that may apply.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning: Contact the Planning Division to confirm your district and ADU eligibility
2. Flood zone check: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to identify any flood zone restrictions at your address
3. Pre-application consultation: Discuss your project with the Planning Division
4. Site plan: Prepare a site plan showing the ADU location, setbacks, and dimensions
5. Building permit application: Submit construction documents to the Planning/Building Department
6. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
7. Rental license: If renting, obtain any required rental license or certificate of occupancy before occupying tenants
8. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupying the ADU

Contact

City of Hattiesburg Planning Division 200 Forrest Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Website: hattiesburgms.com/departments/planning

Municipal Code: library.municode.com/ms/hattiesburg

Disclaimer: Mississippi has no statewide ADU law. This guide provides general information about ADU rules in Hattiesburg and should not be relied upon as legal or regulatory advice. Zoning codes change. Always verify current requirements with the City of Hattiesburg Planning Division and review the current municipal code before making any development decisions.