ADU Rules in Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, with a population of approximately 160,000. As the Hinds County seat and the state's governmental and cultural center, Jackson is managed by the City of Jackson Planning & Development department. Mississippi has no statewide ADU law — all accessory dwelling unit rules are set by Jackson'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. Jackson's local zoning ordinance governs whether an ADU is permitted on your property, what size it can be, and what standards apply.

Permitted ADU Types

Jackson's zoning code addresses accessory structures. The availability of these types varies by zoning district — verify with Planning & Development:

• 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

Jackson uses a tiered residential zoning system. ADU eligibility depends on your specific district:

Contact the Planning & Development department to confirm which districts allow ADUs and what additional conditions apply.

Size Limits

Jackson's zoning ordinance sets size standards for accessory structures. Contact the Planning & Development department for the specific maximum square footage applicable to your district and lot size. Typical standards in comparable Mississippi cities limit ADUs to 800–1,200 square feet or a percentage of the primary dwelling's floor area.

Setbacks

Setback requirements vary by zoning district. General standards from Jackson's residential districts include:

Accessory structures — including ADUs — are typically permitted with reduced rear and side setbacks compared to the primary dwelling. Confirm current accessory structure setback standards with the Planning & Development department.

Height Limits

• Primary residence districts: Generally 35 feet maximum
• Accessory structures: Typically limited to 25 feet or the height of the primary structure, whichever is less
• Confirm current standards with Planning & Development

Flood Zones: Pearl River Considerations

The Pearl River runs through Jackson and creates extensive FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). If your property is in a flood zone:

• Elevation Certificate: May be required before permitting
• Elevation requirements: New construction must meet the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus any freeboard required by the city
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Jackson participates; flood insurance may be required for mortgaged properties
• Substantial Improvement: If the ADU project costs more than 50% of the structure's market value, full floodplain compliance is triggered

Check your property's flood zone status at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center before planning any project.

Water Infrastructure

Jackson experienced a severe water system crisis in August 2022, when flooding overwhelmed the city's O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, leaving city water unsafe or unavailable for weeks. The city has undertaken significant infrastructure repairs since then. Before starting any ADU construction:

• Verify that your property has reliable water service and adequate pressure
• Confirm current infrastructure status with the city's Department of Public Works
• Factor any needed utility connections or upgrades into your project timeline and budget

Historic Districts

Several Jackson neighborhoods include historic overlay districts with additional design review requirements:

• Fondren: Arts and dining district with historic residential character
• Belhaven: Established neighborhood with contributing historic structures
• Farish Street Area: Historically significant African American commercial and cultural district

Properties within these overlays may require Historic Preservation Commission review before exterior modifications or new construction. Contact the Planning & Development department to determine if your property is subject to historic review.

Parking

Jackson's zoning ordinance includes parking requirements. Contact the Planning & Development department for the number of off-street spaces required per ADU unit in your zone.

Owner-Occupancy

Jackson may require the property owner to reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. Confirm current owner-occupancy requirements with the Planning & Development department.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning: Confirm your district and ADU eligibility with Planning & Development at (601) 960-1993
2. Flood zone check: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to identify any flood zone restrictions
3. Historic review: Determine if your property is in a historic overlay district
4. Water service verification: Confirm adequate water service at your specific address
5. Site plan: Prepare a site plan showing the ADU location, setbacks, and dimensions
6. Building permit application: Submit construction documents to Planning & Development
7. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
8. Certificate of Occupancy: Obtain before occupying the ADU

Contact

City of Jackson Planning & Development 200 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 960-1993 Website: jacksonms.gov/planning-and-development

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

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