ADU Rules in Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian is the Lauderdale County seat with a population of approximately 36,000, located in east-central Mississippi. Historically one of the South's most important railroad junction cities — long known as the "Queen City" — Meridian is near Naval Air Station Meridian (NAAS Meridian). The city has experienced population decline in recent decades. Mississippi has no statewide ADU law — all accessory dwelling unit rules are set by Meridian'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. Meridian'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

Availability varies by zoning district — verify with the Planning & Community Development department:

• 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

Meridian's zoning code governs land use across residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Contact the Planning & Community Development department to confirm:

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

Size Limits

Contact the Meridian Planning & Community Development department for current ADU size standards applicable to your district and lot. Confirm maximum square footage or percentage-of-primary-dwelling limitations.

Setbacks

Meridian's setback requirements vary by zoning district. 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 & Community Development department.

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 & Community Development department

Naval Air Station Meridian: AICUZ Considerations

Naval Air Station Meridian (NAAS Meridian) operates near the city. The Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) program establishes:

• Noise Contours: Properties within 65 dB DNL, 70 dB DNL, or higher noise zones may face restrictions on new residential dwelling units
• Accident Potential Zones (APZs): Areas under flight paths near runway ends (Clear Zone, APZ-I, APZ-II) may restrict new dwelling construction

If your property is in an AICUZ overlay zone, adding an ADU may be restricted or prohibited. Contact the Meridian Planning & Community Development department to determine whether your property is subject to any AICUZ overlay requirements.

Railroad Proximity

Meridian's legacy as a major rail junction means active rail corridors cross through and near the city. If your property is near an active rail line:

• Consider noise, vibration, and safety distances in ADU siting
• Rail corridors may have easements or restrictions that affect buildable area on your lot
• Check for any special zoning buffers near rail infrastructure with the Planning Department

Flood Zones

Portions of Meridian may be in FEMA-designated flood zones near local waterways. Check your property's flood zone status at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center if your property is near a creek or drainage channel.

Parking

Contact the Meridian Planning & Community Development department for ADU parking requirements in your zone.

Owner-Occupancy

Meridian may require owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling or the ADU. Confirm current requirements with the Planning & Community Development department.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning: Contact Planning & Community Development to confirm your district and ADU eligibility
2. AICUZ check: Ask whether your property is within a Naval Air Station Meridian AICUZ overlay
3. Flood zone check: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center if near any waterway
4. Rail proximity review: Note any active rail corridors or easements on or near your property
5. Site plan: Prepare a site plan showing the ADU location, setbacks, and dimensions
6. Building permit application: Submit construction documents to the Planning/Building Department
7. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
8. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupying the ADU

Contact

City of Meridian Planning & Community Development 601 23rd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301 Website: meridianms.org/departments/planning-and-community-development

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

Disclaimer: Mississippi has no statewide ADU law. This guide provides general information about ADU rules in Meridian and should not be relied upon as legal or regulatory advice. NAAS Meridian AICUZ overlays may restrict residential development in some areas. Always verify current requirements with the City of Meridian Planning & Community Development department and review the current municipal code before making any development decisions.