ADU Rules in Olive Branch, Mississippi

Olive Branch is a DeSoto County city in the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area with a population of approximately 40,000. One of Mississippi's fastest-growing cities, Olive Branch is a predominantly suburban community of planned residential subdivisions, many with active HOAs. Mississippi has no statewide ADU law — all accessory dwelling unit rules are set by Olive Branch'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. Olive Branch's local zoning ordinance governs whether an ADU is permitted on your property, what size it can be, and what standards apply.

Olive Branch Is Its Own City

Olive Branch is a separate municipality from Memphis, Tennessee and from other DeSoto County cities such as Southaven and Horn Lake. If your property is within Olive Branch city limits, you must use Olive Branch's permit process — not Memphis's or DeSoto County's. Confirm your property's jurisdiction before applying for any permits.

Permitted ADU Types

Availability varies by zoning district — verify with the 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

Olive Branch's zoning code governs residential uses across several districts. Contact the Community Development Department to confirm:

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

Size Limits

Contact the Olive Branch 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

Olive Branch's setback requirements vary by zoning district. General residential standards in comparable DeSoto County communities 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 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 Community Development Department

HOA Restrictions: Critical Consideration

Olive Branch's planned subdivisions frequently include Homeowners Associations with legally binding CC&Rs. HOA restrictions can:

• Prohibit ADUs entirely, regardless of city zoning permissions
• Restrict accessory structure size, height, exterior materials, and appearance
• Require HOA architectural committee approval before construction begins
• Impose fines for non-compliant structures

Always review your HOA documents before applying for a city permit. City approval and HOA approval are separate — both are required. Contact your HOA management company or board for current governing documents and procedures.

Parking

Contact the Olive Branch Community Development Department for the number of off-street parking spaces required per ADU in your zone.

Owner-Occupancy

Olive Branch may require owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling or the ADU. Confirm current requirements with the Community Development Department.

Permit Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your address is within Olive Branch city limits
2. Zoning check: Contact the Community Development Department to confirm your district and ADU eligibility
3. Review HOA documents: Check your CC&Rs for restrictions on ADUs or accessory structures
4. Pre-application meeting: Discuss your plans with the Community Development Department
5. Site plan: Prepare a site plan showing the ADU location, setbacks, and dimensions
6. Building permit application: Submit construction documents to the Community Development Department
7. HOA approval: Obtain any required HOA architectural committee approval separately
8. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
9. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupying the ADU

Contact

City of Olive Branch Community Development Department 9200 Pigeon Roost Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Website: olivebranch.ms.us/departments/community-development

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

Disclaimer: Mississippi has no statewide ADU law. This guide provides general information about ADU rules in Olive Branch and should not be relied upon as legal or regulatory advice. HOA CC&Rs may be more restrictive than city zoning. Always verify current requirements with the City of Olive Branch Community Development Department and your HOA before making any development decisions.