ADU Rules in Pascagoula, Mississippi

Pascagoula is the Jackson County seat with a population of about 22,000 on Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Home to Ingalls Shipbuilding — one of the nation's largest naval shipbuilders and Mississippi's largest industrial employer — Pascagoula has a strong working-class character shaped by maritime industry. Hurricane Katrina (2005) caused severe damage to Pascagoula, and post-Katrina flood standards apply to coastal areas. Mississippi has no statewide ADU preemption law — Pascagoula's local Zoning Ordinance governs.

Coastal Flood Zones and Post-Katrina ABFE

Pascagoula is on the Gulf Coast and subject to:

• FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM): Many properties are in AE, VE, or X zones
• Post-Katrina Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE): May require construction higher than pre-Katrina FIRM maps indicate
• VE (Velocity/Wave Action) Zones: Coastal high-hazard areas with strictest construction standards
• AE Zones: Base flood elevations established — elevated construction required

Verify current flood zone status and ABFE requirements with Pascagoula Building Department before designing any ADU.

Hurricane Wind Standards

Mississippi's Gulf Coast requires construction to meet hurricane wind speed standards. New ADU construction must meet current IBC/IRC wind load requirements for the Pascagoula area.

Pascagoula Zoning Ordinance

The City of Pascagoula Zoning Ordinance governs all land use within city limits.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Pascagoula Zoning Ordinance (verify current standards):

• Accessory apartments: Within or attached to primary structure
• Detached accessory dwelling units: Subject to residential zoning standards

Verify current provisions with Pascagoula's Planning/Zoning Department.

Setbacks

Per Pascagoula residential zone — verify current standards with the Planning Department.

Pascagoula River / Bayou Casotte

Parts of Pascagoula near the Pascagoula River, Bayou Casotte, or other tidal waterways may be in additional flood or wetland overlay zones. Verify if your property is near protected waterways.

Industrial Proximity

Ingalls Shipbuilding and Port of Pascagoula industrial facilities are in the city. Verify your property's residential zoning classification — properties near industrial areas may have different standards.

Permit Process

1. Verify flood zone status: Critical — check current FEMA maps and ABFE
2. Verify zoning: Pascagoula Planning/Zoning Department — confirm residential classification
3. Hurricane wind compliance: Verify current wind zone requirements
4. Submit plans: Pascagoula Building Department
5. Building permit and inspections
6. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Pascagoula Planning/Zoning Department 603 Watts Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567 Phone: (228) 762-1020 Website: cityofpascagoula.com

Disclaimer: Mississippi has no statewide ADU law. Post-Katrina Advisory Base Flood Elevations apply in coastal flood zones. Verify current standards with the City of Pascagoula before starting any project.