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Zoning Guide

Southaven Zoning & Land Use Guide

Data-only stub — facts unverified locally. Confirm with the planning department before relying on details.
Last updated: Verified:

What we have on file vs. what to verify locally

We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Southavenyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.

What we have on file

Population:
55,026
State building code:
No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption(statewide default)
State ADU law:
No statewide override; local rules apply
FEMA flood map:
Search flood zones
Planning department:
City of Southaven Planning Department
Municipal code:
View code online

Verify these locally

  • Call the City of Southaven Planning Department: (662) 393-5002
  • Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
  • Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
  • Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Southaven and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Southaven Planning Department(662) 393-5002
Building Code Edition
Locally adopted code
ADUs Allowed
No

Southaven Zoning Overview

Southaven (population 55,026 — 2020 Census) is the largest city in DeSoto County, Mississippi, and the third-largest city in the state. Located directly south of Memphis, Tennessee, Southaven serves as a major suburb in the Memphis metropolitan area. The city manages land use through its zoning ordinance found in the Code of Ordinances on Municode. The Planning Department administers the zoning code.

Key Zoning Districts

Southaven's zoning code establishes residential districts including R-1 (Single-Family Residential, 10,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-2 (Two-Family, 7,500 sq ft minimum), and R-3 (Multi-Family, 6,000 sq ft minimum). Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), C-2 (General Commercial), and C-3 (Highway Commercial). Industrial districts include I-1 (Light Industrial) and I-2 (Heavy Industrial).

Setbacks in residential zones range from 25–30 ft (front), 7–10 ft (side), and 20–25 ft (rear), depending on the district. Maximum building height is 35 ft in the R-1 and R-2 districts and 45 ft in the R-3 multi-family district.

Note: Specific dimensional standards should be verified directly in the Southaven Code of Ordinances on Municode, as amendments may have occurred.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Southaven does not appear to have a dedicated ADU ordinance. Mississippi has no state-level ADU mandate. The zoning code addresses accessory buildings and accessory uses, but a specific provision for independent accessory dwelling units has not been confirmed. Contact the Planning Department at (662) 393-5002 for current policy.

Development Process

  1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
  2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
  3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
  4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
  5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

Key Considerations

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Southaven and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Southaven Planning Department or the municipal code before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Southaven

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Mississippi

  • Building Code: No statewide code (locally adopted)
View Mississippi zoning overview

County — DeSoto County

    City / Municipal

    The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

    Overlay Districts

    No overlay districts identified.

    Private Restrictions

    • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
    • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

    Statewide Context (Mississippi)

    Local data for Southaven is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Mississippi and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.

    State Building Code
    No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption
    State ADU Preemption
    No statewide override
    Coastal Zone
    Yes
    Wildfire Zones
    No

    Permit Costs & Timelines

    Permit Costs & Timelines

    Specific permit fee schedules for Southaven are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

    Check Southaven permit fees →

    Official Sources

    City-specific

    City of Southavensouthaven.orgOfficial sourceSouthaven Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source