ADU Rules in Southaven, Mississippi

Southaven is Mississippi's third-largest city with a population of approximately 54,000, located in DeSoto County directly south of Memphis, Tennessee. One of the fastest-growing cities in Mississippi during the 1990s and 2000s, Southaven is a largely suburban community characterized by planned subdivisions, many of which are governed by HOAs. Mississippi has no statewide ADU law — all accessory dwelling unit rules are set by Southaven'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. Southaven's local zoning ordinance governs whether an ADU is permitted on your property, what size it can be, and what standards apply.

Southaven Is Its Own City

Southaven is a separate municipality from Memphis, Tennessee and from the unincorporated areas of DeSoto County. If your property is within Southaven city limits, you must use Southaven's permit process — not Memphis's or DeSoto County's. If your property is outside city limits but in DeSoto County, county zoning may apply instead.

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

Southaven's residential zoning includes single-family and multi-family districts. Contact the Planning & Community Development department to confirm:

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

Size Limits

Contact the Southaven 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

Southaven's setback standards vary by zoning district. Contact the Planning & Community Development department for your district's specific requirements. General residential standards typically 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 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 height standards with the Planning & Community Development department

HOA Restrictions: Critical Consideration

Many Southaven subdivisions are governed by Homeowners Associations with legally binding CC&Rs. HOA restrictions can:

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

Always review your HOA documents before applying for a city permit. HOA approval is separate from city approval — you need both. Contact your HOA management company or board for current restrictions.

Parking

Contact the Southaven Planning & Community Development department for the number of off-street parking spaces required per ADU in your zone.

Owner-Occupancy

Southaven 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. Review HOA documents: Check your CC&Rs for any restrictions on ADUs or accessory structures
3. Confirm you're in city limits: Verify your address is in Southaven (not Memphis or unincorporated DeSoto County)
4. Pre-application meeting: Recommended for ADU projects — discuss your plans with the Planning Department
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. HOA approval: Obtain any required HOA consent separately
8. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
9. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupying the ADU

Contact

City of Southaven Planning & Community Development 8710 Northwest Drive, Southaven, MS 38671 Website: southaven.org/departments/planning-and-community-development

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

Disclaimer: Mississippi has no statewide ADU law. This guide provides general information about ADU rules in Southaven 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 Southaven Planning & Community Development department and your HOA before making any development decisions.