ADU rules in Flowood, MS — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Flowood's Zoning Ordinance does not authorize accessory dwelling units (ADUs), guest houses, or secondary dwelling units in any residential zoning district. Section 302.02-01 limits the R-1 Single Family Residential District to single-family detached dwellings, and Section 202 only permits accessory buildings located to the rear of the main structure with a 5-foot setback. Mississippi has no statewide ADU preemption law under Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1, so any second living unit must receive a use variance or rezoning from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Mississippi delegates land-use authority to municipalities under Miss. Code Ann. Sections 17-1-1 et seq. (the municipal zoning enabling act) and has not adopted a statewide ADU statute. Flowood's Official Zoning Ordinance (cityofflowood.com) governs all residential development. Section 302.02-01 lists the only permitted use in the R-1 Single Family Residential District as 'Single family detached dwellings, excluding manufactured homes and mobile homes.' Section 301 (R-E Estate Residential) and Section 302 (R-1) both allow only 'Accessory uses and structures customary and incidental to a permitted principal use' under Sections 301.04 and 302.04 - language that does not include a separate dwelling unit. Section 202.01 controls accessory buildings: Section 202.01-01 requires the accessory building to be 'erected only to the rear of the main structure to which it is appurtenant,' and Section 202.01-02 requires it to be no closer than 5 feet to a lot boundary or another building. Property owners seeking a guest house or in-law suite should contact Flowood City Hall at 2101 North Airport Road before designing - the only legal paths are a variance, conditional-use approval (Section 301.03 or 302.03), or rezoning. A building permit is required under Flowood's Building Code Adoption ordinance (amended May 1, 2023).
Constructing or occupying a second dwelling unit in an R-E or R-1 district violates Sections 301.02 and 302.02 of the Flowood Zoning Ordinance. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen can issue stop-work orders, deny certificates of occupancy, and seek injunctive relief. Operating an unpermitted second unit as a short-term or long-term rental can also expose the owner to nuisance abatement and to civil penalties under the city's enforcement ordinances.
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