Jackson, MS Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

The City of Jackson Zoning Ordinance (effective September 20, 2018) is the operative document governing accessory dwelling units, garage apartments, and accessory structures within the city limits. Jackson's authority to adopt zoning regulations comes from Miss. Code Ann. Sec. 17-1-1 through 17-1-27 (the state zoning enabling act) and the home-rule grant in Miss. Code Ann. Sec. 21-17-1 (Title 21, Municipalities). The Zoning Ordinance establishes residential districts including R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 and lists permitted, conditional, and accessory uses for each. Accessory structures generally must be subordinate and incidental to a principal residential use, located on the same lot, and meet district-specific setback, height, and lot-coverage standards. Building construction is regulated separately under Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations), which adopts the International Codes by reference and requires zoning permits and building permits issued by the Department of Planning and Development before any habitable accessory structure may be constructed or occupied. Mississippi has no statewide statute mandating municipalities to permit ADUs by right, so allowance, size, and design standards in Jackson are entirely creatures of the local Zoning Ordinance and can vary by district. Confirm the current district classification of any specific parcel and the exact accessory-use language with the Office of City Planning before designing or building.