Moss Point, MS Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Mississippi delegates zoning authority to municipalities under Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1 (Planning, Zoning and Land Use Regulations). There is no statewide statute mandating that cities permit accessory dwelling units, and no statewide ADU size, parking, or owner-occupancy standard. The City of Moss Point's primary land-use document is Chapter 42 (Zoning) of the Code of Ordinances and the Adopted Zoning Ordinance available through the City's Document Center. The current zoning map was adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on December 7, 2021. Chapter 42 governs district uses, accessory uses, dimensional standards, and setbacks. Property owners considering an accessory dwelling, garage apartment, mother-in-law suite, or detached guest quarters should request a written zoning verification from the Community Development Department confirming whether a second dwelling is permitted in the underlying district, what setback and accessory-structure dimensional standards apply, whether kitchen facilities are allowed in detached accessory buildings, and whether short-term rental of an accessory unit triggers separate licensing. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for any habitable accessory structure under the Mississippi Building Code (statewide IBC/IRC adoption under Miss. Code Ann. § 17-25-21).