ADU rules in Ocean Springs, MS — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
The Ocean Springs Unified Development Code Section 6.3 permits one internal, attached, or detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in association with any single-family dwelling. Section 6.3 covers detached ADU specifications, scale requirements, building design standards, occupancy rules, parking, and utilities. ADUs are authorized through the city's local zoning power under Miss. Code Ann. § 17-1-9 (municipal zoning enabling act). Permits are issued by the Ocean Springs Building Department at 1014 Porter Avenue (228-875-6712).
Mississippi has not enacted a statewide ADU preemption law - Miss. Code Ann. § 17-1-9 leaves zoning authority with municipalities, so ADU rules in Ocean Springs are set entirely by the city's Unified Development Code (UDC). Section 6.3 of the UDC allows one ADU per single-family dwelling and recognizes three configurations: internal (within the principal dwelling), attached, or detached. The code addresses purpose and findings, detached ADU specifications, the relationship of detached ADUs to detached garages, scale requirements, building design standards, occupancy rules, parking, and utility connections. Construction of any ADU requires a building permit through the Ocean Springs Building Department, which enforces the 2018 International Residential Code (adopted August 21, 2018) and the city's 160 mph wind load requirement applicable to coastal Jackson County. Detailed measurements, setbacks, and parking ratios are set in Section 6.3 of the Unified Development Code; applicants should pull the current text via the Ocean Springs Municode portal or the city's UDC PDF before designing.
Building an ADU without a permit violates Ocean Springs' Unified Development Code and the adopted 2018 IRC. Unpermitted construction can be required to come into compliance through after-the-fact permitting, modification, or removal. Ocean Springs code enforcement may issue stop-work orders and citations.
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