Rankin County, MS Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Unlike California, Oregon, or New York, Mississippi does not have a state-level ADU law that requires local governments to permit accessory dwelling units by right. All ADU regulation in Rankin County happens through local zoning ordinances adopted under MS Code Ann. §17-1-1 et seq. (enabling statute for municipal zoning) and §19-5-1 et seq. (county zoning authority). Brandon's zoning code, Pearl's zoning ordinance, Flowood's zoning ordinance, Richland's zoning regulations, and Rankin County's unincorporated zoning each handle ADUs differently; most only allow them as conditional uses in select single-family residential districts, typically requiring a public hearing before the planning commission and board of aldermen or board of supervisors. Common Rankin-area ADU requirements include: maximum floor area of 600 to 1,000 square feet or no more than 50 percent of the primary dwelling, whichever is less; minimum lot size (often 12,000 to 20,000 square feet); owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU; one additional off-street parking space beyond what's required for the primary house; separate utility meters or approved shared metering; compliance with local setback, height, and lot coverage requirements; and a building permit for construction. Attached ADUs (carved out of an existing house or garage) and detached ADUs (separate structures) may have different standards. Manufactured homes and mobile homes used as ADUs face particular scrutiny, with many Rankin municipalities prohibiting them in stick-built subdivisions. Mississippi's growing interest in affordable housing may drive future ADU-friendly reforms, but as of 2026 the regulatory environment remains restrictive. HOA covenants in Castlewoods, Lake Caroline, Reservoir East, and most newer Rankin subdivisions typically prohibit ADUs entirely through private covenants that preempt even permitted zoning uses.