Garage conversion rules in Olive Branch, MS — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Article VII of the Olive Branch zoning ordinance prohibits using accessory or temporary buildings for dwelling purposes, ruling out converting a detached garage into a separate living unit. Converting an attached garage into interior living space is allowed with a building permit but reduces required parking; the home must still meet the two off-street paved spaces per dwelling unit standard in Article XI, Section 5.A.1.
Olive Branch's zoning ordinance (Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances) does not define an accessory dwelling unit, and Article VII, Accessory Buildings and Uses, states that accessory or temporary buildings may not be used for dwelling purposes. That language prohibits converting a detached garage, shed, or pool house into a rentable or independent living unit. Article II defines a dwelling unit as containing independent cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities, so adding a kitchen and bath to a detached garage would create a prohibited second dwelling unit. Converting an attached garage into conditioned living space (bedroom, family room, office) requires a building permit from Planning and Development at 662-892-9200 and must comply with the Mississippi-adopted International Residential Code for egress, smoke alarms, insulation, and ceiling height. The conversion eliminates the garage from parking-space credit, so the homeowner must demonstrate two paved off-street spaces remain on the lot under Article XI, Section 5.A.1. Confirm permit scope and zoning compliance with Planning and Development before starting work.
Using a detached garage or other accessory building as a dwelling unit violates Article VII of the zoning ordinance and can trigger stop-work and removal orders. Converting an attached garage without a building permit, or losing required off-street parking under Article XI, Section 5.A.1, can result in citations and required restoration.
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