Long Beach's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Long Beach, Mississippi, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rules

Long Beach Zoning Ordinance defines a garage apartment as a dwelling unit erected above a private garage, regulated as an accessory use subordinate to the principal dwelling. Comprehensive Land Use Ordinance #676 (effective Aug 11, 2025) is the controlling instrument; it replaces the 2013 Unified Land Use Ordinance #598. Accessory structures must be on the same zoning lot as the principal building and be subordinate in area, extent and purpose. Mississippi has no statewide ADU preemption, so Long Beach permitting standards (setbacks, height, parking, owner-occupancy) govern.

Key details: Authority: Comprehensive Land Use Ord. #676 (2025). ADU Type: Garage apartment recognized. Permit: Building Office 228-863-1554. Same Lot Rule: Must share lot with principal. State Preemption: None — local control.

Building or occupying an unpermitted ADU is a zoning violation; stop-work orders and removal can be ordered. Repeat violations are misdemeanors under city code with daily-accruing fines.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Long Beach require a building permit from the Building Department under Mississippi Building Code (IRC-based) and must comply with Zoning Ordinance #598 setbacks, lot coverage, and required off-street parking replacement. Coastal AE/VE flood zone properties face additional elevation and wind-load standards. Confirm details with Building Official Mike Gundlach at (228) 669-9855.

Key details: Building Code: Mississippi IRC + coastal wind. Zoning Authority: Ord. #598. Permits Needed: Building + zoning + flood (if AE/VE). Parking Replacement: Typically required. Building Official: Mike Gundlach.

Converting a garage into living space without a building permit, eliminating required off-street parking without providing replacements, or violating Zoning Ordinance #598 setback and lot-coverage standards exposes the owner to stop-work orders, code-enforcement penalties, and removal orders. Work in AE/VE flood zones without the city's flood permit can also affect insurance and resale.

Shed Rules

Long Beach regulates sheds and outbuildings through local building and zoning codes. Small sheds under 120 to 200 square feet may be exempt from permit requirements in many municipalities.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under 120 to 200 sq ft. Setback: 3 to 5 ft from property line. Habitation: Prohibited. Flood Zone: Additional rules apply.

Unpermitted structure: $100 to $300 fine. Structures violating setbacks may require relocation or removal. Habitation of sheds results in immediate enforcement action.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Long Beach gives residents more flexibility on shed rules.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Long Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Long Beach's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.