Moss Point's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Moss Point, 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.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage to livable space in Moss Point requires a residential building permit under the 2018 IRC. Coastal wind-load and FEMA floodplain standards apply, and the conversion must still satisfy Chapter 42 off-street parking minimums. Call Zoning at 228-475-0300.

Key details: Permit: Residential building permit. Building Code: 2018 IBC/IRC. Wind Load: Coastal MS 130-150 mph (ASCE 7). Authority: MS HB 1406 (2006) coastal counties. Flood Zone: FEMA elevation if SFHA.

Converting a garage without a Moss Point Building Department permit, eliminating required Chapter 42 off-street parking, or finishing flood-zone space below FEMA elevation can trigger stop-work orders and citations. Confirm civil penalty amounts with Zoning at 228-475-0300.

Shed Rules

Moss Point 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.

The rules around shed rules in Moss Point lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

ADU Rules

Mississippi has no statewide ADU enabling statute; under the broad zoning grant in Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1, ADU regulation is delegated to local governments. Moss Point regulates accessory structures and accessory dwellings through Chapter 42 (Zoning) of its Code of Ordinances and the City of Moss Point Adopted Zoning Ordinance (zoning map adopted December 7, 2021), administered by the Community Development Department (228-475-0300). Whether an ADU, garage apartment, or guest cottage is permitted depends on the underlying zoning district and a written zoning verification from the City.

Key details: Mississippi Delegates Zoning: Mississippi delegates zoning to cities under Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter. No Statewide Adu: No statewide ADU enabling statute in Mississippi. Moss Point Chapter: Moss Point Chapter 42 (Zoning) governs accessory uses and dwellings. Current Moss Point: Current Moss Point zoning map adopted December 7, 2021. Community Development Department: Community Development Department: 228-475-0300.

Construction of an accessory dwelling unit without a building permit, or in a zoning district that does not permit two dwelling units on a single lot, is a violation enforceable by the Moss Point Community Development and Code Enforcement staff. Typical remedies include stop-work orders, code citations, and orders to remove unpermitted construction. Continued operation of an unpermitted second dwelling can result in daily fines under the City's general penalty provisions until the property is brought into compliance or the structure is removed.

The Bottom Line

Moss Point'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 Moss Point is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Moss Point's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.