Pascagoula's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Pascagoula, 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.

Shed Rules

Pascagoula requires permits for sheds over 120 square feet. Hurricane-prone coastal location means all accessory structures must meet wind-load ratings and FEMA flood elevation requirements in zones along the Pascagoula River and Beach Boulevard.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 120 sq ft. Wind Rating: Hurricane zone rated. Flood Zone: Elevation required. Anchoring: Required for all sheds.

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 Pascagoula lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Garage Conversions

Pascagoula UDO Section 4.4.F.1 treats a converted detached garage as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): one ADU per single-family lot, capped at the lesser of 1,000 sq ft or 25% of the principal dwelling's floor area, with at least 1 (and no more than 2) added off-street parking spaces. Mississippi Building Code with Gulf Coast wind and FEMA flood elevation requirements applies.

Key details: Code: UDO 4.4.F.1 (ADU). Allowed On: Single-family lots only. ADUs per Lot: 1 maximum. Size Cap: Lesser of 1,000 sq ft or 25%. Added Parking: 1-2 off-street spaces.

Adding a second ADU on the lot, exceeding the 1,000 sq ft / 25%-of-principal floor area cap, occupying the converted space without the additional off-street parking space, or using a manufactured home or RV as the ADU violates UDO Section 4.4.F.1 and is enforced under UDO Article 9. Performing the conversion without a building permit also violates the Mississippi Building Code and can result in stop-work orders and required removal.

ADU Rules

Mississippi has not enacted statewide ADU enabling legislation; under the broad zoning grant in Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 1, ADU regulation is delegated to local governments. The City of Pascagoula regulates accessory structures and accessory dwellings through its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), most recently revised 9.21.23, administered by the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department at 4015 14th Street. The UDO governs zoning districts, density, parking, and accessory uses; building permits are issued through the Building and Code Enforcement Division.

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. Pascagoulas Unified Developmen: Pascagoula's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO, rev. 9.21.23) governs accessory uses and dwellings. Planning Building And: Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department: 228-938-6620, 4015 14th Street. Building Permits Required: Building permits required for any habitable accessory structure.

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 Pascagoula Code Enforcement Division. Typical remedies include stop-work orders, code enforcement 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

Pascagoula'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 Pascagoula is broadly strict or permissive.

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