A Resident's Guide to Hernando's Local Ordinances

Hernando, Mississippi may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 32 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Hernando may require permits for fence installation depending on height, location, and type. Permit requirements are established through local building and zoning codes..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Hernando for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Hernando, MS does not publish a per-bedroom guest cap for STRs. STRs are reviewed under the Zoning Ordinance and require a business license from the Office of Planning.

Also covered: Taxes & Fees (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Hernando for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Hernando restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones through local zoning ordinances. Weight and size limits typically apply to vehicles stored overnight in residential areas..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Hernando for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Hernando limits construction noise to daytime hours, typically 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays, under local building and noise ordinances..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (permissive), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Hernando for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Residential swimming pools in Hernando require a city pool permit, and the Mississippi Residential Code (based on the IRC) governs barrier requirements through IRC Appendix AG. Section AG105 requires pools with water more than 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Hernando for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Hernando, Mississippi regulates accessory uses through Article XII (Accessory Buildings and Uses) of its Zoning Ordinance, codified as Appendix B of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance defines an accessory building as a subordinate building incidental and customary to the principal building or use on the same lot, and Mississippi has no statewide ADU mandate, leaving authority to municipalities under Miss.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Hernando for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Hernando participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance codified as Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances. The current effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps for DeSoto County, Mississippi and incorporated areas (Community Panel suffix 28033C) became effective May 5, 2014, following a Letter of Final Determination dated November 5, 2013.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Hernando allows home-based businesses in residential zones with a home occupation permit. No external signage, customer traffic, or visible business activity is permitted to maintain the city's quiet residential neighborhoods near the Courthouse Square..

Animal Ordinances

Breed Restrictions: Hernando may enforce breed-specific or dangerous dog ordinances. Mississippi does not have a statewide breed ban but allows municipalities to adopt local breed restrictions..

Also covered: Beekeeping (permissive), Dog Leash Laws (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Hernando for details.

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Hernando enforces weed and vegetation control through property maintenance codes under MS Code Ann. §21-19-11.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Hernando for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Hernando enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

Fire Regulations

Brush Clearance: Hernando requires property owners to maintain defensible space and clear excessive vegetation under local property maintenance codes and MS Forestry Commission guidelines..

Also covered: Fireworks (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Hernando for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Hernando includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.