Rankin County, MS Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 max height
- 35 feet
- A-1 max height
- 35 feet
- RCD max height
- 35 feet
- Exempt
- spires, antennas, chimneys
- Applies only in
- unincorporated county
Summary
Rankin County caps building height at 35 feet across most zoning districts, including the R-1 Single-Family and A-1 Agricultural districts, under the Zoning Ordinance's per-district dimensional standards.
1303.01 Maximum Building Height: 35 feet. ... 401.03 Exceptions to Height Regulations: The height regulations contained in the District Regulations of this Ordinance do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilation chimneys, masts, towers, or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The R-1 Single-Family district (Art. XIII, §1303.01) and the A-1 Agricultural General district (Art. IX, §903.01) both cap building height at 35 feet, and the Reservoir Community District overlay (Art. XXX, §3105.01) matches that figure unless the Board of Supervisors approves greater height. A general exception in Article IV, Section 401.03 excludes spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilation chimneys, masts, and towers from the height cap, since they are not intended for human occupancy. These limits govern only unincorporated Rankin County, not Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Richland, Florence, Puckett, or Star.
Violations & Fines
Building above the district height cap without Board of Supervisors approval is a misdemeanor under Miss. Code §17-1-27, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build taller than 35 feet in Rankin County?
Does the 35-foot cap apply in Brandon or Pearl?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rankin County
Compare Rankin County to another location·View the Mississippi building setbacks & zoning overview
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