Environmental Rules in Jackson, MS (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Jackson, Mississippi, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Jackson's Article IV Stormwater Quality Protection makes it a public nuisance to release pollutants into the public storm drain system and requires nonresidential developers to file a written stormwater management plan before any permit issues. Violations carry criminal fines and civil enforcement by the Department of Public Works.
Jackson Stormwater Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsJackson, MS Code of Ordinances § 122-303
It is hereby declared to be a public nuisance for any person to directly or indirectly release significant materials, pollutants, or stormwater, without proper authorization from the director of the department of public works or his designee, in quantities, rates, or concentrations that may reasonably be expected to cause or contribute to any of the following: Damage to a public right-of-way or...
Erosion Control
Grading or earthwork disturbing more than 2,000 square feet but less than five acres in Jackson requires an erosion and sediment control plan as part of the site's stormwater management plan; disturbances of five acres or more instead need a state stormwater construction general permit from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality before construction starts.
Jackson Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Some RestrictionsCity of Jackson, MS Code of Ordinances § 122-305(g)
As part of the stormwater management plan, an erosion and sediment control plan shall be required prior to any grading or other earthwork which affects a land area larger than 2,000 square feet, but less than five acres. In the case where the development exceeds five acres, a water pollution control stormwater construction general permit from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality ...
Flood Zones
Any new construction or substantial improvement inside a mapped special flood hazard area in Jackson must be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-damage-resistant materials and methods, and designed so electrical, HVAC and plumbing equipment stays above water during a flood. Chapter 62 of the city code sets these standards for every zone with a special flood hazard, most recently updated in October 2025.
Jackson Special Flood Hazard Standards
Some RestrictionsCity of Jackson, MS Code of Ordinances § 62-41(1),(3)-(5)
In all areas of special flood hazard the following provisions are required:(1)New construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement of the structure....(3)New construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.(4)New construction or substantial improvements sh...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Jackson requires new and substantially improved buildings in shallow-flooding special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor above the FIRM's depth number plus two feet of freeboard, or at least three feet six inches above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is shown, under City Code § 62-44. The rule was last amended October 7, 2025, and is enforced by the floodplain administrator.
Jackson's Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsJackson, MS Code of Ordinances § 62-44
(1)All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures shall:a.Have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the flood insurance rate map plus a minimum of two feet. If no depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated to no less than...
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