5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Harrison County, Mississippi.
Verified from official government sources
Harrison County regulates ADUs through local zoning under MS Code Ann. §17-1-1. No statewide ADU law. Typical size limits 600-1,000 sq ft, owner-occupancy often required. FEMA flood zone elevation rules add significant cost in coastal areas. Biloxi and Gulfport considering ADU-friendly reforms.
Harrison County 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.
Harrison County requires building permits for garage conversions. Must maintain off-street parking minimums (typically 2 spaces). Ceiling height, egress, HVAC, electrical upgrades required. Flood zones require elevation compliance above BFE. Unpermitted conversions common post-Katrina, now being cracked down on.
Harrison County, Gulfport, and Biloxi require building permits for carports. Setbacks 5 ft side/rear, 25 ft front typical. Coastal wind load 150+ mph per IRC. Flood zones require elevation or breakaway construction.
Harrison County applies IRC Appendix Q for foundation-built tiny homes. Tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs/manufactured housing under MS Code §75-49-1. Minimum dwelling size varies by zone. Post-Katrina cottage provisions may allow flexibility.
3 cities in Harrison County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Harrison County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Harrison County Ordinance Hub →