Jackson County, MS Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Jackson County restricts home business signage through zoning ordinances in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Moss Point, Gautier, Vancleave, and unincorporated areas to preserve residential neighborhood character. Most Jackson County municipalities prohibit exterior signs for home occupations entirely. Where a small nameplate is allowed, it is typically limited to 1 to 2 square feet, non-illuminated, and mounted flat against the building at the main entrance. No freestanding signs, sandwich boards, banners, flags, balloons, or vehicle-mounted advertising is permitted in residential zones. MS Code Ann. §17-1-1 et seq. authorizes municipalities to regulate signs as part of comprehensive zoning. Political signs and real estate signs receive separate treatment under First Amendment case law and typically allow 32 square feet or less for limited periods. Home business operators cannot advertise their residential address to attract walk-in traffic, which protects neighborhood character and reduces parking pressure. Ocean Springs' status as an arts community creates a narrow exception for home-based studios participating in the annual Peter Anderson Arts Festival, but permanent exterior signage remains prohibited. Online businesses, consulting services, and professional practices without walk-in customers face fewer signage challenges since no advertising is typically needed.