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Harrison County, MS Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Swimming pool permit rules in Harrison County, MS, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.

Key Facts

Classification
Accessory yard structure under UDC § 415
Setback rule
Outer wall can't be closer than district setback
No pool-specific threshold
Setback tied to zoning district, not pool size
Adopted
Ordinance 2207HC114, effective Aug. 8, 2022
Max fine
$100 per offense, daily for continuing violations

Summary

Above-ground pools in unincorporated Harrison County are treated as accessory yard structures under UDC § 415: the pool's outer wall can never sit closer to a property line than the standard yard setback for that zoning district. There's no separate pool-size permit threshold, the district's normal setback line controls placement instead.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Harrison County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Swimming pool/hot tub may occupy a portion of the yard as an accessory structure. In no case shall the outer walls of an above ground pool be less than required setbacks per the district's regulations to a property line.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

The Table of Uses in Article IV of the Unified Development Code classifies a "Swimming pool/hot tub" as a permitted accessory structure that "may occupy a portion of the yard," language added by County Ordinance 2207HC114 on August 8, 2022. " The same Section 415 entry that covers hot tubs applies its closing requirements to pools generally: mechanical equipment such as pumps and filters must be screened from public view, and fencing is required as specified by the building code the county's Building Department enforces.

Because the wall-to-property-line distance is measured to the district's standard setback rather than a pool-specific number, homeowners should confirm their zoning district's minimum yard requirements under Table 416 before ordering an above-ground pool, since setbacks range from single digits in some residential side yards up to 40 feet along a functionally classified road. 03.

Violations & Fines

Placing an above-ground pool's outer wall inside the required district setback is a zoning violation. The Zoning Officer can issue a written notice or Cease and Desist Order under § 1409.01, and a knowing, willful violation is a misdemeanor under § 1409.03 carrying a fine of up to $100, with each day of continued noncompliance billed as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in Harrison County?
The UDC doesn't set a separate pool-size permit trigger; it classifies the pool as an accessory structure under § 415 and requires the outer wall to meet the same yard setback that applies to any accessory structure in your zoning district, so check with the county Building Department on standard accessory-structure permitting before installation.
How close to my property line can an above-ground pool sit?
No closer than the yard setback required for your zoning district. Section 415 states the outer walls of an above-ground pool can never be "less than required setbacks per the district's regulations to a property line": the wall must stay at or behind the same front, side, or rear line that applies in that zone.
What table sets the exact setback distance for my zoning district?
Table 416, the Table of Area and Dimensional Requirements adopted under UDC § 416.01, lists the minimum front, rear, and side yard distances for every zoning district, from Agricultural A-1 down to the R-3 multi-household category, and that district-specific figure is the number an above-ground pool wall has to respect under § 415.
What happens if my pool violates the setback?
It's a zoning violation. The county Zoning Officer can order corrective action or a Cease and Desist Order under § 1409.01, and a willful violation is a misdemeanor under § 1409.03 punishable by a fine of up to $100, with continuing noncompliance counted as a new offense each day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harrison County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFencing & Safety RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Harrison County rules

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