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PermitRoadmap

Do I need a permit for accessory dwelling unit (adu) in Jackson?

Permit required

Yes. In Mississippi, accessory dwelling unit (adu) generally requires a permit, and Jackson is no exception.

Mississippi law requires every county, for its unincorporated areas, and every municipality to require permitting as a condition to construction whether or not it has adopted building codes (Miss. Code 19-5-9(11) and 21-19-25(6), added by HB 1163 in 2022). Whether an accessory dwelling is allowed, and where, is decided by local zoning; counties regulate the size, density, location, and use of buildings, and the permit law does not override that (Miss. Code 19-5-9(7)). A contractor needs a State Board of Contractors residential remodeler license when improvements to an existing home cost more than $10,000, and a homeowner working on his own residence is exempt from that licensing law (Miss. Code 73-59-1 and 73-59-15(1)(b)). Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Stone, and Pearl River Counties and the municipalities in them must enforce wind and flood mitigation requirements of the International Residential and Building Codes (Miss. Code 17-2-1).

Get the checklist for your accessory dwelling unit (adu) in Jackson. A free check first, then a free printable Permit Prep Pack.

Local detail for Jackson: Jackson does not publish a direct phone number for its Building Permit Office. Apply through the city's online permit portal, or call the city's 311 line at 601-960-1111 to be routed.

Documents you may need

  • Building permit application to the county or municipal permit officeRequired
  • Property address and owner informationRequired
  • Site plan with setbacks, lot coverage, and utility connectionsRequired
  • Construction drawings: foundation, framing, egress, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsRequired
  • Contractor license or certificate of responsibility number, if a contractor is hired (shown on the face of the permit)Likely required
  • Zoning approval for a second dwelling on the lotLikely required

Possible inspections

  • Footing and foundation inspection
  • Framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in inspections
  • Insulation inspection where an energy code applies
  • Final inspection and certificate of occupancy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for accessory dwelling unit (adu) in Jackson?
Yes. In Mississippi, accessory dwelling unit (adu) generally requires a permit, and Jackson is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Jackson?
The local building department for Jackson handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.