Zoning
Zoning classifies all property within the City of Jackson as a specific zoning district. Each district defines the types of uses allowed on a property to provide for ordered development. Zoning also regulates the location of structures, the percentage of property that can be covered with structures, signage, building heights, and parking space requirements. Regulations vary based on the zoning district in which the property is located.
There are fifteen separate zoning districts, which include four residential districts, four commercial districts, three industrial districts, one agricultural district, one professional office district, one mobile home district, and one commercial overlay district.
In addition to providing for the primary use of a property, the zoning code regulates accessory uses on a property, such as:
- Decks
- Detached garages/carports
- Driveways (including gravel)
- Fences
- Hot-tubs
- Other structures
- Parking spaces
- Pergolas
- Pools
- Retaining walls
- Sheds
- Signs (PDF)
Rezoning
In some cases, it is appropriate to request that property be changed from one zoning district to another zoning district. There are also certain uses which, per the zoning code, require a Special Use Permit. These requests are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Aldermen prior to a decision by the Board of Aldermen. One, and sometimes two, public hearings are included in these review processes to provide an opportunity for neighboring property owners and the public to give input prior to the decision.
Variance
In rare cases, a unique undue hardship of a property prevents the property owner from being able to comply with the placement of structures on their property, thereby preventing them from all reasonable use of their property. The Board of Adjustment has the ability to review those cases and determine when an undue hardship of the property exists and if a variance can be granted.