Open Space Requirements
Jackson Zoning Ordinance § 709.02-B
in effectFormal and informal open space is required. These serve as areas for community
gatherings, landmarks, and as organizing elements for the neighborhood. Open space
includes squares, plazas, greens, preserves, parks and greenbelts.
Open Space preservation shall be irrevocable. A metes and bounds description of the
space to be preserved and limits on use shall be recorded on the subdivision plat and in
homeowner covenants. At least twenty (20) percent of the gross acreage of the TND
District must be common open space. Ninety (90) percent of the lots within the areas
devoted to residential uses shall be within approximately 1/4-mile distance from open
space areas. At least twenty- five (25) percent of open space should be dedicated as
parks and ten (10) percent should be formal courtyards, plazas or gathering spaces.
1. Types of Common Open Space: The following uses may account for common open
space within the stated limitations:
A. Parks, open greenbelt areas and other recreational space which are readily accessible
must account for not less than twenty-five (25) percent.
B. Areas along thoroughfares or within street rights of way may only constitute ten (10)
percent.
C. Unpaved lakes, ponds, streams, or creeks, including storm water wet detention
basin provided that they are design so that a minimum of fifty (50) percent of
abutting shoreline is made accessible for the common use of the development.
D. Hard surface recreational areas such as recreational courts and pedestrian plazas up
to twenty-five (25) percent.
2. Space not counted as Open Space. Common Open Space shall not include:
A. Yards which are not accessible for the common use of the development,
B. Parking areas,
C. Drives
D. Required drainage ditches or canals
E. Areas reserved for the exclusive use and benefit of an individual tenant or owner, or
F. Structures (unless they are a part of the open space such as gazebos).
Source: City of Jackson Zoning Ordinance (jacksonms.gov PDF)URL: https://jacksonms.gov/government/city-departments/planning-and-development/office-of-city-planning/zoning/zoning-ordinances-and-code/Fetched: 7/25/2026
