Multifamily Design Standards
Biloxi Land Development Ordinance § 23-6-9(D)
in effect(D) - Multifamily Design Standards
All two-family dwellings, three- to four-family dwellings, single-family attached or townhouse development, and multifamily development subject to this section shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Building Orientation and Entryways
All buildings with shared building entrances shall be oriented so that the primary entrance(s) faces the street. In the case of corner lots, the primary entrance(s) shall face the street from which the building derives its street address. (See Figure 23-6-9(D), Multifamily Design Features.)
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-9(D): Multifamily Design Features
(2) Pedestrian Circulation
A clearly defined, visible, and identifiable pedestrian network shall be provided between parking spaces, open spaces, recreational facilities, and individual buildings within the development site and connected to adjacent public street sidewalks and public parks, open spaces, and community facilities.
(3) Building Size
a. The maximum footprint area of any individual building shall be 20,000 square feet in the RM-30 and DT Districts and 15,000 square feet in all other districts.
b. The maximum length of any individual building containing single-family attached or townhouse dwelling units or multifamily dwelling units shall be 200 linear feet, regardless of the number of units.
c. No more than six side-by-side dwelling units shall be attached in any single structure.
(4) Height
Except in the DT District, buildings shall have a maximum height of 35 feet within 100 feet of an existing single-family detached dwelling or vacant land classified as a single-family residential district (RS-) on the official zoning map.
(5) Building Design
Building details—including roof forms, siding materials, windows, doors, and trim—shall reflect a similar level of quality and architectural detailing on all sides facing a street on which there is an existing single-family detached dwelling or vacant land classified as a single-family residential district (RS-) on the official zoning map.
(6) Building Façades
a. The street-facing front façades of buildings shall be articulated with wall offsets (e.g., projections or recesses in the façade plane) that are at least two feet deep and spaced no more than 30 feet apart.
b. In addition to wall offsets, street-facing front façades shall provide at least three of the following articulation elements:
1. A covered porch;
2. A recessed entrance;
3. One or more dormer windows or cupolas;
4. Pillars, posts, or pilasters;
5. One or more bay windows projecting at least 12 inches from the façade plane;
6. Eaves projecting at least four inches from the façade plane;
7. Raised corniced parapets over the entrance door;
8. Multiple windows with a trim at least four inches wide; or
9. Integral planters that incorporate landscaped areas or places for sitting.
c. Side façades shall maintain at least 20 percent of the façade area as windows.
(7) Roof Form
a. Principal buildings shall incorporate roof pitches between 3:12 and 12:12, or incorporate a parapet at least three feet high with a three-dimensional cornice around a flat roof. Alternative roof forms or pitches may be allowed for small roof sections over porches, entryways, or similar features.
b. All roof vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof penetrations and equipment (except chimneys) shall be located on the rear elevations or otherwise be configured, to the degree practicable, to have a minimal visual impact as seen from the street.
(8) Accessory Structures
a. Garages serving two-family dwellings, three- to four-family dwellings, and single-family attached or townhouse dwellings shall be located to the side or rear of the building(s) containing the dwellings. Garages serving multifamily dwellings shall be located to the side or rear of the building(s) containing the dwellings, or be structured parking.
b. The exterior materials, design features, and roof form of accessory structures shall be compatible with the principal building(s) to which they are accessory.
c. Accessory structures shall not physically obstruct pedestrian entrances.
d. Trash receptacles shall be located in an enclosed area.
e. Fencing of multifamily development recreational amenities such as swimming pools and tennis courts shall provide visibility and safety.
(9) Parking Location
No more than 40 percent of the off-street surface parking shall be located between the building and the street it fronts unless screened from the street by another building. The balance shall be located to the side or rear of the building. Off-street surface parking shall be located away or fully screened from adjacent existing single-family detached dwellings or vacant land classified as a single-family residential district (RS-) on the official zoning map. (See Figure 23-6-9(D)(9), Location of Parking for Multifamily Development and Figure 23-6-9(D)(10), Location and Screening of Multifamily Parking and Outdoor Activity Areas.)
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-9(D)(9): Location of Parking for Multifamily Development
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-9(D)(10): Location and Screening of Multifamily Parking and Outdoor Activity Areas
(10) Outdoor Activity Areas
Outdoor activity areas, porches, balconies, decks, vending areas, and other similar site attributes shall be located away or fully screened from adjacent existing single-family detached dwellings or vacant land classified as a single-family residential district (RS-) on the official zoning map. (See Figure 23-6-9(D)(10), Location and Screening of Multifamily Parking and Outdoor Activity Areas.)
Source: City of Biloxi, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/biloxi/codes/land_development_ordinance?nodeId=ART23-6DEST_9MUREDEST_DMUDESTFetched: 11/2/2026