Buffering, Landscaping, Lighting, Screening & Parking Requirements
Jackson Zoning Ordinance § 712.04-A
in effectBuffering, Landscaping, Lighting, Screening & Parking Requirements
It is the intent of this Section is to establish standards to promote the protection,
preservation, appearance, character and value of properties throughout the Farish Street
area. The following regulations apply:
1. Approved buffer zones required for:
Separation of differing land uses
Addition of buildings to a lot
Expansion of a structure or parking facility
Separation of churches and religious facilities from buildings and land uses
2. Landscape materials should be hardy and adaptable to local conditions, easily
maintained, and drought tolerant. Use of native plants is strongly encouraged.
3. The design for parking areas shall include deciduous and evergreen trees to provide
shade and break up expanses of asphalt. One tree, a minimum of 2½ -3-inch caliper at
the time of planting, shall be required for every 5 parking spaces. There should be no
more than 10 spaces between landscape islands or medians.
4. Landscape islands or medians shall have no dimension narrower than five (5) feet.
5. Interior landscaping is required for parking lots containing ten or more spaces at a ratio
of 20 square feet of landscape area for every 100 square feet of parking area. All
landscaped areas should be protected by wheel stops or curbing, or be of sufficient
width to prevent damage to plants by overhanging vehicles.
6. Existing vegetation should be incorporated into overall site design.
7. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated by mechanical sprinkler systems.
8. Required perimeter setback areas shall be densely landscaped with a combination of
trees and shrubs, which form a 90 percent ground cover within three years of planting.
9. Required landscaping shall include a combination of trees and shrubs as follows:
For every 20 square feet of landscaped area: three (3) shrubs and either one (1)
deciduous tree, 2½ to 3-inch caliper at time of planting, or one (1) evergreen tree,
having a minimum height of 10 feet at the time of planting.
Tree spacing shall be as follows: Perimeter areas around parking lots 20 to 30 feet
on center; other perimeter areas 30 feet on center.
Interior site landscaping is required to define pedestrian ways, enclose outdoor
gathering and seating areas, and reduce building mass.
10. Architectural features such as low walls, fountains, and sculptures may be used in
places where planting areas are limited or restricted.
11. Project entrances should be enhanced through changes in paving materials such as brick
pavers, textured and colored concrete, providing entry structures and unity in planting
of trees and shrubs.
12. Individual trees along walkways and along sidewalks in the internal portions of projects
should be planted in tree wells or planter boxes.
13. Open storm water detention facilities should be incorporated into project landscaping and open
space where geographically feasible.
14. Open storm water detention facilities shall be landscaped and screened.
15. Moving and flashing lights are prohibited.
16. Entrances, parking areas, and other public spaces shall be adequately lighted to serve as a
deterrent to personal and property crime. Lighting fixtures will be selected and approved to
minimize light spillover onto adjacent properties
17. Lighting standards should be designed and sited to be compatible with the character of the
development.
18. Fences shall be constructed with appropriate fencing material and designed to deter or facilitate
the removal of graffiti – The following applies:
No chain link fences in Arts & Entertainment District or Commercial District (except in
rear yards only)
No barbed wire
No razor wire
No sheet metal
No unfinished concrete masonry units
No plywood
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
