How To Open A Business In Downtown Natchez
Step 4. Confirm that zoning will allow your use
The Downtown area allows for the widest range of land uses in the community, ranging from residential to commercial. Because zoning maps and regulations can change from time to time, please verify zoning through the City’s Planning Department.
Downtown Natchez Zoning
Below is a general summary of the types of permitted uses in each zone. For details on the City’s zoning, go to: natchez.ms.us/DocumentCenter/View/259/2015‐Adopted‐Development‐Code‐PDF
- WD‐1: Waterfront Development – Active uses animating the waterfront for tourists and citizens
- B‐3: Central Business – Commercial, governmental and cultural uses in the Downtown core
- B‐2: General Business – A variety of businesses located on major thoroughfares
- B‐1: Neighborhood Business – Offices, retail and personal services for nearby residences
- R‐3: Mixed Density Residential – One and two family dwellings and townhouses on small lots
- SUD: Special Use District – Uses that are not compatible for other zoning districts
Natchez City Planning Department
The City Planning Department handles the administration of the city’s comprehensive plan. Their duties includes the following:
- Administer contractor permits and electrical inspections through the Office of Inspections
- Regulatory administrator for the Natchez Development Code, Preservation Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Privilege (Business) Licenses, and commercial/industrial site plan review applications.
- Manages development applications for exterior work within the Historic District.
- Receive and process applications requiring public hearings before the Preservation Commission, Planning Commission, and in some cases the Mayor and Board of Alderman.
You can find a complete list of City Regulations & Applications on their webpage: https://natchez.ms.us/141/City-Planning
For Questions on How Your Location is Zoned:
- Call planning at 601-445-7518
- Come into the planning department on the second floor of city hall at 124 Pearl Street, Natchez, MS 39120
- Use our online zoning map atlas.geoportalmaps.com/adams
James Johnston
Community Development Director
jjohnston@natchez.ms.us
Phone: 601-445-7518
Fax: 601-445-6653
Frankie Legaux
Director of Planning and Zoning
flegaux@natchez.ms.us
Phone: 601-445-7518
Fax: 601-445-6653