Harrison County limits impervious coverage to 40-60% residential. MS §49-27 Coastal Wetlands and MDEQ stormwater rules impose additional limits. Katrina-zone rebuilds triggered stricter runoff controls under EPA MS4 permits.
Harrison County zoning ordinance limits maximum lot coverage, typically 40 to 50% in R-1 residential zones and 60 to 80% in commercial zones. Gulfport and Biloxi apply similar limits with reductions near coastal wetlands. Mississippi Coastal Wetlands Protection Act (MS Code §49-27) restricts impervious development in tidal zones and requires permits from the Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) for coastal construction. MDEQ MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer) stormwater permits impose runoff coefficient limits. Post-Katrina CDBG-DR reconstruction grants often required reduced coverage and elevated pervious construction. Permeable pavers may receive 50% credit toward coverage calculations. Lots in FEMA VE zones must maintain open pilings below BFE, effectively reducing ground-level impervious area. Stormwater detention is required for new development over 1 acre.
Exceeding lot coverage: correction required plus $250 to $2,500 fines. MDMR coastal violations: up to $25,000 per day. MDEQ stormwater violations: federal Clean Water Act penalties possible.
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County and cities prohibit abandoned or inoperable vehicles on streets and visible on private property. MS Code §63-23-1 et seq. governs abandoned v...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and ornamental metal fences. Hurricane-rated construction preferred due to Gulf Coast exposure. Ba...
Harrison County, MS
Mississippi prohibits private ownership of inherently dangerous wild animals under MS Code §49-8-5. Permits required for certain species. Harrison County cit...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits residential rainwater harvesting without restriction. Mississippi has no state law limiting rainwater collection, and the county enco...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County requires permits to remove trees over 6-12 inch DBH in most municipalities. Live oaks are specially protected in Gulfport and Biloxi. Hurrica...
Harrison County, MS
Artificial turf generally permitted in Harrison County. No state or local ban. Gulfport and Biloxi require proper drainage due to Gulf Coast flood-prone soil...
See how Harrison County's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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