Harrison County zoning and Gulfport/Biloxi codes mandate setbacks varying by district. FEMA VE (Coastal High Hazard) zones along US-90 add elevation requirements. Dillon's Rule state, so all setbacks trace to state zoning enabling act.
Harrison County zoning ordinance establishes minimum setback distances by district. Typical residential (R-1, R-2) setbacks are 25 feet front, 10 feet side, 20 feet rear. Gulfport LDO requires 20-25 ft front, 7.5-10 ft side, 20 ft rear in most residential zones. Biloxi zoning includes a special Coastal Overlay District along US-90 Beach Boulevard with stricter requirements. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps designate much of south Harrison County as AE, VE (Coastal High Hazard with wave action), and X zones; VE zone structures must be elevated on open foundations with breakaway walls and meet 15+ ft BFE (Base Flood Elevation) — effectively dictating setbacks combined with elevation. Post-Katrina rebuilding under MEMA and HUD CDBG-DR grants requires compliance with 2015 IBC/IRC plus MS elevation standards. Corner lots have increased side-street setbacks. Variances require Board of Adjustment hearings.
Building within setback: stop-work order, $100 to $2,000 fines. VE zone violation: loss of federal flood insurance eligibility plus state Coastal Program action. Removal at owner expense 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 setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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