Harrison County, MS Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Measurement point
- 2 feet above FEMA base flood elevation
- Habitable space
- Prohibited below the measurement point
- Parking exception
- Allowed under elevated structures if flow isn't blocked
- Height review trigger
- Fire Marshal sign-off above 35 feet
- Applies in
- FEMA-mapped flood zones per rate map
- Max fine
- $100 per offense, daily for continuing violations
Summary
In FEMA-mapped flood zones across unincorporated Harrison County, the UDC measures a building's height allowance from two feet above the base flood elevation, not from grade, and bars any habitable space below that elevated point, while allowing parking underneath elevated structures if it won't block floodwater flow.
When a building is located in a flood zone identified on a FEMA rate map, building height limits shall be measured from a point two (2) feet above the base flood elevation as determined by FEMA provided that no habitable space or living space is located below the measurement point elevation. Automobile parking may be located under structures elevated above flood hazards provided that such elevation is sufficient to accommodate parking and the space is designed in a fashion that will not impede water flow or elevate the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
06 of the Unified Development Code, Building Height Measurement, applies whenever a lot is located in a flood zone shown on a FEMA rate map. Instead of measuring a structure's allowed height from natural grade, the Code starts the measurement "from a point two (2) feet above the base flood elevation as determined by FEMA," effectively requiring builders to elevate the livable floor above the FEMA base flood elevation plus two feet before any height allowance even begins to count. The provision is explicit that "no habitable space or living space is located below the measurement point elevation", meaning bedrooms, living areas, and similar occupied space cannot sit beneath that elevated line.
The Code carves out one specific use for the space below: automobile parking is allowed under an elevated structure, but only if the elevation clears enough room to actually park a car and the understory is "designed in a fashion that will not impede water flow or elevate the base flood elevation," language aimed at keeping storm surge and floodwater moving rather than backing up against a solid foundation. Once a structure's height, measured from that flood-adjusted point, exceeds 35 feet, the Code requires a site plan and sign-off from the Harrison County Fire Marshal confirming the fire district can adequately fight a fire on the site, a separate, height-triggered review layered on top of the flood-elevation measurement rule.
This section governs the UDC's zoning height allowance specifically; elevation certificates and floodplain development permitting are administered under the county's separate Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Constructing habitable space below the required elevation point, or building above 35 feet without Fire Marshal sign-off, is a zoning violation. The Zoning Officer may issue a written notice or a Cease and Desist Order under § 1409.01, and a willful violation is a misdemeanor under § 1409.03 punishable by a fine of up to $100 per offense, assessed daily until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is building height measured on a flood-zone lot in Harrison County?
Can I put anything under an elevated house in a flood zone?
Does this section cover flood-damage-prevention permits too?
What triggers Fire Marshal review under this section?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harrison County
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