Gulfport and Biloxi require vacant lots mowed and trash-free under MS Code §21-19-11. Grass limit 10-12 inches typical. Coastal wetland vacant lots subject to MS §49-27 Coastal Wetlands Act for any alteration.
Mississippi Code §21-19-11 empowers Harrison County municipalities to require vacant lot maintenance. Gulfport and Biloxi ordinances cap grass/weed height at 10-12 inches on vacant parcels. Owners must remove trash, debris, abandoned vehicles, and secure any structures against trespass. Vacant lots in FEMA SFHAs and V-zones are common throughout coastal Harrison County following Katrina. Lots in designated coastal wetlands (Mississippi Coastal Wetlands Protection Act §49-27) require MDMR permits for any vegetation alteration, creating tension with municipal mowing requirements — property owners should verify wetland status before clearing. Right to Farm (MS §95-3-29) protects agricultural vacant land from nuisance claims.
Notice with 7-14 day compliance. Municipal mowing billed at $200-$500+ per occurrence. Liens attach to property per §21-19-11. Wetland violations (if unpermitted clearing): $100-$10,000 per MDMR.
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 vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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