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Council deletes century-old downtown fire-district overlay from city code
Summary
Council voted unanimously to delete a historic downtown ‘‘fire district’’ code section created in 1910, saying modern building and fire codes have superseded the overlay.
The Gulfport City Council voted unanimously to delete an antiquated downtown fire-district ordinance created in 1910 and last reviewed in 1953, removing an overlay zoning provision staff said now conflicts with modern building and fire codes.
Police Chief Kelly and staff explained the provision dated from an era before contemporary building and fire codes and said the overlay has created confusion for builders. “This is just ... to clean it up,” Chief Kelly said, explaining that existing building and fire codes and modern fire-rating practices make the old overlay unnecessary.
Council members praised staff for resolving contractor confusion and noted the change will simplify permitting and redevelopment in the downtown mercantile zone. The council adopted the ordinance amendment deleting Section 3‑30 of the City Code by voice vote.
Council members said the revision is intended to reduce permitting hurdles for small contractors and remove outdated provisions that the state fire rating bureau no longer recognizes.
