Board approves rezoning for Jose Serra; neighbors raise erosion concerns

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning request by Jose Serra for a four‑acre parcel on Highway 471 to allow an office supporting his construction company, with the applicant formally removing a proposed lay‑down yard from the request.

Neighbor J.C. Taylor said clearing on the property already sent sediment into a nearby lake and asked the board to require effective erosion controls. Mr. Serra acknowledged the concern, described existing silt fencing and cleanup efforts after heavy rains, and said he would present a drainage plan as part of future development work. He said he intends to install a retaining wall, cast basin and pipe system to manage runoff.

County staff told the board that stormwater and drainage will be examined when a formal development plan is submitted and that the rezoning itself is appropriate given surrounding commercial zoning and the applicant’s restriction removing outside storage. The board voted to approve the rezoning; no immediate development permit was granted at the meeting.

Board members emphasized that drainage and erosion control would have to be resolved during the permitting and development review process overseen by the county engineer and the Office of Community Development. The board’s approval permits Mr. Serra to pursue development consistent with the new C‑2 zoning, subject to standard stormwater-management reviews and any conditions attached to development permits.

Staff said engineers will require a stormwater management plan during site development; Mr. Taylor was told those mechanisms would be available to address the erosion he described.