Harrison County supervisors hear in-depth debate on zoning rewrite to define lot sizes, public review steps

Harrison County Board of Supervisors members spent the bulk of a special recess meeting Dec. 11, 2024, discussing a proposed rewrite of the county zoning approach that would break broad R-1 and related districts into smaller subcategories with explicit minimum lot sizes and revise the sequence of public review for subdivisions.

The proposal, introduced in presentation by Dunson Scruggs, an urban planner, would create multiple R-1 subdistricts that spell out minimum lot sizes and reduce reliance on conditional-use approvals by assigning density up front. “One of your biggest issues is the A-1 district. It has a size of 15 acres … the majority of people in Harrison County who are zoned A-1 do not have 15 acres,” Scruggs said while outlining recommended subcategories and related setbacks and density limits.

Supporters and several developers said the approach would give both the county and applicants clearer expectations. Kenneth Jones, a developer who gave his Gulfport address, said the change would tell developers what the board wants in each area: “If you would have a plan, guide developers. Guide people of what you think needs to go where,” he said. Andy Phelan, an…