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Harrison County commissioners adopt zoning ordinance tightening R2/R3 standards in 2–1 vote
Summary
The board approved Ordinance 2025-15 on Sept. 15, 2025, updating district purposes and site standards and adding requirements for fences, sidewalks, streetlights and covenants; the measure passed 2–1 after several residents urged limits on high-density unincorporated development.
Nelson Stepro, chair of the Harrison County Board of Commissioners, presided over the board’s Sept. 15 meeting where commissioners adopted Ordinance 2025-15, a zoning ordinance amendment intended to refine residential district standards and subdivision requirements.
Amy Williams of Taylor, Siefker, Williams Design Group presented the proposed changes, which the board says add detailed district purposes and site standards, clarify requirements for map amendments and utilities, and address perimeter fences, sidewalks, streetlights and covenants in major residential subdivisions. Williams described the amendments as focused on clearer standards for development in unincorporated Harrison County.
During the public-comment period, county resident Bruce Kennedy urged the board to limit high-density residential development in unincorporated areas. Resident Jeff Liebert supported the proposal and urged the board to require open space and recreational areas in high-density developments. Scott Fluhr, chairman of the Harrison County Republican Party, also spoke in favor of the changes, saying revisions to R2 and R3 zones would help prevent overdevelopment and preserve county character.
Commissioner Brad Wiseman moved to approve Ordinance 2025-15 as presented; Commissioner Annissa Kellum seconded. The motion carried with two ayes and one nay: Wiseman and Kellum voted yes; Commissioner Nelson Stepro voted no. The board’s action adopts the ordinance as the county’s zoning rules for the changes specified.
The ordinance will be filed with county records and take effect according to any timelines specified in the ordinance text. The board did not vote on separate requirements for open space beyond the text before it; a commenter’s request for additional open-space mandates was not adopted as a formal amendment during the meeting.
The commission’s next regular meeting was not changed during the session.
