Gulfport council approves zoning change to allow medical clinics in I-1 industrial areas

The Gulfport City Council voted unanimously to amend its zoning ordinance to allow medical clinic uses in I-1 industrial districts with planning commission approval, removing a barrier for a proposed mental-health clinic planned for Giles Avenue.

The amendment was considered as item 6 on the agenda. Attorney and applicant representative Gillespie told the council the proposal is for a mental-health office and said the clinic would operate as a group practice offering talk therapy with medication management. "It's going to be a group practice," Gillespie said, describing staffing and services.

Councilmember Miss Hines raised concerns about conditions on Giles, noting a nearby encampment and debris and asking, "Tell me how you all are going to keep the facility safe as well as your clients." Gillespie responded the clinic would staff certified personnel and that the location near the airport and the broader I-1 area would be a good fit, adding the project would take about a year to complete.

Presiding officer moved the ordinance amendment; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: allowing medical clinics in industrially zoned parcels can increase local access to behavioral health services without requiring rezoning to commercial districts. Supporters said the facility could spur additional private investment in the neighborhood; at least one council member pressed the applicant to explain safety plans for the specific site before construction begins.

Next steps: the applicant indicated a roughly one-year build timeline. The ordinance change will allow similar proposals to seek planning commission approval for clinic uses in I-1 zones going forward.