Council approves Harbor House replat and allows modular homes in multiple zones; real‑estate sign change fails

The Diamondhead City Council on March 3 approved two planning-and-zoning items: a replat of the Harbor House townhomes (phases 1 and 2) and a text amendment to the city’s use matrix to permit modular homes in R‑10, R‑6, RHD‑5 and RM‑5 residential zoning districts.

A developer representative explained the Harbor House replat would even out unit footprints so future additions fit a uniform pattern; the council voted to accept the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation to approve the replat. The motion carried by voice vote.

On the modular‑homes amendment (Item 2026044), staff and a planner explained modular homes are factory‑built, brought to site and assembled on foundations and must meet the adopted building codes the city enforces, including wind and flood standards. The council voted in favor of the text amendment to allow modular homes in the listed districts.

Council members briefly considered a separate Planning & Zoning recommendation to change rules for real‑estate and open‑house signs (Item 2026043). A motion to adopt the recommended sign‑ordinance change failed for lack of a second, leaving the existing sign ordinance in place.

The council also accepted a negotiated contract approach for the Montjoy Creek Nature Trail after bids came in over budget; staff told the council they removed nonessential items and would present a contract with a negative change order to fit the available funds.

Procedural votes on these planning items were completed by voice or roll call as noted in the minutes; none of the zoning actions required immediate permit issuance, and staff said projects would proceed through standard permitting and inspections.