LLAANNDD DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT OORRDDIINNAANNCCEE · CCIITTYY OOFF BBIILLOOXXII,, MMIISSSSIISSSSIIPPPPII LLAANNDD DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT OORRDDIINNAANNCCEE CCHHAAPPTTEERR 2233 Adopted

CCIITTYY OOFF BBIILLOOXXII,, MMIISSSSIISSSSIIPPPPII

LLLAAANNNDDD

DDDEEEVVVEEELLLOOOPPPMMMEEENNNTTT

OOORRRDDDIIINNNAAANNNCCCEEE

CCHHAAPPTTEERR 2233

Adopted September 7, 2010

Effective November 9, 2010

Revision February 22, 2011

City of Biloxi, Mississippi

Land Development Ordinance Table of Contents-i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 23-1: GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................................... 1-1

1. Title ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

2. Authority ............................................................................................................................. 1-1

(A) General Authority .................................................................................................................................. 1-1

(B) References to Mississippi Code ......................................................................................................... 1-1

3. General Purpose and Intent ............................................................................................ 1-1

4. Applicability and Jurisdiction ........................................................................................... 1-2

(A) General Applicability .............................................................................................................................. 1-2

(B) Application to Governmental Units ................................................................................................. 1-2

(C) No Development until Compliance with this Ordinance ....................................................... 1-2

5. Conformance with Adopted Plans ................................................................................. 1-2

6. Relationship with Other Laws ......................................................................................... 1-3

(A) Conflicts with Other City Codes or Laws .................................................................................... 1-3

(B) Conflicts with State or Federal Law ................................................................................................ 1-3

(C) Conflicts with Private Agreements .................................................................................................. 1-3

(D) Existing Agreements or Vested Rights Not Affected ................................................................ 1-3

7. Official Zoning Map ........................................................................................................... 1-3

(A) Generally .................................................................................................................................................... 1-3

(B) Incorporated by Reference ................................................................................................................. 1-3

(C) Zoning Classification of Lands Added to Jurisdiction ................................................................ 1-3

(D) Interpretation of Official Zoning Map Boundaries ..................................................................... 1-4

(E) Changes to Official Zoning Map ........................................................................................................ 1-4

(F) Transition to New Zoning Districts ................................................................................................ 1-5

8. Transitional Provisions ..................................................................................................... 1-6

(A) Effective Date ........................................................................................................................................... 1-6 (B) Violations Continue ............................................................................................................................... 1-6

(C) Complete Applications ......................................................................................................................... 1-7

(D) Approved Applications ......................................................................................................................... 1-7

(E) Approved Planned Unit Developments ......................................................................................... 1-7

(F) Nonconformities ..................................................................................................................................... 1-7

9. Severability ......................................................................................................................... 1-7

ARTICLE 23-2: ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................ 2-1

1. Summary and Organization ............................................................................................ 2-1

2. Review and Decision-Making Authorities ...................................................................... 2-3

(A) Review and Decision-Making Authorities Generally ................................................................. 2-3 (B) City Council .............................................................................................................................................. 2-3


Table of Contents-ii Land Development Ordinance

(C) Planning Commission ............................................................................................................................ 2-4

(D) Board of Zoning Adjustments ............................................................................................................ 2-7

(E) Architectural and Historical Review Commission ..................................................................... 2-10

(F) City Staff ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-14

3. Standard Review Procedures ........................................................................................ 2-19

(A) Pre-Application Conference ............................................................................................................... 2-19

(B) Neighborhood Meeting ........................................................................................................................ 2-20

(C) Application Filing, Contents, Fees, and Review Schedule ........................................................ 2-22

(D) Application Submittal, Completeness Determination, Revision, and Withdrawal ......... 2-22

(E) Staff Review ............................................................................................................................................... 2-24

(F) Scheduling, Public Notice, and Conduct of Public Hearing ..................................................... 2-25 (G) Review and Action of Advisory Body ............................................................................................. 2-30

(H) Review and Action of Decision-Making Body .............................................................................. 2-30

(I) Notice of Decision ................................................................................................................................. 2-31

(J) Appeals ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-31

(K) Miscellaneous Provisions ...................................................................................................................... 2-31

4. Application-Specific Review Procedures and Standards........................................... 2-33

(A) Text Amendment ................................................................................................................................... 2-33

(B) Map Amendment (Rezoning) ............................................................................................................. 2-34

(C) Planned Development ........................................................................................................................... 2-36

(D) Conditional Use Permit ........................................................................................................................ 2-39

(E) Site Plan Approval ................................................................................................................................... 2-41

(F) Subdivision Approval ............................................................................................................................. 2-44

(G) Certificate of Appropriateness .......................................................................................................... 2-52

(H) Public Works Permit ............................................................................................................................. 2-55

(I) Tree Permit ............................................................................................................................................... 2-56

(J) Temporary Use Permit......................................................................................................................... 2-59

(K) Sign Permit ................................................................................................................................................. 2-59

(L) Certificate of Zoning Compliance .................................................................................................... 2-60

(M) Building Permit ......................................................................................................................................... 2-61

(N) Certificate of Development Compliance ....................................................................................... 2-61

(O) Certificate of Occupancy ..................................................................................................................... 2-62

(P) Variance ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-63

(Q) Administrative Adjustment ................................................................................................................. 2-65

(R) Interpretation ........................................................................................................................................... 2-68

(S) Appeal ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-69

(T) Property, Right-of-Way, or Easement Dedication Acceptance ............................................ 2-71

(U) Right-of-Way or Easement Vacation or Abandonment ........................................................... 2-73

(V) Street Name Change ............................................................................................................................. 2-75

(W) Development Name/New Street Name ....................................................................................... 2-77

ARTICLE 23-3: ZONING DISTRICTS ......................................................................... 3-1

1. General Provisions ............................................................................................................ 3-1

(A) Compliance with District Standards ................................................................................................ 3-1

(B) Types of Zoning Districts .................................................................................................................... 3-1


Land Development Ordinance Table of Contents-iii

(C) Establishment of Zoning Districts ..................................................................................................... 3-1

(D) Classification of Zoning Districts ...................................................................................................... 3-2

(E) Relationships among Base, Planned Development Overlay, and other Overlay Zoning

Districts ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-2

(F) Organization of Zoning District Regulations ................................................................................ 3-2

2. Agricultural and Residential Base Zoning Districts ..................................................... 3-3

(A) General Purposes of Residential Base Zoning Districts ........................................................... 3-3

(B) A: Agricultural District .......................................................................................................................... 3-4

(C) RE: Residential Estate District ............................................................................................................ 3-6

(D) RER: Residential Estate, Restricted District .................................................................................. 3-8

(E) RS-10: Low-Density Single-Family Residential District ............................................................. 3-10 (F) RS-7.5: Medium-Density Single-Family Residential District ..................................................... 3-12

(G) RS-5: High-Density Single-Family Residential District ............................................................... 3-14

(H) RM-10: Low-Density Multifamily Residential District ............................................................... 3-16

(I) RM-20: Medium-Density Multifamily Residential District ........................................................ 3-18

(J) RM-30: High-Density Multifamily Residential District ............................................................... 3-20

(K) RMH: Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home District .......................................................... 3-22

3. Nonresidential Base Zoning Districts .......................................................................... 3-25

(A) General Purposes of Nonresidential Base Zoning Districts ................................................... 3-25

(B) LB: Limited Business District .............................................................................................................. 3-26

(C) NB: Neighborhood Business District .............................................................................................. 3-28

(D) CB: Community Business District .................................................................................................... 3-30

(E) RB: Regional Business District ........................................................................................................... 3-32

(F) DT: Downtown District ...................................................................................................................... 3-34

(G) I: Industrial District ................................................................................................................................. 3-36

(H) WF: Waterfront District ..................................................................................................................... 3-38

(I) SB: Sand Beach District ......................................................................................................................... 3-40

4. Planned Development Zoning Districts ...................................................................... 3-42

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-42

(B) General Standards for All Planned Development Districts .................................................... 3-43

(C) PD-R: Planned Development – Residential District .................................................................. 3-47

(D) PD-C: Planned Development – Commercial District............................................................... 3-48

(E) PD-TND: Planned Development – Traditional Neighborhood Development District 3-49

(F) PD-GE: Planned Development – Gaming Establishment District ........................................ 3-52

(G) PD-HB: Planned Development – Hospitality Business District ............................................. 3-53

(H) PD-I: Planned Development – Infill District .................................................................................. 3-54

5. Overlay Zoning Districts ................................................................................................ 3-55

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-55

(B) AHO: Architectural/Historic Overlay District ............................................................................ 3-55

(C) CRO: Corridor Redevelopment Overlay District ..................................................................... 3-63

(D) AAO: Airport Airspace Overlay District ...................................................................................... 3-67 (E) ANO-: Airport Noise Overlay Districts ........................................................................................ 3-68


Table of Contents-iv Land Development Ordinance

ARTICLE 23-4: USE STANDARDS .............................................................................. 4-1

1. Use Tables .......................................................................................................................... 4-1

(A) Explanation of Use Tables Structure ............................................................................................... 4-1

(B) Use Table – Residential Districts ...................................................................................................... 4-2

(C) Use Table – Nonresidential and Planned Development Districts........................................ 4-8

2. Use Classifications, Use Categories, and Use Types ................................................. 4-13

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-13

(B) Agricultural Use Classification ........................................................................................................... 4-16

(C) Residential Use Classification ............................................................................................................. 4-17

(D) Public and Institutional Use Classification ...................................................................................... 4-18

(E) Commercial Uses ................................................................................................................................... 4-21

(F) Industrial Uses .......................................................................................................................................... 4-26

(G) Water-Oriented Uses ........................................................................................................................... 4-28

3. Use-Specific Standards ................................................................................................... 4-29

(A) Agricultural Uses ..................................................................................................................................... 4-29

(B) Residential Uses ....................................................................................................................................... 4-30

(C) Public and Institutional Uses ............................................................................................................... 4-36

(D) Commercial Uses ................................................................................................................................... 4-44

(E) Industrial Uses .......................................................................................................................................... 4-65

(F) Water-Oriented Facilities .................................................................................................................... 4-70

4. Accessory Use Standards ............................................................................................... 4-71

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-71

(B) General Standards and Limitations................................................................................................... 4-71

(C) Specific Standards for Certain Accessory Uses ........................................................................... 4-75

5. Temporary Uses and Structures .................................................................................. 4-86

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-86

(B) Table of Permitted Temporary Uses and Structures ................................................................ 4-86

(C) Prohibited Temporary Uses ............................................................................................................... 4-87

(D) Temporary Use Permits ....................................................................................................................... 4-87

(E) General Standards For All Temporary Uses and Structures ................................................. 4-87

(F) Specific Regulations For Certain Temporary Uses and Structures ..................................... 4-88

(G) Special Events ........................................................................................................................................... 4-93

ARTICLE 23-5: INTENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS....................... 5-1

1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 5-1

2. Intensity and Dimensional Standards Table ................................................................. 5-1

3. Measurement ..................................................................................................................... 5-3

(A) Lot Area per Dwelling Unit ................................................................................................................ 5-3

(B) Dwelling Units per Acre ...................................................................................................................... 5-3

(C) Floor Area Ratio ..................................................................................................................................... 5-3

(D) Lot Width .................................................................................................................................................. 5-3


Land Development Ordinance Table of Contents-v

(E) Lot Depth .................................................................................................................................................. 5-3

(F) Impervious Surface Area ...................................................................................................................... 5-4

(G) Height .......................................................................................................................................................... 5-4

(H) Setbacks ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-4

4. Exceptions and Variations ................................................................................................ 5-6

(A) Maximum Impervious Surface Area ................................................................................................. 5-6

(B) Maximum Height ..................................................................................................................................... 5-6

(C) Setbacks ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-7

ARTICLE 23-6: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS....................................................... 6-1

1. Access and Circulation ..................................................................................................... 6-1

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-1

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-1

(C) Consistency with Plans ......................................................................................................................... 6-1

(D) Multimodal Transportation System.................................................................................................. 6-1

(E) Circulation Plan Required .................................................................................................................... 6-1

(F) Vehicular Access and Circulation ..................................................................................................... 6-2

(G) Pedestrian Access and Circulation ................................................................................................... 6-14

2. Off-Street Parking and Loading .................................................................................... 6-17

(A) Purpose and Intent ................................................................................................................................. 6-17

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-17 (C) General Standards for Off-Street Parking and Loading Areas ............................................... 6-18

(D) Off-Street Parking Standards .............................................................................................................. 6-20

(E) Calculation of Off-Street Parking Space Requirements ............................................................ 6-26

(F) Accessible Parking Spaces for Physically Disabled Persons ..................................................... 6-27

(G) Dimensional Standards for Parking Spaces and Aisles .............................................................. 6-29

(H) Off-Street Parking Alternatives .......................................................................................................... 6-32

(I) Parking Reduction Incentives .............................................................................................................. 6-35

(J) Loading Area Standards ........................................................................................................................ 6-37

3. Landscaping ...................................................................................................................... 6-39

(A) Section Organization ............................................................................................................................. 6-39

(B) Purpose and Intent ................................................................................................................................. 6-39

(C) General Requirements for Landscaping ......................................................................................... 6-40

(D) Vehicular Use Area Landscaping ....................................................................................................... 6-43

(E) Perimeter Buffers .................................................................................................................................... 6-46

(F) Street Trees .............................................................................................................................................. 6-49

(G) Screening .................................................................................................................................................... 6-50

(H) Stormwater Pond Landscaping .......................................................................................................... 6-52

(I) Alternative Landscape Plan .................................................................................................................. 6-53

(J) Other Landscaping Standards............................................................................................................. 6-54

4. Tree Protection ............................................................................................................... 6-56


(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-56


Table of Contents-vi Land Development Ordinance

(C) Tree Permit Required ........................................................................................................................... 6-57

(D) Responsibility for Compliance ........................................................................................................... 6-57

(E) Existing Tree Canopy Defined ........................................................................................................... 6-57

(F) Retention of Existing Tree Canopy .................................................................................................. 6-57

(G) Protection of Specimen Trees ........................................................................................................... 6-62

(H) Tree Protection During Construction ........................................................................................... 6-64

(I) Tree Preservation Incentives .............................................................................................................. 6-66

5. Environmental Protection ............................................................................................. 6-66

(A) Wetlands .................................................................................................................................................... 6-66

(B) Riparian Buffers ........................................................................................................................................ 6-67

(C) Stormwater Management .................................................................................................................... 6-69 (D) Flood Damage Prevention ................................................................................................................... 6-69

6. Open Space Set-Asides .................................................................................................. 6-70


(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-70

(C) Open Space Set-Aside Standards ...................................................................................................... 6-70

7. Fences and Walls ............................................................................................................. 6-75

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-75

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-75

(C) General Requirements for Fences and Walls .............................................................................. 6-75

(D) Height Requirements for Fences and Walls ................................................................................. 6-76

(E) Perimeter Fences and Walls Abutting Public Rights-of-Way ................................................. 6-78

(F) Appearance ............................................................................................................................................... 6-78

(G) Visibility Clearance ................................................................................................................................. 6-79

(H) Prohibited Fences ................................................................................................................................... 6-79

(I) Maintenance Required .......................................................................................................................... 6-79

8. Exterior Lighting .............................................................................................................. 6-80

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-80

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-80

(C) Exemptions ................................................................................................................................................ 6-80

(D) General Standards for Exterior Lighting ........................................................................................ 6-80

(E) Design Standards for Exterior Lighting ........................................................................................... 6-81

(F) Wall Pack Lights ...................................................................................................................................... 6-82

(G) Exemptions for a Security Plan .......................................................................................................... 6-82

(H) Illumination of Outdoor Sports Fields and Performance Areas............................................ 6-82

(I) Sign Lighting ............................................................................................................................................... 6-82

9. Multifamily Residential Design Standards ................................................................... 6-82

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-82

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-83

(C) Time of Review ........................................................................................................................................ 6-83

(D) Multifamily Design Standards .............................................................................................................. 6-83


Land Development Ordinance Table of Contents-vii

10. Commercial Design Standards ..................................................................................... 6-86

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-86

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-87

(C) Timing of Review .................................................................................................................................... 6-87

(D) General Commercial Design Standards ......................................................................................... 6-87

(E) Large Retail Design Standards ............................................................................................................ 6-91

11. Transitional Standards.................................................................................................... 6-94

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-94

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-94

(C) Time of Review ........................................................................................................................................ 6-95

(D) Transitional Development Standards .............................................................................................. 6-95

12. Sustainable Design .......................................................................................................... 6-98

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-98

(B) Sustainable Development Point Requirement ............................................................................. 6-98

(C) Bonuses for Additional Sustainable Development Features ................................................... 6-100

13. Signage ............................................................................................................................ 6-102

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-102

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 6-103

(C) Prohibited Signs ....................................................................................................................................... 6-104

(D) Signs in A, RE, RER, RS-, RM-, and RMH Districts ..................................................................... 6-105

(E) Signs in LB District .................................................................................................................................. 6-105

(F) Signs in NB District ................................................................................................................................ 6-106

(G) Signs in CB District ................................................................................................................................ 6-107

(H) Signs in RB District ................................................................................................................................. 6-108

(I) Signs in DT District ................................................................................................................................ 6-109

(J) Signs in I District ...................................................................................................................................... 6-109

(K) Signs in WF District ............................................................................................................................... 6-110

(L) Maintenance of Signs .............................................................................................................................. 6-111

(M) Signs not to Constitute Safety Hazard ............................................................................................ 6-112

(N) Temporary Signs ..................................................................................................................................... 6-112

ARTICLE 23-7: SUBDIVISION STANDARDS ........................................................... 7-1

1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 7-1

2. Applicability ........................................................................................................................ 7-1

3. General Standards ............................................................................................................. 7-1

(A) Layout .......................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

(B) Blocks .......................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

4. Street Standards ................................................................................................................ 7-2

(A) Developer Responsibility ..................................................................................................................... 7-2

(B) Right-of-Way ............................................................................................................................................ 7-3

(C) Roadway ..................................................................................................................................................... 7-3

(D) Sidewalks .................................................................................................................................................... 7-4


Table of Contents-viii Land Development Ordinance

(E) Curb and Gutter ..................................................................................................................................... 7-4

(F) Streetlights ................................................................................................................................................. 7-5

(G) Fire Hydrants ............................................................................................................................................ 7-5

(H) Traffic Signs................................................................................................................................................ 7-5

(I) Sight Triangles at Street Intersections ............................................................................................. 7-5

5. Other Infrastructure ......................................................................................................... 7-6

(A) Stormwater Management Facilities .................................................................................................. 7-6

(B) Potable/Fire Protection Water and Sanitary Sewer .................................................................. 7-6

(C) Utilities by Private Utility Companies.............................................................................................. 7-6

(D) Solid Waste Disposal ............................................................................................................................. 7-7

(E) Fire Protection for Piers, Docks, and Wharves .......................................................................... 7-7

6. Subdivision Lot Standards ................................................................................................ 7-7

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-7

(B) Lot Frontage and Access ...................................................................................................................... 7-8

(C) Lot Area ..................................................................................................................................................... 7-8

(D) Lot Depth .................................................................................................................................................. 7-8

(E) Waterfront Lots ...................................................................................................................................... 7-8

(F) Easements .................................................................................................................................................. 7-9

7. Monuments, Pins, and Benchmarks ............................................................................... 7-9

(A) Monuments ............................................................................................................................................... 7-9

(B) Pins ............................................................................................................................................................... 7-9

(C) Benchmarks ............................................................................................................................................... 7-9

8. Phasing .............................................................................................................................. 7-10

(A) Approval as Part of Site Plan or Preliminary Plat ........................................................................ 7-10

(B) Phasing Design .......................................................................................................................................... 7-10

(C) Temporary Measures ............................................................................................................................ 7-10

9. Performance and Maintenance Guarantees ............................................................... 7-10

(A) Performance Guarantees ..................................................................................................................... 7-10

(B) Maintenance Guarantees ..................................................................................................................... 7-13

ARTICLE 23-8: NONCONFORMITIES ....................................................................... 8-1

1. General Applicability ........................................................................................................ 8-1

(A) Purpose and Scope ................................................................................................................................. 8-1

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 8-1

(C) Continuation Allowed ........................................................................................................................... 8-1

(D) Determination of Nonconformity Status ...................................................................................... 8-1

(E) Minor Repairs and Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 8-1

(F) Change of Tenancy or Ownership ................................................................................................... 8-1

2. Nonconforming Uses ........................................................................................................ 8-1

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-1

(B) Expansion and Enlargement ................................................................................................................ 8-2


Land Development Ordinance Table of Contents-ix

(C) Structures Used for Nonconforming Use ..................................................................................... 8-2

(D) Replacement of Nonconforming Mobile Homes and Manufactured Homes .................. 8-2

(E) Change in Use .......................................................................................................................................... 8-2

(F) Discontinuance of Use .......................................................................................................................... 8-2

(G) Exceptions ................................................................................................................................................. 8-3

3. Nonconforming Structures .............................................................................................. 8-3

(A) Relationship with Nonconforming Uses ........................................................................................ 8-3

(B) Enlargement or Expansion ................................................................................................................... 8-3

(C) Relocation .................................................................................................................................................. 8-4

(D) Maintenance, Repairs, and Remodeling .......................................................................................... 8-4

(E) Reconstruction or Restoration after Damage ............................................................................. 8-4 (F) Exceptions ................................................................................................................................................. 8-4

4. Nonconforming Lots of Record ...................................................................................... 8-5

(A) General ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-5

(B) Status of Structures on Nonconforming Lots .............................................................................. 8-5

(C) Development of Nonconforming Lots ........................................................................................... 8-6

(D) Reconstruction of Dwellings on Nonconforming Lots in Residential Districts after Damage

....................................................................................................................................................................... 8-6

(E) Rearrangement of Property Lines Required ................................................................................. 8-6

(F) Governmental Acquisition of Land in a Residential District ................................................... 8-6

(G) Change of Nonconforming Lot ......................................................................................................... 8-6

5. Nonconforming Signs ....................................................................................................... 8-6

(A) Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................. 8-6

(B) Reconstruction or Restoration after Damage ............................................................................. 8-6

(C) Abandoned Nonconforming Signs ................................................................................................... 8-6

(D) Compliance with Nonconforming Structure Requirements .................................................. 8-7

6. Nonconforming Site Features ......................................................................................... 8-7

(A) Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-7

(B) Applicability ............................................................................................................................................... 8-7

(C) Interior and Exterior Remodeling of Structures ......................................................................... 8-7

(D) Additions and Expansions .................................................................................................................... 8-8

(E) Compliance to Maximum Extent Practicable on Constrained Properties ........................ 8-9

ARTICLE 23-9: ENFORCEMENT ................................................................................. 9-1

1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 9-1

2. Compliance Required ....................................................................................................... 9-1

3. Violations ............................................................................................................................ 9-1

(A) Violations Generally ............................................................................................................................... 9-1

(B) Specific Violations.................................................................................................................................... 9-1


Table of Contents-x Land Development Ordinance

4. Responsible Persons .......................................................................................................... 9-2

5. Enforcement Generally .................................................................................................... 9-2

(A) Responsibility for Enforcement.......................................................................................................... 9-2

(B) Complaints Regarding Violations ...................................................................................................... 9-2

(C) Inspections ................................................................................................................................................. 9-2

(D) Enforcement Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 9-2

6. Remedies and Penalties .................................................................................................... 9-4

(A) Remedies .................................................................................................................................................... 9-4

(B) Criminal Penalties ................................................................................................................................... 9-6

(C) Assessment for Court Costs ............................................................................................................. 9-6

(D) Cumulative Remedies and Penalties ................................................................................................ 9-6

ARTICLE 23-10: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION ................................. 10-1

1. General Rules for Interpretation .................................................................................. 10-1

(A) Meanings and Intent ............................................................................................................................... 10-1

(B) Headings, Illustrations, and Text ....................................................................................................... 10-1

(C) Lists and Examples .................................................................................................................................. 10-1

(D) Computation of Time ........................................................................................................................... 10-1

(E) References to Other Regulations/Publications ............................................................................ 10-1

(F) Delegation of Authority ....................................................................................................................... 10-1

(G) Technical and Nontechnical Terms ................................................................................................. 10-1 (H) Public Officials and Agencies ............................................................................................................... 10-1

(I) Mandatory and Discretionary Terms .............................................................................................. 10-2

(J) Conjunctions ............................................................................................................................................ 10-2

(K) Tenses and Plurals .................................................................................................................................. 10-2

(L) Term Not Defined ................................................................................................................................. 10-2

2. Terms and Uses Defined ................................................................................................ 10-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 23-1: GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................................... 1-1

1. Title ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

2. Authority ............................................................................................................................. 1-1

(A) General Authority .................................................................................................................................. 1-1

(B) References to Mississippi Code ......................................................................................................... 1-1

3. General Purpose and Intent ............................................................................................ 1-1

4. Applicability and Jurisdiction ........................................................................................... 1-2

(A) General Applicability .............................................................................................................................. 1-2

(B) Application to Governmental Units ................................................................................................. 1-2

(C) No Development until Compliance with this Ordinance ....................................................... 1-2

5. Conformance with Adopted Plans ................................................................................. 1-2

6. Relationship with Other Laws ......................................................................................... 1-3

(A) Conflicts with Other City Codes or Laws .................................................................................... 1-3

(B) Conflicts with State or Federal Law ................................................................................................ 1-3

(C) Conflicts with Private Agreements .................................................................................................. 1-3

(D) Existing Agreements or Vested Rights Not Affected ................................................................ 1-3

7. Official Zoning Map ........................................................................................................... 1-3

(A) Generally .................................................................................................................................................... 1-3

(B) Incorporated by Reference ................................................................................................................. 1-3

(C) Zoning Classification of Lands Added to Jurisdiction ................................................................ 1-3

(D) Interpretation of Official Zoning Map Boundaries ..................................................................... 1-4

(E) Changes to Official Zoning Map ........................................................................................................ 1-4

(F) Transition to New Zoning Districts ................................................................................................ 1-5

8. Transitional Provisions ..................................................................................................... 1-6

(A) Effective Date ........................................................................................................................................... 1-6

(B) Violations Continue ............................................................................................................................... 1-6

(C) Complete Applications ......................................................................................................................... 1-7

(D) Approved Applications ......................................................................................................................... 1-7

(E) Approved Planned Unit Developments ......................................................................................... 1-7

(F) Nonconformities ..................................................................................................................................... 1-7

9. Severability ......................................................................................................................... 1-7


Land Development Ordinance Page 1-1

ARTICLE 23-1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. TITLE This Ordinance shall be officially known as the “Land Development Ordinance of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi‖ and

may be referred to as “the Land Development Ordinance‖ or “this Ordinance‖ or the “LDO.‖

2. AUTHORITY

(A) GENERAL AUTHORITY

This Ordinance consolidates the city―s zoning and subdivision regulatory authority as authorized by the

Mississippi Code and is adopted pursuant to:

(1) The mayor-council code charter in Title 21, Chapter 9 of the Mississippi Code;

(2) The home rule authority granted municipalities under Section 21-17-5 of the Mississippi Code;

(3) Various provisions of the Mississippi Code, including Title 17, Chapter 1 (Zoning, Planning and Subdivision Regulation) and Title 21 (Municipalities);

(4) All other relevant laws of the State of Mississippi; and

(5) Any special legislation enacted for the City of Biloxi.

(B) REFERENCES TO MISSISSIPPI CODE

Whenever any provision of this Ordinance refers to or cites a section of the Mississippi Code and that

section is later amended or superseded, this Ordinance shall be deemed amended to refer to the amended

section or the section that most nearly corresponds to the superseded section.

3. GENERAL PURPOSE AND INTENT The purpose of this Ordinance is to promote the public heath, safety, and general welfare of the citizens and

landowners of Biloxi, and to implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the Biloxi Comprehensive Plan and

other city-adopted plans addressing the city―s growth and development. The intent of this Ordinance is more

specifically to promote an orderly pattern of land uses and development that will:

1. Maintain and stabilize the value of buildings and land;

2. Reduce the vulnerability of development and residents to storms, flooding, and other natural hazards;

3. Ensure the provision of adequate open space between uses for light, air, and fire safety;

4. Better manage or lessen traffic congestion and its accompanying hazards;

5. Prevent the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentrations of population;

6. Support the efficient, orderly, and cost-effective provision of needed transportation, water supply, sewerage, schools, parks, public utilities, and other public facilities and services;

7. Foster convenient, compatible, and efficient relationships among land uses;

8. Preserve the character and quality of residential neighborhoods while providing increased housing choices;

Article 23-1: General Provisions

Section 23-1-6: Relationship with Other Laws

Section 23-1-6 (A): Conflicts with Other City Codes or Laws


Page 1-2 Land Development Ordinance

9. Maintain and enhance the unique character and identify of “Old Biloxi‖ and other areas within the city through an emphasis on design quality;

10. Maintain and enhance high quality aesthetic standards for development;

11. Protect and conserve water resources (e.g., Mississippi Sound, estuaries, rivers, streams, wetlands) and their functions (e.g., flood control, fisheries, recreation);

12. Protect and conserve Biloxi―s tree canopy and other natural resources contributing to the environmental and aesthetic quality of the city and its environs;

13. Recognize, preserve, and encourage the restoration and adaptive reuse of Biloxi―s historic resources and other resources reflecting the city―s cultural heritage;

14. Promote a healthy, diversified, and sustainable economy that meets the needs of Biloxi―s residents and visitors; and

15. Support retention of the commercial seafood industry as a vital part of Biloxi―s economy.

4. APPLICABILITY AND JURISDICTION

(A) GENERAL APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to the development of all land within the corporate limits of the

City of Biloxi unless it is expressly exempted by a specific section or subsection of this Ordinance.

(B) APPLICATION TO GOVERNMENTAL UNITS

Except as stated herein, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to:

(1) Development by the city or its agencies or departments;

(2) To the full extent permitted by law, development owned or held in tenancy by the governments of Harrison County, the State of Mississippi, or the United States, including their agencies, departments, or corporate

services.

(C) NO DEVELOPMENT UNTIL COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ORDINANCE

No land shall be developed without full compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance and all other

applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations.

5. CONFORMANCE WITH ADOPTED PLANS This Ordinance is intended to ensure that all development within the city―s jurisdiction will be consistent with the

goals, objectives, policies, strategies, and actions of the Biloxi Comprehensive Plan and other city-adopted plans

addressing the city―s growth and development—including, but not limited to, functional plans related to public

infrastructure and services (e.g., transportation plan, local streets plan, parks and recreation plan, emergency

management plan) and small area plans that provide guidance on desired development in specific geographic areas

and corridors within the city. To the extent this Ordinance is or becomes inconsistent with the adopted plans, it

should be amended to become or remain consistent with the adopted plans. Additionally, all amendments to this

Ordinance―s text or Official Zoning Map should maintain and enhance consistency between this Ordinance and the

adopted plans.


Section 23-1-7: Official Zoning Map

Section 23-1-7 (C): Zoning Classification of Lands Added to Jurisdiction



6. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LAWS

(A) CONFLICTS WITH OTHER CITY CODES OR LAWS

If a provision of this Ordinance is inconsistent with another provision of this Ordinance, or with a provision

found in other adopted codes or ordinances of the city, the more restrictive provision shall govern unless the

terms of the more restrictive provision specify otherwise. The more restrictive provision is the one that

imposes greater restrictions or burdens, or more stringent controls.

(B) CONFLICTS WITH STATE OR FEDERAL LAW

If a provision of this Ordinance is inconsistent with a provision found in the law or regulations of the state or

federal government, the more restrictive provision shall control, to the extent permitted by law.

(C) CONFLICTS WITH PRIVATE AGREEMENTS

The city shall not be responsible for monitoring or enforcing private covenants and restrictions.

(D) EXISTING AGREEMENTS OR VESTED RIGHTS NOT AFFECTED

Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to repeal, supersede, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing

private agreements or vested rights previously adopted or issued pursuant to all applicable laws, provided

such agreements or rights are lawfully established and remain in effect.

7. OFFICIAL ZONING MAP

(A) GENERALLY

The Official Zoning Map designates the location and boundaries of the various base zoning and overlay zoning

districts established in this Ordinance. The Official Zoning Map shall be kept on file in the Community

Development Department and is available for public inspection during normal business hours. The original

official version of the map shall be certified by the Director of Community Development. It may be kept in

either hardcopy or digital form. It shall be the final authority as to the status of the current zoning district

classification of land in the city, and shall only be amended in accordance with this Ordinance.

(B) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Official Zoning Map and all the notations thereon is incorporated herein by reference and made part of

this Ordinance.

(C) ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF LANDS ADDED TO JURISDICTION

The City Council shall determine the zoning designation of lands added to the city's jurisdiction through

annexation at the time such lands are added based on the following factors:

(1) The land―s designation on the future land use map of the Biloxi Comprehensive Plan;

(2) The land―s current land use;

(3) The existence of a previously-approved site or subdivision plan;

(4) The character of adjacent lands;

(5) Current county zoning classifications;

(6) Landowner requests; and



Section 23-1-7 (E): Changes to Official Zoning Map



(7) Other factors considered relevant at the time of the annexation.

(D) INTERPRETATION OF OFFICIAL ZONING MAP BOUNDARIES

The Director of Community Development shall be responsible for interpretations of the Official Zoning Map

in accordance with the standards in Section 23-10-1, General Rules of Interpretation, and the following

standards:

(1) Boundaries shown as approximately following a utility line or a street, alley, railroad, or other public accessway shall be interpreted as following the centerline of the right-of-way or easement for the utility line

or accessway.

(2) Boundaries shown as approximately following a property line shall be interpreted as following the property line as it existed when the boundary was established. If a subsequent minor adjustment (such as from

settlement of a boundary dispute or overlap) results in the property line moving ten feet or less, the zoning

boundary shall be interpreted as moving with the property line.

(3) Boundaries shown as approximately following a river, stream, canal, or other watercourse shall be interpreted as following the centerline of the watercourse as it actually exists and as moving with that

centerline to the extent the watercourse moves as a result of natural processes (flooding, erosion,

sedimentation, etc.).

(4) Boundaries shown as approximately following the shoreline of the Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Bay, the Back Bay of Biloxi, or other body of water shall be interpreted as following the shoreline at low water, and as moving

with that low water line to the extent the shoreline moves as a result of natural processes (flooding, erosion,

sedimentation, etc.).

(5) Boundaries shown as entering a body of water shall be interpreted as continuing in the direction at which they enter the body of water and extending until they intersect another zoning district boundary or similarly

extended boundary, or the limits of the city―s jurisdiction.

(6) Boundaries shown as approximately following established municipal corporate limits or other political boundaries shall be interpreted as following the corporate limits or boundary.

(7) Boundaries shown parallel to or as extensions of features indicated in this subsection shall be interpreted as such.

(8) If the specific location of a depicted boundary cannot be determined from notations on the Official Zoning Map or application of the above standards, it shall be determined by using the map―s scale to determine the

boundary―s distance from other features shown on the map.

(9) Where the actual locations of existing physical or natural features vary from that shown on the Official Zoning Map, or in other circumstances not covered by this subsection, the Director of Community

Development shall have the authority to interpret the district boundaries. Appeals of the Director of

Community Development―s decision shall be reviewed by the Board of Zoning Adjustments in accordance

with Section 23-2-4(S), Appeal.

(E) CHANGES TO OFFICIAL ZONING MAP

Changes made in zoning district boundaries or other matters portrayed on the Official Zoning Map shall be

made in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance (Section 23-2-4(B), Map Amendment (Rezoning)).

Changes shall be entered on the Official Zoning Map by the Director of Community Development promptly

after the amendment is approved by the City Council. Where the ordinance enacting a zoning district

boundary change contains wording explaining or clarifying the location of the new boundary, the Director of



Section 23-1-7 (F): Transition to New Zoning Districts



Community Development may enter on the Official Zoning Map notations reflecting the ordinance wording.

The Director of Community Development shall maintain copies of superseded versions of the Official Zoning

Map for historical reference.

(F) TRANSITION TO NEW ZONING DISTRICTS

On November 9, 2010, land zoned with a zoning district classification from the previous zoning regulations

shall be translated or reclassified to one of the zoning district classifications in this Ordinance as set forth in

Article 23-3: Zoning Districts. Table 23-1-7(F), Transition to New Zoning Districts, summarizes the

translation or reclassification of the zoning districts used in the previous zoning regulations to the zoning

districts used in this Ordinance. (For example, Table 23-1-7(F) shows that all lands classified as Central

Business District (CBD) in the previous zoning regulations (under the column titled “Former Zoning

District‖) are classified Downtown (DT) in this Ordinance (under the column titled “New Zoning District‖).)

TABLE 23-1-7(F): TRANSITION TO NEW ZONING DISTRICTS

FORMER ZONING DISTRICT NEW ZONING DISTRICT 1

AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL BASE ZONING DISTRICTS

A Agricultural A Agricultural 2

RE Residential Estate RE Residential Estate

RER Residential Estate, Restricted RER Residential Estate, Restricted

RS-10 Single-Family Residential, Low Density RS-10 Low-Density Single-Family Residential

RS-7.5 Single-Family Residential, Medium Density RS-7.5 Medium-Density Single-Family Residential

RS-5 Single-Family Residential, High Density RS-5 High-Density Single-Family Residential

RD Duplex or Two-Family Residential [Deleted]

RM-10 Multiple-Family Residential, Low Density RM-10 Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential

RM-20 Multiple-Family Residential, Medium Density RM-20 Medium-Density Multiple-Family Residential

RM-25 Multiple-Family Residential, High Density RM-30 High-Density Multiple-Family Residential

RMH Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home RMH Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home

NONRESIDENTIAL BASE ZONING DISTRICTS

RO Residential Office LB Limited Business

B-1 Neighborhood Business

B-2 Community Business NB Neighborhood Business

B-3 Hospitality Business CB Community Business

B-4 General Business RB Regional Business

B-5 High-Volume Business

CBD Central Business District DT Downtown

I-1 Light Industrial I Industrial

I-2 Heavy Industrial

WF Waterfront WF Waterfront

CRD Corridor Redevelopment District 3 [Deleted – but see CRO district below]

SB Sand Beach SB Sand Beach

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICTS 4

PUD Planned Unit Development 5

PD-R Planned Development Residential

PD-TND Planned Development–Traditional

Neighborhood Development

PD-C Planned Development–Commercial


Section 23-1-8: Transitional Provisions

Section 23-1-8 (C): Complete Applications



TABLE 23-1-7(F): TRANSITION TO NEW ZONING DISTRICTS

FORMER ZONING DISTRICT NEW ZONING DISTRICT 1

PD-GE Planned Development–Gaming

Establishment

PD-HB Planned Development–Hospitality Business

PD-I Planned Development–Infill

OTHER OVERLAY DISTRICTS

AHO Architectural/Historic Overlay AHO Architectural/Historic Overlay

Convention Center Overlay [Deleted]

East Biloxi Hospitality Overlay [Deleted]

CRO Corridor Redevelopment Overlay

Municipal Area Height/Airspace Overlay AAO Airport Airspace Overlay

Municipal

Area

Airport

Noise

Overlay

NCD 65-70 Noise Control District 65-

70 ANO-1 Airport Noise Overlay 1

NCD 70-75 Noise Control District 70-

75 ANO-2 Airport Noise Overlay 2

Southwest Quadrant District ANO-3 Airport Noise Overlay 3

NOTES:

1. Lands formerly designated one of the “Former Zoning District‖ classifications shown in the left column are

translated or reclassified to the corresponding new “New Zoning District‖ classification shown in the right

column. These reclassifications occurred on November 9, 2010.

2. The Agricultural (A) district is retained and continues to apply to land currently zoned Agricultural, but no

additional land shall be rezoned to Agricultural.

3. Lands in this former district are reclassified to one of the new Business base districts (as appropriate to the

uses and intensity of existing development) and to the new Corridor Redevelopment Overlay district.

4. PD districts are overlay districts, but are listed separately because of their special nature.

5. Lands in the former Planned Unit Development (PUD) district are translated or reclassified to a Planned

Development–Residential or Planned Development–Commercial district (as appropriate) and remain subject

to the approved general development plan, detailed site plan, and any subdivision plats and conditions of

approval associated with the Zoning District Map Amendment establishing the former Planned Unit

Development district zoning classification.

8. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

(A) EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall become effective on November 9, 2010, and repeals and replaces the Biloxi Land

Development Ordinance, as originally adopted on July 29, 2003, and subsequently amended.

(B) VIOLATIONS CONTINUE

Any violation of previously applicable zoning regulations or subdivision regulations shall continue to be a

violation under this Ordinance and any other applicable ordinances, laws, or statutes. Violations of this

Ordinance shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Article 23-9: Enforcement, and any other applicable

ordinances, laws, or statutes, unless the development complies with the express terms of this Ordinance or

the other ordinances, laws, or statutes.


Section 23-1-9: Severability

Section 23-1-9 (F): Nonconformities



(C) COMPLETE APPLICATIONS

(1) Any development application submitted and accepted as complete before November 9, 2010, but still pending final action as of that date, shall be reviewed and decided, at the applicant―s option, wholly in

accordance with the regulations in effect when the application was accepted, or wholly in accordance with

this Ordinance (but not in accordance with a mix of provisions from both sets of regulations).

(2) If the applicant elects to have a pending application reviewed in accordance with the prior regulations, the city shall review and decide the application in good faith and in accordance with any time frames established

by the prior regulations. If the application is approved and the approval or subsequent authorization of the

approved development expires or becomes invalid (e.g., for failure to comply with time limits or the terms

or conditions of approval), any subsequent development of the site shall be subject to the procedures and

standards of this Ordinance.

(3) To the extent a pending application is approved in accordance with the prior regulations and proposes development that does not comply with this Ordinance, the subsequent development, although permitted,

shall be nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 23-8: Nonconformities.

(D) APPROVED APPLICATIONS

(1) Any development approvals granted before November 9, 2010 shall remain valid until their expiration date. Developments with valid approvals or permits may be carried out in accordance with the terms and

conditions of their approval and the development standards in effect at the time of approval, provided the

permit or approval is valid and has not expired. If the prior approval expires or is revoked (e.g., for failure to

comply with the terms and conditions of approval), any subsequent development of the site shall be applied

for in accordance with the procedures and standards of this Ordinance.

(2) To the extent a prior-approved application proposes development that does not comply with this Ordinance, the subsequent development, although permitted, shall be nonconforming and subject to the

provisions of Article 23-8: Nonconformities.

(E) APPROVED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS

Lands subject to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) classification approved before November 9, 2010 shall

continue to be subject to the approved concept plan and development plan and associated conditions of

approval even if the PUD classification is reclassified to a new general use base zoning district or a Planned

Development zoning district as part of the adoption of this Ordinance.

(F) NONCONFORMITIES

If any use, structure, lot, sign, or site feature legally existed on November 9, 2010, but does not fully comply

with the standards of this Ordinance, then that use, structure, lot, sign, or site feature shall be considered

nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 23-8: Nonconformities.

9. SEVERABILITY It is the legislative intent of the City Council in adopting this Ordinance that all provisions shall regulate development

in accordance with the existing and future needs of the city as established in this Ordinance and promote the public

health, safety, and general welfare of the land owners and residents of the city. If any section, subsection, sentence,

boundary, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be

invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council

hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and any section, subsection, sentence, boundary, clause,

and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, boundaries,

clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 23-2: ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................ 2-1

1. Summary and Organization ............................................................................................ 2-1

2. Review and Decision-Making Authorities ...................................................................... 2-3

(A) Review and Decision-Making Authorities Generally ................................................................. 2-3

(B) City Council .............................................................................................................................................. 2-3

(C) Planning Commission ............................................................................................................................ 2-4

(D) Board of Zoning Adjustments ............................................................................................................ 2-7

(E) Architectural and Historical Review Commission ..................................................................... 2-10

(F) City Staff ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-14

Documents

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