By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director
This week in Community Development, the planning commission wrapped up their workshop on Short-Term Rental, and directed the planning staff to prepare “draft” language for the proposed text amendment. The recommendation is for the “use map” in the Land Development Ordinance, to remain the same as it relates to STR, but to add additional text to clarify the steps for obtaining a conditional use permit. Text changes are also being proposed to add restrictions to address areas such as the number of STR units allowed per lot, and for providing adequate parking for approved applications. Because this is a proposed text amendment to the Land Development Ordinance, a public hearing before the planning commission will be required to obtain public comments. The date of the public hearing will be announced and advertised.
In other actions this week, the city council voted to approve the realignment of the north end of Fayard Street at Bay View, and to approve the residential structure at 132 St. Paul Avenue as a Biloxi Landmark.
The building permit was issued this week for the new Walmart Neighborhood Market to be located on Popp’s Ferry Road. Building permit valuation for the project is $6 million dollars. The new structure will be 42,000 square feet, complete with a drive thru pharmacy. Also this week, a $2.5 million dollar building permit was issued for IP Casino Resort to renovate 54 suites.
Sales tax revenues, for the month of August, exceeded $1 million dollars for the fifth time this year. This is the first time this has happened since 2005.
