Below are some of the questions that have been received by the planning team.

What is a Comprehensive Plan? The Mississippi Code defines a comprehensive plan as: a statement of public policy for the physical development of the entire municipality or county adopted by resolution of the governing body, consisting of the following elements at a minimum:

(i) Goals and objectives for the long-range (twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) years) development of the county or municipality. Required goals and objectives shall address, at a minimum, residential, commercial and industrial development; parks, open space and recreation; street or road improvements; public schools and community facilities.

(ii) A land use plan which designates in map or policy form the proposed general distribution and extent of the uses of land for residences, commerce, industry, recreation and open space, public/quasi-public facilities and lands. Background information shall be provided concerning the specific meaning of land use categories depicted in the plan in terms of the following: residential densities; intensity of commercial uses; industrial and public/quasi-public uses; and any other information needed to adequately define the meaning of such land use codes. Projections of population and economic growth for the area encompassed by the plan may be the basis for quantitative recommendations for each land use category.

(iii) A transportation plan depicting in map form the proposed functional classifications for all existing and proposed streets, roads and highways for the area encompassed by the land use plan and for the same time period as that covered by the land use plan. Functional classifications shall consist of arterial, collector and local streets, roads and highways, and these classifications shall be defined on the plan as to minimum right-of-way and surface width requirements; these requirements shall be based upon traffic projections. All other forms of transportation pertinent to the local jurisdiction shall be addressed as appropriate. The
transportation plan shall be a basis for a capital improvements program.

(iv) A community facilities plan as a basis for a capital improvements program including, but not limited to, the following: housing; schools; parks and recreation; public buildings and facilities; and utilities and drainage.

Is the County required to have a Comprehensive Plan?
Yes, in order to have zoning the State of Mississippi requires that the County have a comprehensive plan in place.

What are the benefits of having a County Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan will help facilitate orderly development and land preservation by identifying land for development to accommodate population and employment changes and new economic, residential and cultural opportunities; documenting public facilities and infrastructure needs; and providing a basis for the protection of sensitive natural and cultural features. Also, it makes sense for the County to develop a Comprehensive Plan to help optimize community and economic development. Once completed, the Plan will assist the County in obtaining state grants and other funding, and enhance intergovernmental coordination and regional opportunities. The plan will include implementation strategies for conservation, land development and economic initiatives. Furthermore, the planning team will assist in establishing partnerships of residents, institutions, and businesses through their involvement in the Plan.

Who will use the County Comprehensive Plan?
Many different departments within Harrison County will use the comprehensive plan. Elected officials will use the plan as a tool to guide growth and development. The Zoning Administration office will use the plan as it works with property owners. Citizens will use the plan to encourage community improvements.

Who will fund the development of the County Comprehensive Plan?
This plan is funded by a grant that Harrison County received from the Mississippi Development Authority.

Who should I contact for more information?
For planning related questions, please contact planner@planharrisoncounty.org or 1-800-609-9006 ext. 9647.