Development News for Diamondhead, Mississippi

City Council Approves Diamond Head Ball Festival Event

The City Council approved adding the 'Diamond Head Ball Festival' event to the list of city-hosted or sponsored events, with Nancy Perkins named as coordinator not to exceed $2,500. This event will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at City Hall. The initiative was prompted by the Diamond Head POA no longer organizing the fall fest, which has historical ties to a previous arts and crafts show. There is significant interest from previous vendors and the community. Council members discussed the timing, noting it is close to 'Cruising the Coast,' but agreed that maintaining the established date is important for vendor participation. The city will support the event with public works staff, but Nancy Perkins will manage the primary coordination to prevent city staff burnout.

City Manager Reports on Progress of Multiple Infrastructure Projects

The City Manager provided an update on several ongoing projects. The canal dredging project, a 240-day initiative, is progressing with the contractor working on the main channel and facing challenges with material disposal. The Paving 2026 project, a 120-day endeavor, is nearing completion with plans for a change order to potentially extend the contract. The Jordan River Boardwalk project is significantly advanced, with pilings in place and construction of cross members underway, aiming for completion by October 17th. The Montjoy Creek Project is also progressing with piling installation for its boardwalk section. The Pelican Co. project is awaiting a permit from the Corps of Engineers. The Rutten Bayou Nature Trail project is moving forward with contract amendments for engineering services. The hazard mitigation grant project is delayed, awaiting FEMA approval for a period of performance extension. The bank stabilization project is in its final stages, with final drawings to be presented soon. The MDOT projects are progressing rapidly, including roundabout construction, bridge work, and the multimodal path, with an estimated completion in March of next year. The Dog Park is seeing turf installation after initial weather-related setbacks.

City Council Adopts Text Amendment Allowing Aloha District Standards in C1 Zoning

The City Council considered a text amendment to Article 3, 0.4.12 of the zoning ordinance to allow the Aloha District mixed-use standards in the C1 zoning district. This amendment, developed in conjunction with the Diamond Head 2040 plan and Bob Barber, aims to allow undeveloped properties in the C1 commercial district to adopt the form-based standards of the Aloha District. This change would be permanent, requiring a rezoning to revert. The planning and zoning commission held two public hearings, received positive feedback, and voted unanimously to recommend adoption. The council discussed the implications, with legal counsel explaining the process. A roll call vote was conducted, and the amendment passed with all council members voting 'Yes.' The next step involves the City Clerk advertising the amendment, with it taking effect 30 days after adoption.

Variance Approved for Fence Setback Adjoining Golf Course on Anahala Place

The City Council approved a variance from zoning ordinance Article 4.3.10 to allow a fence within zero feet of a rear property line adjoining a golf course at 8932 Anahala Place, in an R6 zoning district. The standard setback for a fence from a rear property line adjoining a golf course is 10 feet, and the variance requested is for the full 10 feet. The case file number is 202-600339. It was noted that the lot is small and tucked away behind a green, and the fence will conform to golf course fencing standards, not being a privacy fence. This type of variance has been approved previously for similar unique lots.