The current petition mentions that the side setbacks for these houses is 2.5 feet, which allows 5 feet between houses; however, it is important that we provide thorough details on this matter.
Planned Development applications are approved or disapproved after being reviewed by City representatives in the following order:
- Development Review Committee (DRC)
- Planning Commission (PC)
- City Council
The Planning Commission for the "Beauvoir Villas" project recommended approval of the project "subject to the condition" that the side setbacks be changed from 2.5 feet to 5 feet. The Planning Commission does not have the authority to update the Master Plan (to include the Site Plan) via amendment/motion like City Council can. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this Planned Development only if City Council accepts the change from 2.5 feet to 5 feet for side setbacks. The City Council is not obligated to accept or deny any of the recommendations made by the Planning Commission as they are merely advisory in nature (for this type of application).
As it stands right now, the original Master Plan and Site Plan that is in front of City Council contains 2.5 feet setbacks. As the ordinance states, the City Council can vote to do one of the following:
- Approval of the application subject to the PD Master Plan and PD Terms and Conditions included in the application;
- Approval of the application subject to conditions related to the PD Master Plan and the PD Terms and Conditions; or
- Denial of the application.
You can read the complete Fact Sheet in front of City Council here: https://www.biloxi.ms.us/agendas/citycouncil/2025/050625/042225apc.pdf