Planning and Development

Planning and Development Department

"Greenway at Latimer Lakes Park"

Welcome to the Office of Planning and Development

Office Manager
Brenda Cook

662-342-3559

bcook@hornlake.org

Consulting Planner
Mary Merck

1-800-264-6335

plandept@hornlake.org

OUR MISSION

“To accomplish the highest quality of life for the citizens of Horn Lake by striving for constant improvement of the built environment and the conservation of natural and historic resources.”

LAND AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Planning Department serves as the main point of contact and the “first stop” for developers, builders, business owners and property owners who need help and information about land development or opening a business.  We also seek to implement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan by administration and enforcement of certain ordinances, regulations and policies.  Our department facilitates the development process, schedules and chairs Technical Committee Review meetings, serves as staff for the Planning Commission and the Tree Board, informs and advises the Board of Aldermen and receives and reviews the following applications:

  • Site Plan Review
  • Design Review
  • Subdivision of Land
  • Rezoning and Conditional Use
  • Signs and Sign Variances
  • Variances from Zoning Ordinance
  • Tree Cutting
  • Business Privilege License
  • Use and Occupancy Permit
  • Building Permits including fencing, swimming pools and accessory buildings
  • Home occupations


OPENING A BUSINESS IN HORN LAKE

Thanks for your interest in opening a business in Horn Lake.  Our goal is to make the process easier by giving you the information you will need during the process.  As one of the cities in the fastest growing county in the state, Horn Lake offers quality schools, housing opportunities, recreational facilities and a business-friendly environment.  In addition to the business incentives offered through the Desoto County Economic Development Council, we offer local tax incentives for certain types of development. In addition to the other material on this page, please review the “Guide to Opening a Business in Horn Lake” and feel free to call us at 662-342-3559 for any additional information desired.

LAND USE & ZONING

The use of property as well as required setbacks and height of buildings, landscaping, signs, off-street parking and other supplementary regulations are controlled by the Zoning Ordinance.  The Zoning Ordinance consists of both a map and a written document that is adopted by the Board of Aldermen.  Rezoning of property and approval of conditional uses require a public hearing by the Planning Commission and the Board of Aldermen. You should contact the Planning Director by phone or e-mail to arrange a meeting, determine the current zoning of property, the uses permitted and the zoning action process.

The following criteria are used in rezoning property:

  1. Is the zoning action consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map?
  2. Is the proposed zoning classification in the overall public interest of the city?
  3. Will the proposed zoning negatively affect surrounding property?
  4. Was there a mistake in the original zoning map?  (Map error only—not in the decision of zoning classification)
  5. Is there a need for additional property in the city to be zoned in the proposed classification and has there been a substantial change in the neighborhood that warrants rezoning?
  • CONDITIONAL USES

Certain uses that are specifically identified within each zoning district may be considered by the Board as a “conditional use.”  These are reviewed on a case by case basis to determine:

  1. Will this use adversely affect the character of the neighborhood?
  2. Will this use substantially increase fire hazards?
  3. Will this use overtax public utilities or community facilities such as streets, schools and public utilities?

BUILDING CODES AND PERMITS

Building permits may not be issued until certain requirements have been met.  We have prepared general guides to assist you through the process:

In addition other development and fire ordinance ordinances the city has adopted the following building codes:

  • 2006 International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical Code and 1995 National Electrical Code.
  • 2006 International Fire Code

DESIGN REVIEW  – <Design Review Application>

Design review and Site Plan review is conducted simultaneously when both are required. Design review approval is required prior to commencement of any work for:

  • Erection of any new multi-family, commercial, office and industrial buildings.
  • Exterior alteration of any existing within the multi-family, commercial, office and industrial districts.
  • Fencing, signs, lighting, site furnishings materials, and landscaping including buffering.
  • Modifications to the site including alternation of landscaping lighting, parking loading areas, and other spaces within the site.
  • If property is located within the Old Town Center Overlay District, additional design requirements must be met.  This district was created to protect the distinctive historical, architectural or aesthetic character of the historic district to insure quality infill development.

SITE PLAN REVIEW <Site Plan Review Application> -

Site plan review is required for:

  • All new buildings and building additions, including, but not limited to duplexes, multifamily, townhouses, office, retail and service, warehousing and manufacturing.
  • Site Alterations including the construction of driveways, loading areas, and parking areas.
  • Any use requiring a Conditional Use Permit.

SUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY – <Subdivision Application>

When a tract, lot or parcel of land is to be divided into two or more tracts, lots or parcels, it must be” subdivided.” Processing time and submittal requirements depend upon whether you are platting a minor or major subdivision. The Planning Director can help you determine the classification of your proposed land subdivision.

TREE CUTTING PERMIT AND PROTECTION OF CERTAIN TREES

Removal of certain protected trees from (Add link to Tree Ordinance) non-exempt property requires a Tree Cutting Permit.  All land that is not:  (1) residential homestead property that is five acres or less; (2) residential non-homestead property that is one acre or less; or (3) forestry operations on designated “Merchantable Forestry Land” (as defined in the Tree Ordinance) must receive a Tree Cutting Permit prior to removal of certain trees.  During construction and grading of land the entire area within the dripline of protected trees must be preserved and protected from damage from fill, compaction of soil, chemicals or other damage during construction.  The Planning Director administers and enforces the Tree Ordinance.  Appeals to administrative decisions may be made to the Tree Board. (Add a separate page for the Tree Board)

USE AND OCCUPANCY PERMIT

A Use & Occupancy Certificate is required for any commercial or industrial business and for multi-family development, prior to opening the business, or industry in Horn Lake. The purpose of this permit is to document that the use is permitted, and that all applicable zoning, safety code and health code requirements have been met.

  • APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit a Use and Occupancy application; a site plan showing parking analysis, landscaping and buffering; and a complete description of how you intend to use the building. Food service establishments must submit a Mississippi State Department of Health approval letter and a food inspection report. Day Care Facilities must submit a State License. Restaurants serving alcoholic beverages must submit _____________ Package Liquor Stores must submit a State Permit

  • APPROVALS AND INSPECTIONS REQUIRED

The Planning Director, Building Inspector and Fire Inspector must approve the Use and Occupancy Permit. The following must be addressed:

  1. Is the use permitted?
  2. Is there adequate off-street parking and handicapped parking?
  3. Is the required landscaping in place?
  4. Will the new use require buffering?
  5. If the use involves the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages, does it meet the required distances from certain other uses?
  6. Are there any other state or local permits, licenses or requirements that must be met?
  7. Does the building and/or use meet the requirements of the Fire Code?
  8. Does the building meet the requirements of the Building Code?


VARIANCES

Variances from certain requirements pertaining to bulk regulations (lot size, setbacks, height of buildings); required landscaping or buffers; sign size or height; required off-street parking or other Zoning Ordinance requirements may be considered if:

  • Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district;
  • Literal interpretation of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of this ordinance.
  • These special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.

New Ordinances, Permit Forms and FAQ


Accessory Building Permit
Advertising Banner
Appeal of Administrative Decision
Application for Going Out of Business
Building Permit
Conditional Use Application
Electrical Permit
Fencing Permit
Mechanical Permit
Plumbing Permit
Sign Pemit Application
Sign Variance Application
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Swimming Pool Regulations
Privilege Tax License Application
Zoning Map
Zoning Ordinance

BUSINESS PRIVILEGE LICENSE The planning department now has the responsibility for issuing business privilege license.