Comprehensive 2045 Zoning Draft Opens for Neighborhood Review

Bay St. Louis, MS · October 20, 2026

Gavel strikes and community comments kick off at 5:30 PM tonight on Main Street — plenty of time to catch the breeze along the water first.

The Lead

Bay St. Louis is taking the next decisive step in revamping its citywide development rules as the Bay St. Louis 2045 Zoning Ordinance enters public review. Drafted by Orion Planning & Design to bring the city's adopted comprehensive master plan to life, the updated code aims to protect neighborhood character from rapid commercialization while streamlining residential rebuilds. Key provisions tighten architectural standards across Old Town, establish strict tree preservation buffers based on trunk diameter, and introduce adjusted elevation setbacks in flood-prone zones. For homeowners and business owners alike, the draft replaces decades-old patchworks with unified zoning categories spanning from the beach rim to Highway 90. Full review copies are available through the city planning office, where staff are collecting resident feedback before the Planning and Zoning Commission begins formal adoption hearings.

Local Pulse

Council Convenes for Bi-Weekly Session City Hall Leaders gather at 5:30 tonight on Main Street to review municipal equipment purchases and intergovernmental pacts.
Washington Street Pier Hosts Harvest Checkpoint Safety Marine officials established an oyster season station at the municipal pier to monitor coastal harvesting through spring.
Used Bookstore Welcomes Readers at Branch Community The newly opened Second Line shop inside the Highway 90 library directs all book proceeds toward community programs.

What's On Around Town

Today

2026 Juried Art Show The Arts, Hancock County (405 Blaize Ave), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free Explore vibrant works from premier coastal artists in the Depot District.
Strength and Flexibility East Hancock Library (4545 Shepherd Square), Diamondhead, 2:00–3:00 PM · Free Gentle, guided movement to build core stability and joint mobility.
Zumba for You! Bay St. Louis Library (312 Highway 90), 5:15–6:00 PM · Free Shake off workday stress with lively, upbeat dance rhythms.
City Council Meeting Council Chambers (598 Main St), 5:30 PM · Free Hear public discussions on municipal services and upcoming city business.

Tomorrow

PawFest & Wednesdays at the Depot Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot (1928 Depot Way), 5:00–9:00 PM · Free

Thursday

Small Business AI Workshop Hancock County Chamber of Commerce (854 Highway 90), 8:00–10:00 AM
Diamond Gem Painting Waveland Public Library (345 Coleman Ave), Waveland, 2:00–4:00 PM · Free

Spotlight & Story

Steve Barney Before opening his pottery studio in the Depot District at Washington and Central, Barney worked as an electrical engineer. Channeling Biloxi legend George Ohr, he now runs the STEAMpunk Pottery Project, wheel-throwing clay while demonstrating physics principles for coastal school classrooms.

Bay St. Louis Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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