FAQs
Building
Most construction projects require a permit. It is recommended to call the Building Department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1791 for more information.
Yes, a pool permit is needed to add a pool to your property in Diamondhead.
Yes. A culvert permit is needed if you want to install a culvert for a driveway or landscaping. You can print this permit from the website.
Yes, a permit is needed to install a new fence in your yard. If you are simply replacing boards to an existing fence (not removing the post), no permit is needed. If post are being replaced, a permit is needed.
Yes, a permit is needed to construct a new fence in Diamondhead. If you are simply replacing boards to an existing fence, you do not need a new permit. That is simply a maintance tasks. If the fence is removed and replaced, a fence permit is required in order to ensure the fence is placed in the right spot on the parcel.
If you need to schedule a building inspection, please contact the building department at 228-222-4626 or email the building inspector.
Fees in the building department vary depending on the type of permit. You can view the fee schedule on the website or call the building department at 228-222-4626.
A building packet can be picked up from the Building Department which provided detailed information on what is needed if you want to build a new home in the city.
Code Enforcement
Short term parking of a boat in your driveway is allowed. This is normally done to load/unload the boat for an outing. It is also allowed when you are doing general maintance on the boat. For long term parking, it is recommended to keep the boat in a storage yard or to keep it behind a fence or other screening on the property. The goal is not to see the boat from the street.
Short term parking of an RV in your driveway is allowed. This is often used for cleaning the RV or loading/unloaded for a trip. Short term is considered less than a three days. Regular and long term parking of RV in driveways or in your yard is not allowed.
To report a violation of a city ordinance or building code, please call 228-222-4626, ext. 1816. There is also an online form that can be submitted.
https://diamondhead.ms.gov/code/webform/report-code-violation
Community
The Hancock County Human Resource Agency provides home delivered meals to residents who are homebound. In order to quality, you must be 60 years or older and be a resident of Hancock County. You may call 228-868-2311 or 800-444-8014 to apply for these meals. A representative will visit in your home and do an assessment based on the eligibility assessment tool used by the AAA.
Yes. A permit is needed for a garage sale at your home. You can fill this permit application online. There is no fee for this permit. This permit is used to notify the police and fire of the location of your home in case there is an emergency, and they need to avoid your street, if possible, due to potential traffic problems.
There is a Senior Center in Bay St. Louis that residents can enjoy. This is operated by the Hancock County Human Resource Agency. There number is 228-467-9292. The location for the Senior Center is 601 Bookter Street in Bay St. Louis. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM. Meals are served: Breakfast at 9:00AM; lunch at 11:30AM; and Shack at 1:00PM. Transportation is available from Diamondhead Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
If you want to plan a special event in the City of Diamondhead, a special event permit is needed. An example of a special event may be a 5K race, fishing tournament, parade, festival, etc. This form is used to assist the city with planning for public safety including traffic control, security, and/or public works needs.
Consolidation of Public Services
Both measures on the ballot are non-binding advisory only questions to gain guidance for the Diamondhead Fire District, Diamondhead Water & Sewer District, and the City regarding possible consolidation of fire services and water and sewer services into City operations. The referendums result in "NO" action of any kind on the part the 3 government agencies. The referendums will provide the guidance to all agencies to begin discussion regarding potential consolidation. These referendums will not change the service residents receive from the 3 governmental agencies.
The Comprehensive Financial Statement completed and accepted by Council on March 26, 2021 indicated cost savings for residents through consolidation. There are no additional election costs to include the referendums on the June 2021 General Election ballot.
No. The referendums are separate measures on the ballot thus allowing eligible electors to cast a vote on each entity independently.
Consolidation of public services has been discussed since the incorporation of the City of Diamondhead in 2012. This is not a new or rushed issue. The City held a public hearing in 2018 to begin dialog in the community. The City hired an accounting firm to create a forecasted financial statement in 2019. That report was completed in 2021 and accepted by the Council. This is not a quick or easy issue. It will take time and much discussion by all 3 governmental entities in public workshops after the referendums are voted on by the residents.
The City will NOT be expending "public funds" for the production and/or distribution of any political signs, advertisement or the like in an attempt to influence your decision. The administration has confirmed with the MS State Auditors Office that such expenses intended to influence the outcome of any political measure and paid for with "public funds" would constitute a misappropriation and expense of public funds. It is permissible for the City to expend funds necessary to educate and inform citizens on the matter.
No. Every city along the MS Coast operates its own fire department and water and sewer department. The current set up in Diamondhead is not typical. The Mayor and City Council in all the cities along the Coast are responsible for the operation of these public services.
No. The measures are non-binding advisory only.
Consolidation would not happen immediately. This will take time to develop a plan of action after much discussion and work with all 3 entities involved. This plan will include public workshops to develop an effective consolidation plan and to allow for additional resident input.
The purpose of the report was to project to the Council the financial impacts resulting from consolidating the 3 governmental entities. The goal is to identify duplicate costs that would be eliminated regardless of when consolidation would take place and to project future millage needed to support the new departments. The City Council wanted to know the financial impact on residents, and the Council wanted to know if consolidation of the Diamondhead Fire Department and the Diamondhead Water & Sewer District will cost residents more or less in taxes and fees. The report shows a savings for residents by reducing duplicate expenses.
Savings to residents would be realized by eliminating duplicate and redundant expenses of the 3 governmental entities.
Duplicate Administrative Positions, Audit Fees, Software Licensing, Attorney's Fees, Lobbyist, Commissioner Per Diem, Insurance, Equipment, and Websites (just to name a few).
The forecasted financial report projects an estimated savings of $300,000 annually by consolidating the Diamondhead Water & Sewer operations into the City. These savings could result in lower utility rates for residents or could be used to fund much needed water and sewer capital infrastructure projects.
This is detailed on page 17 of the forecasted financial report.
The forecasted financial report projects an estimated savings of $54,000 annually by consolidating the Diamondhead Fire Department operations into the City. The real savings for residents is the change of paying the flat fee of $300 a year (or $25 a month) to the fire district compared to paying ad valorem taxes which is based on assessed property values.
For example, according the report, a homeowner with an assessed property value of $100,000 with homestead exception would realize a $25 annual increase to property taxes in lieu of $300 annually paid directly to the fire department' a net savings of $275 annually. For properties assessed at $200,000 with homestead exemption, the net savings is $175 annually.
This is detailed on page 15 of the report.
Projections are based on factual historical data. At the time the City requested the information, the 2019 reports were the most recently completed audits by both the Fire District and Water and Sewer District. The report is based on their audited financial statements.
The basis of the report is to gain an understanding of changes that would take place only as a result of consolidation. The objective is to look for redundant or duplicate costs that would be eliminated through consolidation; therefore, major equipment and capital projects were not included in duplicate costs as such items will continue to be a need in the future.
No. Residents would no longer pay $25 a month but the cost to run the fire department would become part of city property taxes, like most other cities.
No. Firemen vested in the Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) system could maintain those retirement benefits however, new contributions and service credit would not continue under the city's current retirement plan. The City is actively working to find a way to maintain PERS for firemen and has submitted an inquiry to PERS regarding options to continue participation for firemen should consolidation occur. The City Council overwhelmingly supports our firemen.
The City intends to make an offer of employment to all employees of both entities. Over time, the City would work to right-size the staff through attrition to achieve the savings.
Absolutely not. Utility revenue received is defined as "enterprise funds". By statute, these funds must be accounted for separately and independently of the City's general operating fund and must be utilized for the purpose for which they generated--operating the water and sewer departments.
Absolutely not. As of fiscal year end September 30, 2020, the City of Diamondhead has a healthy cash balance on hand of over $5 million, including a $2 million emergency fund.
Absolutely not. This is a non-binding advisory only measure to gain resident input.
The City offers employees retirement savings accounts through the Mississippi Government Employee's Deferred Compensation Plan and Trust on a voluntary basis with 100% immediate vesting. Employees electing to participate establish a contribution rate appropriate for their individual needs. The City provides a dollar-for- dollar match up to 8% that is limited to annual match maximum of $5,000. The employee controls their retirement planning including how those funds are invested.
Yes. The City has a group health insurance plan for employees that is very competitive, but fiscally responsible. The employee contributes $40 per pay period for the employee’s health insurance premium, and the City does not provide a contribution for dependent coverage. The employee pays 100% of dependent premiums.
Since incorporation, property taxes have been based 34 mills. Each year the City has operated with a surplus fund balance allowing fund balance accumulation. The City Council determined that it was in the best interest of the residents to reduce the millage to 29.5 still generating the revenue needed to operate the city.
In addition, recent legislation enacted the internet "sales tax" bill that is on pace to generate new revenue of approximately $400k annually for the City.
Court
You need to contact Diamondhead Municipal Court Clerk at 228-222-4626, ext. 1801.
If privileges were suspended by the Diamondhead Municipal Court, please contact the court department at 228-222-4626, ext, 1801. If privileges were suspended by another court, contact the court that requested your driving privileges be suspended. You may also contact the MS Department of Public Safety (DPS) that issued your driver's license.
If you want to file charges, please call the court department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1801 to speak to the court clerk. They will give you the information about what is needed when you come to the court department to do this.
In order to find out what you owe, please call the court department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1801.
Appear in court on your specified court date and enter a "not guilty" plea. At this time, you will be given an opportunity to speak with the City Prosecutor. If a resolution is not met, a trail date will be set.
Yes, this is an option. However, it is with certain conditions. This can be discussed with the prosecutor and judge at sentencing.
Cash, personal check, cashier check, money order are acceptable forms of payment for court fines. All payments are payable to the City of Diamondhead. Payments may also be made online at www.diamondheadpay.com (a small processing fee will be added for online payments by the vendor).
All court sessions begin at 9:00am. Doors open 10 minutes prior to court. Enter the court room through the entrance by the flag pole.
Call the Court Department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1801 to ask about your court date.
The Municipal Court is located at the City Hall building at 5000 Diamondhead Circle, Diamondhead, MS 39525.
Staff in the court department can only answer questions concerning procedure. The staff is strictly prohibited from providing legal advise. If you have questions concerning a legal matter, it is recommended tat you consult with your attorney.
Please contact the Diamondhead Court Clerk at 228-222-4626, ext. 1801.
The City of Diamondhead used Penn Credit Corporation to collect past due fines. The number is 800-900-1380.
Economic Development
The City of Diamondhead and Hancock County have a tax abatement program that may be used for some commercial development. In addition, the City of Diamondhead has created a TIF Redevelopment Plan as another tool to be able to provide to encourage new commercial or mixed use development in the city.
Events
yes, residents are encouraged to get involved in our community events. We need your help to make is a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the receptionist at City Hall by calling 228-222-4626, ext. 0.
Finance
All vendors must submit a W-9 Form to the City of Diamondhead before becoming a vendor or providing any service for payment from the City. The W-9 form for can be printed from the City's website or can be requested from the finance department. Forms may be returned by email to finance@diamondhead.ms.gov.
The City of Diamondhead contracts with an outside CPA firm to conduct an annual financial audit. Most recent audited financial statements available on the City of Diamondhead website website. A hard copy is available for review and inspection upon request to the City Clerk.
The fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.
All vendor payments are presented to the City Council on the docket of claims for approval The City Council meets bi-weekly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. The docket of claims is finalized on the Wednesday prior to the council meeting. Once the docket of claims is approved by the City Council, payments (checks and EFTs) are mailed and/or processed to vendors.
Human Resources
Fidelity
Police
For Diamondhead residents, police reports may be obtained at the Diamondhead Police Department. Reports are generally available within 5-7 business days. Contact the Diamondhead Police Department by calling 228-222-4649 to confirm report availability. Reports are provided to Diamondhead residents at no charge (proof of residency required). Non-residents should contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office by calling 228-466-6900.
For an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, you can all police dispatch at 228-255-9191.
Public Works
Absolutely! Please call the Public Works Department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1798 to report the problem. We will get this cleaned up. You can also use the online form to report the problem.
https://diamondhead.teammunicode.com/publicworks/webform/submit-work-req...
To report a pot hole in the street, please contact Public Works Department at 228-222-4626, ext. 1798. You can also fill out on the online form. https://diamondhead.teammunicode.com/publicworks/webform/submit-work-req...
If you notice a street light is out or that one is blinking on and off, you can report that to the receptionist at City Hall at 228-222-4626, ext 0. You will need to provide the exact address for the street light, and our office will contact Coast Electric to fix the light.
If you need to request your ditch to be dug out, please contact the public works department at 228-222-4626 or fill out the online form to submit a work request.
Once the request is received, our staff will mark the ditch with white paint to identify where they will dig. Our staff then calls 811 ("call before you dig") to get the utilities identified. This could take a few days. After this is complete, the staff will schedule a time to dig the ditch.
The City of Diamondhead has arranged to have a recycling dumpster located at City Hall on Noma Drive. There is a large dumpster for collection of select recyclable materials including cardboard.
Please do not leave any items on the side or top of the containers. This is considered litter when you do this, and it blows down the street. If the containers are full, please come back at another time to deposit your recyclable items.
Recycle container will be emptied 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Please CLICK HERE for guidelines to insure proper recycling practices are followed.
PLEASE NOTE - Glass and plastic bags are not allowed.
The recycling dumpster is under 24-hour surveillance. Illegal dumping is littering and violators are subject to prosecution.
Presently, there are 2 locations in Hancock County to drop off used tires:
North Barn: 18382 Hwy 43, Kiln, MS
South Barn: 6284 Lower Bay Road, Bay St. Louis, MS
A homeowner is allowed to drop off a maximum of 25 tires per year.
It is recommended to store hazardous waste until the Hancock County Hazardous Waste Event, if possible. The exact date of the Hancock County Household Hazardous Waste Day is announced each fall. It is normally the last week of October at the Hancock Arena on Kiln-Delisle Road.
Most auto parts stores will accept uncontaminated oil for recycling.
These stores will not accept engine oil that is contaminated with water or other debris.
Old paint containers can be taken to King Landfill for disposal throughout the year. If you are unable to visit King Landfill, please store the paint containers for proper disposal at the Hancock County Hazardous Waste Day.
Magnolia Gas accepts 5 gallon and 7.5-gallon propane tanks for recycling.
Address: 12351 Vidalia Road, Pass Christian, MS
Phone: 228.255.0175
These items are part of the "bulky waste" agreement. Place items at the street curb on regular garbage pick up days. Below is the schedule for furniture and bulky waste pick up:
Monday and Tuesday regularly scheduled pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday regular schedule pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is 2nd and 4th weeks of each month
To initiate bulky pickup online visit Customer Care Center at www.ces-ms.com
These items are part of the "bulky waste" agreement. Place items at the street curb on regular garbage pick up days. Below is the schedule for furniture and bulky waste pick up:
Monday and Tuesday regularly scheduled pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday regular schedule pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is 2nd and 4th weeks of each month
To initiate bulky pickup online visit Customer Care Center at www.ces-ms.com
For disposal of a refrigerator, you must first have the freon removed by a certified technician. The unit must be tagged showing the certified removal of the freon gas.
Once removed, please schedule pickup by contacting the Customer Care Center at www.ces-ms.com.
Most auto parts stores will accept different size batteries for recycling.
Additionally, many auto parts stores offer rebates for each battery core recycled.
Please check with the auto parts store for full details on their battery recycling program.
Sand bags are available at City Hall for the public to access in the event of a large rain event. Sand and bags are available at City Hall - Noma Drive next to the recycling bin. Please bring your own shovel since you have to fill your bags.
If you have a problem with drainage and/or flooding near your home, please contact the Public Works Department at 228-222-4626 or you can fill out the online form to create a work request.
https://diamondhead.teammunicode.com/publicworks/webform/submit-work-req...
Shrubbery and other such "bulky waste" is part of the trash collection service and will be picked up 2 times each month as follows:
Monday and Tuesday regularly scheduled pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday regularly scheduled pickup day - Bulky waste pickup is 2nd and 4th weeks of each month
For shrubbery curbside pickup use the following guidelines:
- Do NOT use personal containers/trash cans for bulky waste items
- Place bulky waste curbside on Monday according to your above scheduled pickup week
- Bulky waste pickup may be expedited by visiting Customer Care Center at Coastal Environmental Service
Remember, if a contractor is performing work at your home or property, that contractor is required to remove the shrubbery and trash from the property and not leave on the side of the road.
Recreation
Yes, the general public is able to rent the community center for a fee. The public can also rent the country club to host a wedding, conference or other special event. Please call the Diamondhead POA at 228-255-1900 to inquire about renting these facilities.
The Diamondhead POA is owns and operates the swimming pools in the community. You need to contact the POA office at 228-255-1900. Only Diamondhead property owners are allowed access to use the pools. In addition, if you are leasing a home in Diamondhead, the POA will provide you with a pass to access the pools if you provide a copy of your lease agreement and the property owner is in good standing with the POA.
Search Tips and Tricks
Yes. The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.
No. By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase. In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.
In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations. The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.
Yes. You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-). In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.