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Fire Department FAQs

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1. Can I burn within the city limits?

All parties wishing to burn vegetation must contact the fire department and provide a phone number and address. You must also call back the day at 228-875-4063 you intend to burn to confirm that the weather is permitting. You can only burn during the daytime and must have a hose that is close enough to extinguish the fire. The fire can be no larger than 4’ by 4’. The burning of petroleum-based products is not permitted. Please also be advised that if another party calls to complain, the fire department will be dispatched, and you will be asked to extinguish your fire.

2. What is the process for filling a swimming pool?

Please contact the Water Department and make arrangements for paying the $100 deposit for the meter. They will refer you to the fire department where you can bring your receipt to 3820 Bienville Blvd for scheduling. The actual charge is based on usage/gallon. If any funds are due back for overage, the water department will issue a refund check.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report?

Complete the fire report release form. Once completed send an Email.

4. What is the City of Ocean Springs Fire safety insurance rating?

The rating is on a 10-point scale, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst. The City of Ocean Springs has received a rating of 5. Please visit MS Rating Bureau Website for further explanation on how this affects your rates. This rating is evaluated every 5 years.

5. Does the Fire Department check the levels and efficiency of fire extinguishers?

No, we do not currently check them. However, you can find a commercial extinguisher company by checking online or in the phone book.

6. How often do commercial business need to have their extinguishers recertified?

An annual inspection by a commercial fire extinguisher company is required.

7. Why is my water brown?

Sometimes because of construction or the use of fire hydrants near your residence or business, you might find that your water becomes discolored. This is caused by deposits that have accumulated inside the water pipe walls. This can appear unpleasant, however, it is temporary, and it is not harmful. If you are experiencing this issue, turn the faucet on and let the water run until the water appears clear. If the problem continues or doesn’t resolve, please contact the City of Ocean Springs Public Works Department at 228-875-3955.

8. Does the Fire Department install child safety seats?

Due to the changing regulations and design of seats, we are unable to guarantee your child’s safety so we do not currently take appointments or “walk-ins” for installations or for inspections of child safety seats.

9. How frequently should I change the battery in my residential smoke detectors?

The National Fire Protection Agency suggests that you should check the battery in your detectors on a monthly basis and change them as needed. In addition, it is suggested that the best practice would be to change the battery when the time changes. The best option is to find specific data on your make and model of the detector as some have a long-lasting battery that may not need to be replaced as frequently.

10. How frequently should I change out the smoke detector unit?

Although it is best to check the manufacturer’s handbook, a common practice is to change out the alarms every ten years, if applicable.

11. Which agencies offer assistance to victims after a fire?

The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are two organizations that offer local assistance in our area.

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Golf Cart FAQs

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1. Can I drive my cart on HWY 90?

No golf carts are not allowed to be driven on HWY 90 but can cross at 3 intersections: Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue/Vermont Avenue, Holcomb Boulevard, and Guilford Road. These intersections are marked on our map.

2. Can children ride on a golf cart?

Yes. Children can ride on a golf cart. They need to be properly strapped in a 5-point harness car seat just like in a vehicle.

3. Can I get a DUI on a golf cart?

Yes. You can be charged with DUI on a golf cart. While driving the cart, you are required to follow all the traffic laws just as if you were in a regular vehicle.

4. Can I register a utv?

No. You cannot register an utv. The city only allows “golf carts” to be registered. Honda Pioneer, Polaris RZR, can am Maverick, arctic cat, big horn, bobcat, john deer gator, Kawasaki Mule, and Yamaha Rhino are not allowed to be registered.

5. How much does it cost to register my cart?

The fee to register a golf cart is $20 a year. This yearly registration expires on January 1st and will need to be renewed yearly if you plan to drive this on the city roads.

6. Can children drive golf carts?

No. Children are not allowed to drive golf carts on city streets. You must have a valid driver’s license/driver's permit to operate golf carts on public property.

7. I live in the East end of town can I drive my golf cart to the downtown area?

As of right now, the only way for you to drive your golf cart downtown is to trailer it to the downtown area.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Municipal Court FAQs

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1. Where are you located?

We are located at
3810 Bienville Boulevard
Ocean Springs
MS, 39564.

2. I feel that I am not guilty of this offense? What do I do?

Appear in court on your court date and enter a plea of not guilty. At this time you will be given a trial date. Please be aware that if you fail to appear for your court date, you may be tried in your absence, and/or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

3. Can I speak with the Judge/Prosecutor about my case before my court date?

No, you cannot speak with the Judge/Prosecutor about your case before your court date.

4. Is Defensive Driving School an option for Juveniles or Adults?

Yes; certain criteria must be met to qualify for the class.

Juvenile Driving Class is available to those who are under the age of 21 and who have not had a ticket in the three years. You must have a valid Mississippi driver's license. You must bring your parent or guardian with you to court. A list of schools that have been approved by the judge will be provided to you at the time of the court. It is your responsibility to bring proof that you have completed the class in person within the 90-day time frame allotted with proof that you are a full-time student. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for the full fine normally associated with the ticket.

Adult Driving Class is available to those who are over the age of 21. The stipulations that qualify you for this class are that you must pay the price of the ticket in full and an additional fee of $10.00 to the State of Mississippi. To qualify for the class, you must have a valid Mississippi driver's license, not possess a CDL, or not have had a ticket of any kind in the last 3 years. A list of schools that have been approved by the judge will be provided to you at the time of the court. It is your responsibility to bring proof that you have completed the class in person or online within the 90-day time frame allotted.

5. How much is my ticket?

Here is a partial list of fines.
NOTE: Subject to change. If your infraction is not listed here, please call the Municipal Court at 228-875-5009 during the listed office hours.

• Careless Driving - $212.00
• Disregard Traffic Control Device - $212.00
• DL Expired/Improper/None - $260.00
• DL Suspended – non-DUI - $360.00
• Improper Equipment - $212.00
• Improper Lane Use - $212.00
• Littering - $1,000.00
• Improper Passing - $192.00
• No Insurance - $510.00
• Obstructing Traffic - $212.00
• Reckless Driving - $252.00
• Running Thru a Barricade - $232.00
• Seatbelt - $75.00
• Speeding 0-9 over - $192.00
• Speeding 10-19 over - $212.00
• Speeding 20-29 over - $262.00
• Speeding 30+ over - $412.00
• Speeding in School Zone - $362.00
• Tag Improper/None/Expired - $420.00

6. My license is suspended. How can I get my driver’s license reinstated?

1. Contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) that issued your driver’s license. For MS inquiries please refer to the DPS link on this site.
2. We ask that you obtain a “My Clear Form” from the local DMV. This will show who/what has your license suspended.
3. Bring your “My Clear Form” to the Court Clerk’s Office as well as the $5.00 per clearance notice you will need, and a valid ID. You will have to present the clearance form as well as pay a reinstatement fee to the state to clear your license.

7. What are the acceptable forms of payment?

Cash; Cashier Check or Money Order made payable to the City of Ocean Springs; major Credit or Debit card with an additional 3% fee

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Police Department FAQs

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1. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 only in an emergency when immediate police, fire, and/or medical assistance is needed. For example: to report a crime in progress, a crash with injury, or a life-threatening situation. Otherwise, use the non-emergency number 228-875-2211.

2. Where is the Ocean Springs Police Department and when is it open?

We are located at 3810 Bienville Boulevard in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, between the Ocean Springs Fire Department and the Ocean Springs Civic Center.

The Ocean Springs Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: call 911 for emergencies and 228-875-2211 for non-emergencies.

The Records Office and the front entrance to our building are open only from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding city holidays). 

The back entrance to our building is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a Dispatch call button on the wall in the back lobby in case a phone is not available.

3. How much is my OSPD ticket/fine, and how can I pay it?

If you have received a ticket from Ocean Springs Police Department, contact the Ocean Springs Municipal Court at 228-875-5009 to ask about cost and payment. Their hours are 8 am to 4 pm on Wednesday, and 8 am to 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (excluding city holidays).

4. How do I file a Police Report?

There are two ways to file a report with Ocean Springs Police Department:

1. Call our Dispatch Unit at 228-875-2211 to request an officer to meet you at your location (must be inside Ocean Springs city limits) to take a report.
2. Come to Ocean Springs Police Department at 3810 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Go to the Records Office and request an officer to meet with you to take a report. If the Records Office is closed, then go to the back lobby of the Police Department and press the dispatch call button on the wall.

NOTE: You cannot file a police report over the phone.

5. What should I do if I’m involved in a collision?

Call 911, and follow the instructions of the dispatcher. If it’s a minor collision with no injuries, you can call the non-emergency number at 228-875-2211.

6. What should I do when I see flashing lights behind me?

If you see flashing lights behind you, you should pull to the right and slow down. When an officer is trying to stop you, you should pull off of the roadway when it is safe and come to a stop. If you are stopped at night, turn your interior dome light on. Limit your movements inside your vehicle until the officer approaches and requests your license and insurance information. Understand that traffic stops are inherently unpredictable in the eyes of an officer, and reaching into your glove box, purse, or pocket as the officer approaches only adds to an already tense situation.

7. Can a Police Officer require me to exit my car?

Yes. More often than not, a Police Officer will ask the driver and passengers to remain in the car. However, a Police Officer has the authority to order the driver or passenger to exit the car. The United States Supreme Court ruled on this question in Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S. 106 (1977) and Maryland v. Wilson, 519 U.S. 408 (1997)

8. Can a Police Officer search my car without my permission?

A Police Officer can search a motor vehicle with your consent, or without your consent with a search warrant, or without consent or a warrant given the officer meets one of the recognized exceptions to the search warrant requirement. Among these exceptions are probable cause, plain view, incident to arrest, and inventory searches.

9. May I record a Police Officer who has stopped me for a traffic violation?

Yes, you may record the officer as long as it does not interfere with the officer’s duties, create a public disturbance, or create an unsafe environment for you or others, such as stepping out in traffic to accomplish the recording.

10. What documents am I required to provide an officer on a traffic stop?

In the State of Mississippi, an operator of a motor vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

11. If I have a legally-owned firearm in my car, what should I do when stopped by a Police Officer?

The State of Mississippi does not require a firearms permit or registration of any kind for a person to openly carry a firearm or to carry the firearm in the person’s vehicle. If you are stopped by an officer for a traffic violation, it would be polite to inform the officer you have a legally-possessed firearm in the car. This is especially helpful if you have to reach the area containing the firearm.

12. Can I get my fingerprints done at the Police Department?

Yes, but only during certain hours, if no arrestee is being booked/fingerprinted at that time, and if appropriate personnel is available. Subject to these conditions, the Ocean Springs Police Department will do public fingerprinting (for employment, licensure, etc.) during these hours:

• Mondays: 10 am to 11 am
• Tuesdays: 10 am to 11 am
• Thursdays: 10 am to 11 am
• Fridays: 10 am to 11 am
• No public fingerprinting is available on holidays when the Records Office is closed.
• Times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

The cost is $15 for the first card and $5 for each additional card for the same individual. A valid photo ID is required.

The Records Office accepts only EXACT CHANGE and only CASH or MONEY ORDERS. We also do not accept any bill higher than $20. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Notice: Ocean Springs Police Department is not affiliated with Fieldprint or any other third-party scheduler or payment processor for public fingerprinting (for licensure, employment, etc). Ocean Springs Police Department receives the public fingerprinting fee only in person and at the time of service. We do not make appointments for this service.

13. How do I get a copy of my Incident Report or Accident Report? Is there a fee?

Incident/crime reports are available to involved parties on a case-by-case basis. The first copy of an incident report is free. Submit your request for these reports in person at the OSPD Records Office. Valid photo ID is required. Under no circumstances do we give out copies of reports that involve juveniles. 

Accident/crash reports are available online for a cost of $25 each through the State of Mississippi eCrash portal. They also are available at a cost of $20 each when you request in person at the OSPD Records Office. NOTE: Parking lot accidents are not on the eCrash portal; they are available only through our Records Office, and the cost is $20 each.

The Records Office accepts only EXACT CHANGE and only CASH or MONEY ORDERS. We also do not accept any bill higher than $20. NO EXCEPTIONS.

14. Do you do background checks or criminal history checks? How much do they cost?

The Ocean Springs Police Department does not accept requests for individual criminal history checks. You may obtain your Identity History Summary (aka criminal history check) through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Systems Division. Visit the FBI Website for information and instructions. If the link is broken, go to www.fbi.gov and use the search for Identity History Summary.

Residents of the City of Ocean Springs may obtain a personal OSPD background check through our Records Office at a cost of $15 each. This covers only the requesting individual’s history within the jurisdiction of the Ocean Springs Police Department. You cannot obtain a background check on someone other than yourself.

NOTE: An Ocean Springs mailing address does not necessarily mean that you live within the city limits of Ocean Springs. Background checks are available only to residents within the city limits.

The Records Office accepts only EXACT CHANGE and only CASH or MONEY ORDERS. We also do not accept any bill higher than $20. NO EXCEPTIONS.

15. Can I get a TPO (Temporary Protective Order) at the Ocean Springs Police Department?

No. A restraining order can only be issued by a court.

16. How do I obtain information through open records?

Requests for copies of public records are handled by the City Clerk’s Office. Get the Public Records Request form. An hourly fee applies for time/research, and a copy fee applies per page. As allowed by law, we have 7 days to process the request.

17. How do I deal with theft?

To report a theft, call 228-875-2211.

Most thefts are opportunistic. In other words, some circumstance made it easy for the theft to take place. For example, never leave valuable objects (laptop, cell phone, purse, wallet, etc.) in open view inside your parked car. 

To help in case your property is stolen in the future, try to keep an inventory with serial numbers and identification markings. Place the list in a safe place or two... maybe keep a list at home and also email yourself a copy of the list. With the public’s help, we can reduce thefts, recover more stolen property, and arrest more thieves.

18. How can I speak to the detective/investigator assigned to my case?

To speak with or leave a message for the detective/investigator assigned to your case, call the OSPD's non-emergency number 228-875-2211. 

19. Is it possible to get an extra patrol while away on vacation?

You may notify us that you’ll be gone, but the police department does not provide private security for your home, nor do we in any way guarantee the security of an individual property.

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Public Works FAQs

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1. What are your normal hours of operation?

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday
6:30 am to 3:30 pm

Friday
6:30 am to 2:30 pm

Saturday (Dumpsters only)
7 am to 3 pm

2. Where is your office located?

712-A Pine Drive
Ocean Springs
MS 39564
(behind the Ryan Youth Center, formerly the National Guard Armory)

3. Who do I call if I have an after-hours emergency or problem?

All after-hours emergency calls should be directed to the Police Department at 228-875-2211.

4. Who do I call to report a problem or submit a Work Order Request?

Dial 228-875-3955 and speak with someone in the Public Works office. Work Orders may also be submitted by completing the Work Order Request Form.

5. Who do I call about my Water/Sewer bill or to Set-up/Transfer/Disconnect Service?

Call Water Billing at 228-875-4176. Their department is located at the first window to the right-hand side of City Hall. Their hours are 
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

6. How much does it cost for a new water/sewer tap?

The price varies according to size and availability. For more information please visit our Municipal Code to read the Ordinances for Water and Sewer here which cover these charges. Please read the Ordinances carefully as additional fees may be applicable. A formal request for fees must be made to the Public Works Department by visiting our office or calling 228-875-3955.

7. How is garbage service handled in the City of Ocean Springs?

Waste Pro is currently handling both residential and commercial garbage pick-up services for the City of Ocean Springs.  You can contact them at 228-818-5393.

8. What day is my garbage collected?

See the Garbage Routes for Ocean Springs (PDF).

9. Where can I place trash that I would like to be picked up?

Please place trash curbside on the City right of way.  Do not place trash on drain inlets, near fire hydrants, or transformers.

10. Where can I dispose of hazardous items/materials?

Hazardous items/materials can only be properly disposed of during the annual Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. This event is scheduled for the spring and is organized by the Jackson County Solid Waste Department.

11. There is a dead animal in the road or on City Right-of-Way. Who do I call?

Dead animals on City Right-of-Way are picked up by a designated employee in the Public Works office. Public Works cannot remove dead animals from private property. Call 228-875-3955 to report. Live animals may be picked up by the Animal Control office or complete the Animal Control Form online.

12. How do I dispose of grease?

Dispose of used grease, after cooling, in your garbage – not in the sink. Grease is the biggest problem we have in our sewer system.

13. Who do I call for street light outages?

Public Works maintains City-owned lights. Please report your street light outages directly to your utility provider.

14. Who do I call if I will be digging or excavating?

• Protect yourselves and your property against all underground utility damage and liability (not just City utilities such as water and wastewater pipes)
• Call 811 before you dig to find out where the underground utility lines might be buried. The service is free and it’s the law. Visit Mississippi 811 Website to find out more.

15. How is the trash service handled in the City of Ocean Springs?

We run trash trucks through neighborhoods the day after your scheduled garbage pick-up. Please be advised that this schedule will alter due to holidays and any other unforeseen circumstances.

16. Do you have sandbags?

Sandbags may be made available to the public in the event of a declared emergency. Please contact our office at 228-875-3955 for more information.

17. My address is listed as Ocean Springs. Do you serve my area?

• Your address can be listed as Ocean Springs but you may not fall within the Municipal City Limits. The City of Ocean Springs serves all those that fall within the Municipal City Limits of Ocean Springs.

If your location is north of the Fort Bayou Bridge (St. Martin area) on Hwy 609 (Washington Ave), you are in West Jackson County. Your water and sewer are handled by West Jackson County Utility Authority. They can be reached at 228-872-3898. Garbage and trash pick-up are handled by Jackson County Solid Waste.

For more information on Garbage and Trash pick-up Visit Jackson County Mississippi Website.

All other issues can be addressed by calling the West Jackson County Barn at 228-875-4545.

If you are located in Gulf Park Estates or St. Andrews Area, you are in Jackson County.  Gulf Park Estates water and sewer are handled by Utility Services. They can be reached at 228-872-4904. Effective February 28, 2017, St. Andrews water and sewer are handled by Jackson County Utility Authority. They can be reached at 228-762-0119. Garbage and trash pick-up are handled by Jackson County Solid Waste.

All other issues can be addressed by calling Jackson County at 228-769-3378.

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Urban Renewal Plan FAQs

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1. What is the city’s urban renewal project?

Urban renewal is the key to sustainable development. The purpose is to develop and redevelop various areas within the City. Urban Renewal projects are used to enhance economic development.

An urban renewal governing body is established (the Redevelopment Authority) and a plan is created to demonstrate how this tool can help improve the area. The goal of urban renewal is to support economic development and community improvements by encouraging private development, and by financing public projects.

2. Ways to achieve goals under the Urban Renewal Plan?

•  rehabilitation and renovation of structures including historic preservation
• acquisition of property within the Urban Renewal Area 
• demolition and removal of structures
• construction of improvements
• redevelopment

3. How does the city determine the Urban Renewal Area?

The city’s planner identified that the following conditions present barriers to the “growth of Ocean Springs and constitute an economic and social liability to the proposed renewal areas and the City as a whole.”

• Deteriorated or deteriorating structures
• Defective or inadequate street layout
• Faulty lot layout in relation to size 
• Adequacy or usefulness
• Deteriorated site and/or site improvements

4. Why is my property listed?

Under State statute, properties must be either considered blight or slum. Ocean Springs does not have very many properties that are considered blight or slum but like many coastal cities it does have properties that have blight influences, are underdeveloped, or the property is not at their best use and beneficial to the community.

Blight, among other things, can mean being underdeveloped, underperforming, dangerous, deteriorated, or underserved. A physical space or structure that is no longer in acceptable or beneficial condition to its community.

5. Is the city going to take my property?

No. The city would only acquire certain property in the Urban Renewal Area for the following purposes:

• eliminating unhealthy, unsanitary or unsafe conditions
• eliminating obsolete uses, or uses that are detrimental to public welfare
• Providing rights-of-way for streets and sidewalks
• Provide redevelopment sites for public and private redevelopment
• Enhancing tourism and economic development
• Historic preservation
• Rehabilitation and disposition for redevelopment

6. Who will achieve the goals stated in the Urban Renewal Plan?

• private enterprises
• property owners
• non-profit organizations
• the city

These entities can rehab, renovate, develop, and redevelop in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan.  The Urban Renewal Plan includes restrictions with respect to land uses, maximum densities, building requirements, off-street parking, and loading or unloading spaces.

7. Why didn’t the city give written notification to me that my house was listed in this Urban Renewal Plan

The City advertised the map that included the areas.  The Planning Department notifies nearby property owners of proposed zoning changes, subdivisions, and similar proposals, as required by the Unified Development Code. The urban renewal resolution did not come under any of the provisions of the Unified Development Code.

8. Will Mayor Kenny Holloway financially gain from the urban renewal plan?

No. Mayor Holloway will not financially gain from the proposed Urban Renewal Plan.

9. Does the plan include spaces for mixed income/affordable housing?

Yes, the plan would welcome mixed-income and affordable housing. 

10. What specific criteria was used to determine which properties would be included in the Urban Renewal Plan?

The plan does not designate specific properties but identifies specific areas. The urban renewal plan was completed by two certified planners and an attorney who has municipal and urban renewal experience. 

11. Will Alderman Blackman either recuse himself or have his firm sign a pledge not to work on any urban renewal projects?

No, there is not reason for Alderman Blackman to recuse himself from discussing or voting. Alderman Blackman does not work for an engineering firm. 

12. Will all Aldermen and/or Mayor who own (individually or as part of a corporation) property within the areas recuse themselves from voting of this plan?

Any Aldermen who own property in there areas will recuse themselves from discussion or voting.

13. Who wrote the Urban Renewal plan? It would appear the city’s comprehensive plan is separate.

The proposed Urban Renewal Plan was written by the city's planner and an attorney with Urban Renewal experience. 

14. What is the plan for the Ryan Youth Center?

As we look into opportunities to develop the area that currently houses Public Works, the Ryan Youth Center's building will remain or will be rebuilt. 

15. Could more properties within map areas be identified as needed for Urban Renewal development at later date?

Yes, but the properties would need to follow the entire process to be added. 

16. What is going to happen to the Juke Joint property? Will the trees be protected?

The city has no plans for the Juke Joint property. The trees are protected.

17. What about overall requirements in the Urban Renewal Plan for green spaces, protection of our beautiful trees, requirements of new businesses to provide landscaping in front of businesses?

The Urban Renewal Plan encourages green spaces and city ordinances currently protect our trees. 

18. Are environmental concerns being addressed and monitored by this plan?

The Urban Renewal Plan can assist with addressing infrastructure and drainage within the areas. 

19. Why aren’t we considered a historic black neighborhood and protected from acquisition and demolition from the city?

The city is not taking or tearing down anyone's property. If the residents in this neighborhood would like to be designated a historic district, please contact the planning department to discuss the process.

20. Why is the Carter-Calloway House that is listed on the National Historic Register, on the city’s list for acquisition?

The Carter-Calloway House is not on the city's list for acquisition. The plan states to maintain the historic character of the home. 

21. What is the city going to do to help the current owners improve their property?

There are facade grants and possible tax abatements to help improve residential homes. As opportunities become available, the city will share those resources.  

22. What 5 families have been targeted to be displaced? Why does the city think it’s okay to displace one person from their property?

No, families have been targeted for displacement. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen will be updating the plan to change the number from 5 to 0. 

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Water Department FAQs

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1. How do I apply for a new water service?

Come to the Water Department in City Hall and complete a new service application. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID and a payment of $200 which includes a $180 deposit and a $20 service fee. If you wish to have an irrigation meter, there is an additional service fee charge of $20.

2. Which forms of payment does the Water Department take?

Ocean Springs Water Department will take Cash, Money Orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. All credit cards will be charged a 3% administrative fee. If you’re unable to come to City Hall, you can mail your payment to:

• 1018 Porter Avenue
  Ocean Springs, MS 39566
• You can Pay Online or set up your account for automatic bank draft.
• There is also a drop box at the front door.

3. How do I get a garbage cart and/or recycling bin?

When you apply for a new service, the Water Department puts in a request to have Waste Pro deliver your bins. Or you can contact Waste Pro directly, at 228-818-5393.

Check this Waste Pro’s Recycling Information (PDF).

4. What is the purpose of an irrigation meter?

An irrigation meter measures the water used for swimming pools, gardens, lawns, washing cars, etc. Water registered on this meter does not assess a sewer charge and is billed separately.

5. Can the deposit be waived if I am in the military?

Unfortunately not; everyone has to pay the deposit.

6. If I plan to travel, how can I pay my bill to avoid late fees?

Payments can be made online. You can also call the Water Department to find out the amount of your bill.

7. What if I have a water leak? Can my bill be adjusted?

The Water Department can give adjustments on the sewage portion of your bill for certain water leaks. Sink or toilet water leaks cannot be adjusted. Once you have the leak repaired, complete an adjustment form. Be sure to also bring the adjustment form and any receipts showing repair or material purchased.

8. How are the meters read?

The Water Department receives at least 4 electronic readings a day.

9. What do I do if my water is discolored or has a strange smell?

If there is something strange about your water, call the Public Works Department at 228-875-3955.

10. What do I do if I need my water lines marked before I start to dig?

If you plan to dig, call 811. 811 will protect you and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines.

11. Who do I call if I have an emergency leak after business hours?

If you have an emergency, please call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211. The Police Department will then dispatch someone from Public Works to come to your home.

12. What if I need my water temporarily turned off to make repairs at my home?

If you need your water temporarily turned off, call the Ocean Springs Water Department at 228-875-4176, and they will send out a technician to turn your water off. Call the Ocean Springs Water Department to turn the water back on.