Warren County’s subdivision ordinance will remain as is, but letters to developers found to be in violation will be written by the county administrator.

The decision grew out of the desire of County Engineer John McKee to take himself and the county engineering firm, ABMB Engineers Inc., out of the enforcement process.

Supervisors have been working more than a year to get the first-ever regulations covering new construction in effect. Formerly, only driveway permits were required to connect to county roads. Under the new approach, developers must approve site plans, including drainage, before engaging in projects that might lead to taxpayer liability.

In July, the county hired its first field officer to make on-site visits. After board appointees McKee, County Administrator John Smith and Board Attorney Paul Winfield met last week, that officer, Reed Birdsong, was retained in the role for primary on-site enforcement.

If violations are found and are persistent, the issue will be handed to Smith, who will draft a letter on behalf of supervisors to the developer or the primary engineering firm. Any court action taken after that would be heard in county court.

The ordinance came into play in recent weeks after the county halted work in The Trace subdivision off Fisher Ferry Road because drawings were not filed before work began to level the land and complete the main road into the subdivision.

Those involved with the project disputed how the ordinance defined the word &#8220construction” as it related to moving dirt and setting roadbeds.

The board shot down an idea to create a separate permit system for those who want to simply move dirt before establishing a site plan or lots. They also dismissed the notion that developers do not always know what plans they need to have approved.

&#8220Even I have a cell phone, so that doesn’t wash,” District 5 Supervisor Richard George said, indicating developers could call and ask.

The 30-page Warren County subdivision ordinance was adopted in 2004 and sets minimum standards for the installation of drainage on new roads. The idea was to stop developers from getting poorly built roads and washout areas moved onto the county maintenance budget.

It asks builders to hand in preliminary plats showing a broad definition of the area being developed, including names, widths and distances between roads. After that, a construction plan must be done, showing the kind of drainage and elevation that can support a road the county can maintain.

Inside Vicksburg, comprehensive zoning, building standard and licensing of contractors and craftsmen are handled through the Inspection Department.