Property Cleanup & Nuisance Abatement

Property cleanup and nuisance abatement address conditions on private or public property that threaten public health, safety, or welfare. These efforts focus on correcting unsanitary, unsafe, or neglected conditions and preventing repeated violations that negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods.

What Conditions May Be Considered a Nuisance

A property may be considered a public nuisance when conditions create health hazards, attract illegal dumping, pose fire risks, encourage pests or vermin, or negatively affect nearby properties. Common nuisance conditions include accumulated trash or debris, abandoned materials, unmanaged waste, overgrown vegetation, and ongoing dumping activity.

Notice and Compliance Process

When a nuisance condition is identified, the property owner is provided notice describing the issue and the required corrective action. Property owners are given an opportunity to correct the condition within the timeframe specified in the notice. This process ensures due process while encouraging voluntary compliance.

City Authority to Abate Nuisances

If a nuisance condition is not corrected, the City may take action to abate the nuisance in accordance with Mississippi law. Cleanup actions may be performed directly or through contracted services to remove hazards and restore the property to a safe condition.

Cost Recovery and Liens

Cleanup costs and associated penalties may be assessed against the responsible property owner. In certain cases, costs may be recovered through liens placed on the property as allowed by law. These measures help ensure that the cost of cleanup does not fall on the public.

Official Reference Material

The document below is provided for reference and relates to funding authority, enforcement requirements, and standards associated with solid waste enforcement and cleanup activities.