Southaven, MS Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Sec. 4-67 is the working checklist of the City of Southaven Property Maintenance Code. Each numbered item is a stand-alone violation, and the code defines a Blighted Property as one showing such an extreme state of disrepair or lack of maintenance that the condition is visible from a public street.

Item 2.1 covers exterior surfaces: walls, trim, columns, porches, stairs, decks, balconies, chimneys, awnings, foundation exteriors, doors, windows, shutters, gutters, downspouts and similar surfaces, including those on detached structures, that are missing, broken, bent, loose, defaced by markings or carvings, or deteriorated by cracking, rotting, rusting or paint chipping. Item 2.2 targets roofs with missing shingles throughout 50% or more of visible slopes, creating a checkerboard appearance, or any temporary repair exceeding sixty days, including tarpaulins or wood. Item 2.3 covers leaning fences and gates, missing or broken planks, rails or posts, and metal decayed by rust or corrosion. Item 2.4 targets rubbish or garbage outside City carts, appliances, indoor furniture, automotive parts and unused construction materials stored so they create a cluttered and menacing environment.

Item 2.5 addresses inoperable motor vehicles, item 2.6 grass and weeds above six inches, item 2.7 overgrown shrubs and item 2.9 overgrown vegetation that harbors pests. Item 2.8 reaches parking lots with multiple potholes or cracking severe enough that base materials are visible. Item 2.10 requires trampolines and similar recreational equipment to sit in the rear of the property behind the residence.

The Planning Director acts as code official (Sec. 4-58). When the code official finds a violation or has grounds to believe one occurred, Sec. 4-62 requires a written notice with an appeal notice included.