Southaven, MS Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

The City of Southaven regulates abandoned and junked vehicles through its Property Maintenance Code, not through a stand-alone towing chapter. Sec. 4-67, item 2.5, makes it a violation for Inoperable Motor Vehicles to be parked, kept or stored on the Premises or Yard, including vehicles in a state of major disassembly or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.

Sec. 4-65 defines the trigger. An Inoperable Motor Vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be driven upon the public streets for reasons including, but not limited to, being unlicensed, wrecked, flat tire(s), abandoned, in a state of disrepair, or incapable of being immediately moved under its own power. One condition is enough, so a car with a current tag but flat tires still fits, and so does a running vehicle with no license. The same section defines Premises as a lot, plot or parcel of land, easement or public way, including any structures thereon, which is why the rule reaches vacant parcels as well as house lots. Item 2.4 separately treats automotive parts lying outside as exterior property sanitation.

The Planning Director is the code official (Sec. 4-58) and starts enforcement with a written notice under Sec. 4-62 that describes the real estate, states the violation, allows a reasonable time not exceeding 90 days to correct it and announces the right of appeal. Service is by personal delivery, certified or first-class mail to the last known address, or posting on the structure if the mail comes back. The owner can appeal to the Board of Adjustments within 20 days after service, and an appeal stays enforcement. Item 2.5 last changed by resolution of April 15, 2025.