Jackson, MS Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit, vacant lots
- 48 inches (IPMC § 302.4.2)
- Height limit, maintained lots
- 18 inches (IPMC § 302.4)
- City cleanup penalty
- $1,000 or 50% of cost, whichever more
- Annual cap per parcel
- 6 cleanups / $20,000 aggregate
- Collection method
- Civil debt suit or property lien
Summary
Vegetation on an unimproved, cleared lot in Jackson cannot exceed 48 inches in height under the city's amended property maintenance code, a taller ceiling than the 18-inch limit that applies to maintained lots. The city can also clean an overgrown vacant lot itself and bill the owner, or place a lien on the property, for noncompliance.
Section 302.4.2 Vegetation on unimproved cleared lot. Is hereby added and shall read as follows: "Vegetation located on an unimproved, cleared lot shall be maintained to prohibit vegetation 48 inches in height."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55).
Full Breakdown
2 of the property maintenance code, added by the city under Sec. 4 that applies to maintained, occupied lots. Separately, Sec. 66-43 of the general code makes it unlawful for an owner to let weeds, tall grass, rubbish or brush accumulate on any lot or premises whether the lots or property be occupied or not, language that reaches vacant land the same as improved parcels, and also requires owners to keep abutting sidewalks clear of weeds and grass. If an owner does not clean an overgrown vacant lot after notice and a hearing before the city council, Sec.
00 aggregate per year. The city can collect that cost either as a civil debt through a lawsuit or as a lien enrolled against the property with the county circuit clerk.
Violations & Fines
Letting vegetation on a vacant lot exceed 48 inches, or letting weeds and rubbish accumulate under Sec. 66-43, exposes the owner to a city cleanup under Sec. 66-44 after notice and a council hearing: the city can bill the actual cleanup cost plus a $1,000.00 (or 50 percent of cost, whichever is greater) penalty, collectible as a civil debt or a lien against the property, with a right to appeal the council's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jackson's 18-inch weed limit apply to an empty lot with no building?
Can the city clean my vacant lot itself if I don't cut the weeds?
How often can Jackson bill me for cleaning the same vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson
Compare Jackson to another location·View the Mississippi property maintenance overview
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