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Code Enforcement

Purpose

 Code Enforcement has become an   essential part of government within   many  cities throughout the United States.  It is the responsibility of this particular department to regulate the codes and ordinances that govern the maintenance and aesthetic value of residential and commercial properties.  An important factor in a city’s ability to consistently thrive and experience growth is the maintenance of existing developed properties.

Contact Information

  The City of Hattiesburg is divided into five (5) Council Wards.  The Code Enforcement Division has three (3) officers responsible for the following wards:

Code Enforcement Process 

 State and federal regulations mandate the due process proceedings required to resolve violations.  The proceedings may take several days to several months to allow defendants due process in accordance with state and federal regulations.  The Code Enforcement Division is committed to utilizing the most expeditious means available to resolve violations while affording defendants their rights to due process of the law.

Reporting a Violation

 Whether a violation is reported to the Action Center or noted by a Code Enforcement officer, there are specific procedures involved with effectively resolving a violation. 

Council Resolutions Procedures

Certain violations may be resolved by requesting a council resolution rather than a court procedure.  A Request for Council Resolution is submitted by the Code Enforcement Division to the City Council for a public hearing.

Code Violations

 Code Enforcement officers are authorized to enter, photograph and inspect all private properties and structures within the corporate limits of the City of Hattiesburg.  The codes and ordinances used in determining when a violation exists are as follows:

2006 International Building Code

2006 International Property Maintenance Code

City of Hattiesburg Land Development Code

City of Hattiesburg Code of Ordinances

The following are just a few of the regulations found in the City of Hattiesburg’s Code of Ordinances and the Land Development Code Ordinance.  Each of these violations can result in an appearance before the Environmental Court of the City of Hattiesburg with a possible fine attached ($100-$600 plus court costs per day), and a misdemeanor offense charge.

Residential Property Violations

Home Occupancy

No more than four (4) unrelated persons living together by joint agreement and occupying a single family residence with a single kitchen.

Residential Parking

Parking your vehicle in the front yard or side yard is not permitted unless an approved driveway surface is  provided along the side or in the front of the dwelling. This violation will result in an immediate citation and a fine of $100 plus court costs.

Overgrown Lot and Trash/Litter

Grass on your property can be up to six inches tall. If your yard is growing out of control, you may receive a notice of violation. Keep your yard clean and neat and avoid tickets.

Working Without a Permit  

 Making improvements and/or modifications to the exterior of a structure without a city issued permit to do so. 

Open Storage 

Storing household appliances, clothing and/or furniture in the front, side or backyard of a residential dwelling and/or having an excessive number of items in a yard that detracts from the appearance of the property.

Overgrown Lot and Trash/Litter

 Under Construction - Check back for more information.