Jackson Free Press

On May 3, the Jackson City Council adopted a resolution declaring twenty-eight parcels of property as a menace to public health and safety. As a result, city officials will be able to proceed with cleaning the properties. The City of Jackson recently revamped its procedures to deal with derelict properties and now includes an administrative hearing.

The cases begin when a city inspector sites conditions such as weeds and grass over regulated height, trash and waste buildup, the infestation of pests and rodents, or junked vehicles at a particular property. Once a case is opened for the property, the property owner is notified by mail of the sited violations and alerted that the violations must be corrected within fifteen (15) days. If the condition is not corrected within the fifteen (15) day period, then an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 21-19-11 of the Mississippi Code is scheduled.

Notification of the administrative hearings are mailed and posted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the administrative hearing.

During the administrative hearing, the City of Jackson offers testimony and evidence concerning the property's condition. A property owner, who appears, has an opportunity to respond and provide evidence as to why the property should not be deemed to be a menace to public health, safety, and welfare.

The hearing officer makes recommendations, which are submitted to the Jackson City Council concerning the property, including assessing the cost of cleaning and the imposition of penalties.

If the Council approves the hearing officer's recommendations, the City will proceed to clean the property. The costs of cleaning the parcels and penalties may be assessed and enrolled as a lien against the property and collected in the same manner as ad valorem taxes are collected.

For residents who would like to report a dilapidated property or any other community issues, may call 3-1-1 from a landline or the Community Improvement Division at 601-960-1426.