The City of Brandon is committed to working with citizens and businesses in a joint effort to preserve and improve all of our residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. We share your desire to maintain the quality of life throughout your neighborhood and where you work, shop and conduct business.  Maintaining and enhancing our neighborhoods is also important because it protects the property value of your home.

To ensure tranquil neighborhoods and commercial areas, the city has adopted the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, as well as other local codes and ordinances, to establish a minimum for the proper maintenance of residential and commercial properties.

Code Enforcement Officers work to investigate complaints of violations. If a violation is noted, our Officers work with the property owners and tenants to correct any violations and bring the property into compliance with City codes.  If you would like to report a potential code violation please Click Here or call (601) 824-4580 to speak to a Code Enforcement Officer.

If you have any questions about the City Code’s, please call the Code Enforcement office at (601) 824-4580.  Or if you prefer, you may contact us via email by clicking here.

FOR ORDINANCE UPDATES & NEWS CLICK HERE

Code Enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of the following City codes and ordinances:

• International Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 18, Sec. 18-61)

• Building Codes (Chapter 18, Sec. 18-61)

• Environmental Ordinances (Chapter 34)

• Rental Housing Ordinance (Chapter 18, Sec. 18-1)

• Sign Ordinance (Chapter 62)

• Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A)

Code Enforcement also works to ensure the unique characteristics of Brandon’s Historic District are maintained and protected.

If you have received a Notice of Violation:

If you have received a Code Enforcement Violation Notice, you either own or are otherwise ‘in control’ (i.e. live in, lease, or manage) a property that has been found to a have violation of the City’s Code(s). 

I just received this Violation Notice, what should I do? 

1)  The first thing you should do is read the Notice.  The Notice will include the address of the violation property, the date when violations were observed, a description of the violations and a correction order to remedy the violations.  The Notice will also explain the possible legal penalties. 

 2)  Contact the Code Enforcement Officer named on the Violation Notice.  Their phone number is located immediately underneath their name.  The Code Enforcement Officer can usually answer any question you may have about the property and the violations observed at the time of the inspection.  

 3)  REMEDY THE VIOLATIONS!  The Code Enforcement Officer will work with you if you need time to remedy the cited violations.  You may call the Code Enforcement Officer if you need a short extension, or contact the Community Development Director requesting a longer extension. 

Neighborhood Enhancement

Most Common Code Violations

Litter, Weeds and Grass – Weeds or grass more than 12 inches high is a violation of the City Code.  Homeowners or tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed, clipped, mulched or cleared and the property free of litter (garbage, paper, cardboard, wood, glass, bedding, auto parts, appliances, limbs, etc.).  The property must be maintained between from the curb / edge of the pavement in front of the house to the back property line.  

 

Inoperable Vehicles – Inoperable vehicles (including trailers, boats, RV’s and any other type of vehicle that requires a state license or inspection sticker) may not be kept in public view in any residential zoned district.  Inoperable means “any vehicle that is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled condition (including deflated tires, no wheels, broken windshield or windows, or lacking other necessary parts for the normal operation of the vehicle, or without a current tag and inspection sticker). 

Vehicle Parking – Vehicles must be parked on a driveway or a paved parking area (this includes trailers, boats, RV’s and any other type of vehicle that requires a state license or inspection sticker).  It is a violation to park a vehicle on the lawn.  Occasional street parking is permitted; however, recurrent street parking is a violation and will be ticketed.

 Vehicles For Sale – A person can display a vehicle for sale only at their private residence or their place of business during business hours.  All for sale vehicles must be parked on a driveway or approved parking surface.  Parking on the lawn is a violation.  The term vehicle includes trailers, boats, RV’s and any other type that requires a state license or inspection sticker).

Illegal Signs – It is a violation of the City code to post, attach, nail or staple any signs (notices, posters or other paper devices) on any utility pole, street sign, lamp post, shade tree; public structure or building or on the City’s right-of-way or median.  This includes garage sale signs and lost animal signs.

Garage Sale Signs – Each residence/household conducting a garage sale are limited to four signs.  One sign is allowed at the location of the sale and up to three off-premise signs are allowed.  Off-premise signs must be ground mounted and in no case shall any sign be posted, attached, taped, nailed or stapled onto any utility pole, street sign, lamp post, shade tree; public structure or building or on the City’s right-of-way or median.  Furthermore, signs are not allowed to be posted beyond the entrance to the subdivision or neighborhood where the sale is located.  Signs must not be posted earlier than one day prior to the sale and must be removed by the close of the sale.  Sign permits are not currently required for garage sale signage; however, owners or occupants who fail to comply with these regulations will be punished by a fine of $25.

Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs – Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs must be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition year round whether in use or not.  All pools, spas and hot tubs over 24 inches deep must be surrounded by an approved enclosure.

Improper Outdoor Storage- Any item that is not customarily used or stored outside (or is not made of durable, weather resistant material) cannot be placed outdoors on your property. This applies to the front, rear and side yards as well as an open porch or carport.  Exceptions include vehicles parked on an approved surface, lawn furniture and landscaping items.

Waste Containers - In all residential districts, each residence must keep garbage cans and trash containers out of public view from any public street or sidewalk.  All cans and containers should be kept in a concealed area except during the designated times of trash collection.  Following trash collection on the same day, please return your cans and containers to their concealed keeping areas. 

Work Without Permits – Many property improvements (including accessory structures, decks and pools) require permits to ensure projects are built to meet safety standards and ensure quality development.  Permits acquired after construction begins are subject to a fine.  Before beginning any home improvement project (other than routine maintenance), please call Community Development for permitting requirements.

Fences – All fences (including walls and hedges used as fences) must be maintained in good condition free of damage, breaks or missing boards.  All fences, walls and hedgues must comply with zoning regulations .

Feeding Wild Animals & Water Fowl – No person shall knowingly feed, bait or in any manner provide access to food to any wild animal or waterfowl in the city on lands except those designated as feeding areas on publicly owned property.

Animal Control – The keeping of domesticated animals (such as dogs and cats) are regulated by the City of Brandon Police Department, Animal Control Division.  Please contact Animal Control at (601) 825-7225 for information regarding the number of domesticated animals you are allowed to keep as well as information pertaining to permit requirements.  The type and quantity of non-domesticated (such as horses, cows, sheep, goats and pigs) you are allowed to keep is dependent upon zoning and the acreage of your property.  You may be asked to reduce the type and number of animals being kept on your property.

Address Identification – All residences and building must have correctly sized street numbers installed on the structure in a location visible and readable from the adjacent street.  Residential numbers must be a minimum of four inches in height and commercial numbers must be a minimum of six inches in height.

Improper Use of Zone – Zoning regulations define the type and location of businesses and housing throughout the city.  The major categories of land uses are commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural.  Brandon City Code does not allow a use on a property other than what is permitted by its zoning district.

Home Occupations – Certain types of businesses may be conducted in residential districts subject to zoning restirctions found in Section 414 to ensure the residential nature of the  community is not adversely affected.  Please consult  with Community Development prior to contemplating any sort of business or occupation to be conducted from your home.

Other Information:

The MS Association of Code Enforcement (M.A.C.E) was founded in December 2010 and is dedicated to the study and advancement of Code Enforcement at the local, county and state levels.  Its membership represents both large cities and small towns that have an interest in enhancing neighborhood and community health, safety, welfare and aesthetics.  The focus is on public nuisance codes that affect both the natural and built environment.

Persons employed in the enforcement of municipal, county, state or federal codes and ordinances in Mississippi are eligible for active membership in M.A.C.E.  Other persons and non-residents are elligble to join as associate members.  Businesses and organizations consistent with the purpose of M.A.C.E. can join as an affiliate member.  Honorary and retiree membership is also available.

Annual dues are $25 for active and retired members, $50 for associate members and $100 for affiliate associations (honorary membership is free).  For more information on joining us, please contact the Treasurer, Amanda Tolstad at atolstad@ci.brandon.ms.us or by calling (601) 824-4580 ext. 232.

MACE members meet quarterly for a one-day general membership meeting.  A two-day educational workshop will be held in October which will include interactive classes on Code Enforcement topics as well as a special recognition banquet.  Officer meetings are held every other month.  Members are encouraged to get involved in various standing committees. The Education Committee studies changing issues related to Code Enforcement and develops curriculum for training and certification classes. The Legislative Committee keeps tabs on activities at the State Capitol that may affect Code Enforcement and offers input for new legislation.  The Membership Committee continually seeks to expand the Association through inclusion of new cities, counties and state agencies.

Through its network of cities and repository of ordinances, MACE offers a resource to discuss and research issues with others who face the daily challenges and changes of Code Enforcement in Mississippi.

To join, please click here for the membership application.