Code Enforcement

What is the Property Maintenance Code?

A set of regulations designed to address blighted properties in the City and to prevent blight from spreading. It is intended to preserve property values and economic attractiveness in our neighborhoods and to discourage criminal activity.

When was it adopted and when did it become effective? 
It was adopted on November 2, 2021 by the City’s Board of Aldermen, with an effective date of January 1, 2022. To view this ordinance, please click here.

What merits a violation under the Property Maintenance Code?
Examples include but are not limited to: 25% or more of missing roof tiles, roof tarps in place more than 60 days, rotten wood, chipping & peeling paint, damaged gutters, downspouts & garage doors, broken windows, damaged fences, sanitation issues, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown grass, weeds & shrubbery. At least two of these conditions must be observed to qualify. 

Does this mean there needs to be two violations on a property for the City to act?
No, if there is a junked up or un-mowed yard, inoperable or junked vehicle, or damaged fence, these can be prosecuted under ordinances other than the Property Maintenance Code.

How do I report a violation? 
Contact City Hall: (662) 892-9200 or Code Enforcement Supervisor Hank Drayton: (662) 892-9343 henry.drayton@obms.us

Thank you for choosing Olive Branch as your home for your commercial business. Your investment is important to us. To ensure the success of your business the City has a code of compliance program designed to keep commercial properties clean and safe. 

Landscape Maintenance

• Be prepared to mow grass and weed planting beds. Unsightly high grass and weeds create a health and safety issue and are a violation.
• Trees and shrubs must be maintained as per the approved landscaping plan, dead vegetation must be replaced.
• Remove tree stakes and straps after trees have taken root, approx. 6 months.
• Irrigate adequately.
• Trim vegetation as to not obstruct sidewalks or visibility.
• Piles of brush cannot be openly stored on commercial property.
• Rotten, broken, or missing fencing or other screening material must be repaired. 

Litter & Debris

• Keep your property free of litter by checking it on a regular basis and discard all trash in proper containers.
• Garbage dumpsters must be kept within the approved enclosures. 

Signage

• All commercial signs, including temporary signs, require a permit.
• Maximum 2 banners (temporary signs) per parcel per year. Temporary signs have a 30-day time limit. Other rules may apply. Contact Code Enforcement before posting. 
• Model Center Flags limited to 3 flags, mounted on individual poles, per model center. (Pertains to Subdivision)
• Some signs are not permitted. These include but are not limited to, corporate flags, pendants, signage affixed to light poles or bollards, and A-frame signs.

Outdoor Storage & Sales

• Do not stack boxes, cartons, crates, or other items in unscreened areas.
• Unless approved by City Officials, outdoors sales and storage is not permitted.
• Building permits must be obtained for accessory building used for storage.  Portable shipping containers or other bins cannot be used for storage unless otherwise approved. 
• Mobile vendors must obtain permission from the City Planning Department and are required to have a City business permit.

Vehicles

• Vehicles must be licensed and operable unless at an approved repair shop or behind screened fencing at an approved salvage or towing yard.
• Vehicles without valid license plates or those that are clearly inoperable, i.e. flat tire, missing essential components are considered noncompliant vehicles and are not permitted. 
• Vehicles must be parked/stored on driveways, parking lots, or within a building. Parking on lawns or landscape islands are not allowed.
• Expanding parking with gravel or landscaping rock is not permissible.

Interior Safety

• Keep all exits and aisles clear to ensure safe passage for patrons and employees.
• Restrooms and emergency exits are required to be handicap accessible.
• Fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and other safety systems must be maintained in good working order.