Rankin County finds dwelling at 564 Barker Road unfit for human habitation and orders posting

County staff presented photos and inspection testimony indicating severe sanitation and structural failures at a dwelling on 564 Barker Road. Inspectors reported no running water, the electrical meter had been removed and occupants had improvised a shower using drums that collected rainwater. Inspectors said four people — two adults and two children — had been living in the structure but the conditions created a life, health and safety hazard.

County staff explained the applicable code section authorizes a finding that a property is unfit for human habitation and outlined the typical post‑finding process: staff posts and seals the property, occupants must vacate immediately, and they then have 60 days to correct deficiencies before the county moves to remediate the hazard. Inspectors said the structure was gutted in parts, had no safe plumbing, and had been using illegally connected power prior to utilities disconnecting service.

Board members expressed concern for the occupants and asked staff to coordinate social‑services referrals and charitable resources where feasible, while stressing the necessity of declaring the structure unsafe to protect residents and reduce fire risk. The board voted to find the property unfit for human habitation and authorized staff to post, secure and pursue corrective or remediation steps according to county procedures.