Rankin County planning board declares several properties nuisances, orders monitoring and possible court action

The Rankin County Planning Commission opened multiple public hearings on nuisance complaints and voted to declare a series of properties to be nuisances after staff presented photographic evidence and certified notices.

For 202 Joe Davis Drive (District 3) and 493 Van And Lendly Circle (District 2), staff reported complaints for overgrown grass and accumulation of garbage, certified letters were delivered and no representatives appeared. The board closed the hearings and declared the properties nuisances; motions to declare carried after "Aye" votes.

A hearing on Nate's Place LLC (Highway 469/Monterey Road, District 1) addressed vehicles, rubbish, debris and a vacant structure. Staff reported contact with the property owner and that notices have been issued; commissioners discussed eviction timelines for tenants, options in justice court, and the county's ability to authorize cleanup and place a lien for costs. The board declared the property a nuisance and instructed staff to monitor the situation and proceed as appropriate, including waiting up to 90 days for progress before initiating court filings.

At 376 Andrew Chapel Road (District 4), staff presented photographs showing rubbish and decayed siding around a vacant structure; neighbors had done some cleanup but utilities had been disconnected. The board closed the public hearing and declared the property a nuisance, with staff to follow up on repairs and permitting requirements for re-occupation.

The board discussed, as alternatives, referring nuisances to justice court, authorizing county cleanup with a lien against the property, or continued monitoring while staff attempts to secure tenant removal. Commissioners emphasized they prefer giving property owners time to address violations, but noted filing options remain if remediation does not occur.