Lee County approves property maintenance ordinance

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lee County Supervisors approved an ordinance that sets guidelines to address blighted properties.

The Property Maintenance Ordinance allows residents to present a petition to the county, informing officials of a property that may be a public health or safety hazard.

A hearing officer, appointed by the board of supervisors, would make a decision about the property, and if necessary, order the owner to clean the property.

If the owner refuses, the ordinance would allow the county to clean the property, charging the land owner, and assessing a fine that could lead to a tax lien on the property.