Code Enforcement Division regulates, enforces Meridian codes and ordinances

Ward 5 Code Enforcement Officer Keith Trayal, left, and Code Enforcement Manager Terrell Thompson prepare to secure a community pool no longer used in the City of Meridian. Thompson said the measure is a safety precaution for residents in the neighborhood, especially children.

While junk or abandoned vehicles and sewer or septic system failures are common violations handled by the City of Meridian’s Code Enforcement Division, the duties and responsibilities of the department vary from day to day – all to improve the quality of life of the community.

The City of Meridian’s Code Enforcement Division has adopted local codes and ordinances that govern the proper use and maintenance of private properties. A division of the Department of Community Development, Code Enforcement’s purpose and goal is to:

• Regulate and enforce the codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Meridian.

• Maintain the aesthetic value of all properties.

• Establish a standard of property maintenance.

• Enhance the quality of life for the citizens, residents, and business owners of the City of Meridian.

“In short, Code Enforcement protects the community by regulating entities that are breaking laws and city ordinances,” Code Enforcement Manager Terrell Thompson said.

A clean, sanitary property, an orderly, well-kept property, and a well-maintained property not only adds to the look of a community but also its value.

The Code Enforcement Division receives complaints or concerns from city residents through phone calls, emails, or direct communication. Code Enforcement officers observe issues that may be violations while on patrol in each of the city’s five wards. The department also receives complaints or concerns from other employees, divisions, or departments with the City of Meridian.

“Our directive is to inspect the issues brought to our attention to determine whether a property maintenance or ordinance violation exists,” Thompson said.

Property maintenance violations include:

• Abandoned buildings or structures, dilapidated buildings (broken windows, holes in roof, missing doors, or any needs requiring major repair).

• Trash, litter, and debris scattered throughout the yard.

• Old, unused appliances or furniture in the yard or carport, or on the porch of a house or property.

• Inoperable, discarded equipment, tools, or buckets scattered on a property.

• Vehicles that appear to be inoperable or abandoned on public or private property.

• Leaking sewer lines or plumbing fixtures.

• Grass or weeds in excess of 12 inches on lawns or vacant lots.

Inspections are conducted by a Code Enforcement officer - a sworn-in inspector and investigator employed by a city or county - who specializes in the prevention, detection, and enforcement of violations of laws. The officer ensures that businesses and people are in compliance with public health, safety, public works, consumer protections, business activities, building standards, municipal affairs, and other concerns.

“For example, on a daily basis, a Code Enforcement officer could find themselves performing inspections, carrying out routine duties in support of a city’s community compliance program, enforcing vendor permits, and responding to citizen inquiries or complaints,” Thompson explained.

If it is determined a violation exists, one of several actions may be administered:

• Notice of Violation issued.

• Complaint/citation issued if the violation is not in compliance (corrected).

• Appearance in Environmental Court.

• Possible fines and/or penalties if violations are not corrected.

Each City of Meridian Code Enforcement officer is assigned a Ward to oversee. They are: James Lewis, Ward 2; Russell Wright, Ward 3; Keith Trayal, Ward 5; and Thompson, who oversees Ward 1 and Ward 4.

If you have a complaint or concern regarding property maintenance or ordinance violation, call the Code Enforcement Division at 601-485-1905 or email MeridianMS.org.

Story Submitted by City of Meridian- Ida Brown