FAQ

  1. What does the Zoning Ordinance say about inoperable vehicles? Section 407.03 of the Zoning Ordinance says this: Vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperable, abandoned or discarded and are not capable of being legally driven upon the streets of the City of Magee shall not be parked or stored on any commercial or residentially zoned property other than in completely enclosed buildings, nor shall such vehicles be parked on public streets.

  1. What should I do if I have an inoperable vehicle on my property? To comply with the Ordinance and avoid citations and possibly court action, you should have the vehicle removed.  If you have already received a letter or door hanger notifying you of code violation, timing is critical. If you do not wish to have the vehicle towed/removed, you should move it out of sight and cover it with a car cover. You must make arrangements to address the violations within 2 weeks. Several salvage businesses in Magee are available to help, and many organizations accept car donations; they pick up and tow the car for free whether it still runs or not.
  1. Is it true that property owners have the right to do anything they want on their property, regardless of how their neighbors feel about it?  Actually, Section 407.05 of the Zoning Ordinance says that property owners or renters have a responsibility to others. Specifically, no rubbish, salvage materials, junk or hazardous waste materials, including inoperable vehicles and parts and any combustible matter, shall be openly stored, allowed to accumulate or kept in the open, and no weeds or other growth shall be allowed to go uncut within any district when the same shall be determined by the appropriate City Official or health official to constitute a menace to the public health and/or a safety.

407.05 Materials and Growth Constituting Public Health and/or Safety Hazards Prohibited: No rubbish, salvage materials, junk or hazardous waste materials, including inoperable vehicles and parts and any combustible matter, shall be openly stored, allowed to accumulate or kept in the open, and no weeds or other growth shall be allowed to go uncut within any district when the same shall be determined by the appropriate City Official (the Zoning Administrator, Fire Chief, or other authorized City employee) or health official to constitute a menace to the public health and/or a safety.

  1. Is it illegal to operate a business in an area zoned residential? On the contrary, Section 406 of the Zoning Ordinance allows home occupations with some limitations and conditions as follows: 

* No storage or display of materials, goods, supplies, or equipment related to the operation of a home operation shall be visible from the outside of any structure located on the premises.

* Not more than twenty five percent (25%) of the floor area of the dwelling shall be used for the conduct of the home occupation. Any accessory building used in connection with the home occupation shall not exceed 400 square feet in area.

* No traffic shall be generated by such home occupations in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood.

* There shall be no exterior lighting which would indicate that the dwelling and/or accessory building is being utilized in whole or in part for any purpose other than residential.

* No equipment or process shall be used in a home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or odors detectable to the normal senses outside of the dwelling unit or accessory building in which the occupation is conducted. No equipment or process shall be used in any home occupation which creates visual or audible electrical interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.

* Existing and new home occupations are required to have a privilege license in accordance with state law.

*Specific sign dimensions are described in Section 2416 of the Ordinance: The maximum size for all home occupation signs is two (2) square feet. Home occupation signs shall be affixed to the house no more than six (6) feet above floor level and may not be illuminated.

Link:  

SECTION 406 – HOME OCCUPATIONS

Home occupations, as defined under Article II of this Ordinance, may be permitted in any district where residential uses are allowed, subject to the following limitations and such conditions as may be determined by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of City of Magee:

406.01 Display and Storage: No storage or display of materials, goods, supplies, or equipment related to the operation of a home operation shall be visible from the outside of any structure located on the premises.

406.02 Maximum Area: Not more than twenty five percent (25%) of the floor area of the dwelling shall be used for the conduct of the home occupation. Any accessory building used in connection with the home occupation shall not exceed 400 square feet in area.

406.03 Traffic and Parking Restrictions: No traffic shall be generated by such home occupations in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood (as determined by the Zoning Administrator), and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupations shall be met off the street and other than in a required yard. Furthermore, an ample amount of such off street parking shall be provided as determined by the Zoning Administrator at the time of the application for a building permit or change of use permit. Walk in retail sales are prohibited. Sale of goods or services shall be by appointment only.

406.04 Exterior Lighting: There shall be no exterior lighting which would indicate that the dwelling and/or accessory building is being utilized in whole or in part of any purpose other than residential.

406.05 Signs Relating to Home Occupations: See Article XXIV.

SECTION 2416 – HOME OCCUPATION SIGNS

The maximum size for all home occupation signs is two (2) square feet. Home occupation signs shall be affixed to the house no more than six (6) feet above floor level and may not be illuminated.

406.06 Other Provisions: No equipment or process shall be used in a home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or odors detectable to the normal senses outside of the dwelling unit or accessory building in which the occupation is conducted. No equipment or process shall be used in any home occupation which creates visual or audible electrical interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.

406.07 Privilege License: Existing and new home occupations are required to have a privilege license in accordance with state law. A building permit (if construction is necessary in connection with proposed home occupation) or a change of use permit (if no construction is necessary) must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator prior to the initiation of a home occupation.

  1. Does the City of Magee have a fence ordinance? Currently, the City of Magee does not have a fence ordinance; however, Section 401.04 of the Zoning Ordinance prohibits any structure or vegetation on a corner lot that impedes the vision of drivers. Likewise, Section 405.08 prohibits structures or vegetation at the intersection of driveways and public rights-of-way and/or private streets. Section 405.11 requires a screen, which may be a fence, to be built between commercially zoned property and abutting residential property. 

401.04 Visibility at Intersections: On a corner lot in any district, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede the vision of motor vehicle operators between a height of two and one half (2.5) and ten (10) feet above the center line grades of the intersecting streets and within a triangular area bounded by the right of way lines for a distance of twenty five (25) feet from the intersection and a straight line connecting said points twenty five (25) feet back from the intersection of said right of way lines.

405.08 Intersection of Driveway and Public ROW and/or Private Street: In any district, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impair or block vision between a height of two and one half (2.5) and ten (10) feet above the center line grades of any interesting street/driveways in the area bounded by the street lines/driveway lines of such corner and a line joining points along said street lines fifteen (15) feet from the point of intersection.

405.11 Zone Screening Standards: A screen (wall, fence, or landscaping) not less than six (6) feet or more than eight (8) feet in height shall be erected between commercially zoned property and abutting residentially zoned property at the time that any building or structure is erected on the commercial property. The height of the screening shall be the vertical distance measured from the top of the screen to the lowest point to grade within three (3) feet of such screen on the commercially zoned property. The screening shall be constructed on or immediately adjacent to the line dividing the residential and commercial properties. A new screen shall not be required where there is an existing screen, which substantially conforms to this section on the abutting residential property. If the existing screen on abutting residential property is the only screen that conforms to this section, and if is removed, a new screen shall be required.

  1. Whom do I call about potholes or sinkholes? Potholes and sinkholes are serious concerns in the City, and a long-term strategic plan to address streets and roads in the City is being developed. In the meantime, if you notice potholes or sinkholes increasing in severity and causing safety risks, contact one of the Deputy Clerks at City Hall at 601-849-3344 so that they can put in a work order for repair. 
  1. How do I get information about softball, baseball, or other sports in the City or about City sports facilities? You should contact Parks and Rec Director Jimmy Zila at 601-382-2526 or his assistant Daniel Decker at 601-382-3510. 

  1. What if I want to build, renovate, or remodel a home or business? Do I need a permit from the City? All repairs/remodeling, demolition, and new construction should be discussed with the Building Inspector to be sure that your project is proceeding safely and legally. For more information, contact City Hall at 601-849-3344 or contact the Building Inspector at 601-382-2561.  
  1. Whom should I contact if I have a question or concern about my neighborhood? It’s always a good idea to contact your elected official, your Alderman. If you are not sure what ward you live in, call Penny Aguirre in Zoning at City Hall, 601-721-0066, ext. 313, or 601-849-3344, or stop by City Hall to chat with Mayor Dale Berry. 
  1. Whom do I call about dogs roaming around loose or about dogs being tethered? Call City Hall at 601-849-3344 and report your concern to one of the Deputy Clerks, who will put in a work order to Animal Control. 
  1. Whom do I call about feral cats or other feral animals in my house or neighborhood? The City currently has no specific resources dedicated to the feral animal problem; however, some remedies are being researched. For now, call City Hall at 601-849-3344 and report your concern to one of the Deputy Clerks, who will put in a work order to Animal Control. 
  1. When is garbage pickup? Garbage pickup occurs on Monday and Thursday of each week unless there is a holiday schedule. Furniture and mattresses are picked up on Thursdays and Fridays. Limbs and debris are picked up Mondays and Tuesdays. If you have items to be picked up, you can call one of the Deputy Clerks and make a request so that they can put in a work order for pick-up. Construction related debris should be hauled off by the contractor, and debris created by a contracted lawn service should be hauled off by the lawn company. 
  1. Can I take my trash and debris to the Simpson County Rubbish Pit? Yes, residents may take one pickup load per month to the rubbish pit for free.

  1. Whom should I call if I have a leak on or near my property or for other water related problems? 

You should notify the Deputy Clerks at City Hall by calling 601-849-3344 so that they can alert Superintendent of Public Works Tim Bray of the problem.

  1. What do I do if I think my water bill is incorrect? Call Libby Shivers at City Hall, 601-849-3344, and ask her to verify your bill. She can get a new meter reading and help you resolve the issue.
  1. What do I do if I need to get my water service disconnected because I am moving? 

You need to complete a Disconnect Form. Call Libby Shivers at City Hall, 601-849-3344, and she will help you access this information. If you neglect to complete the disconnect form, it is likely that you will continue to be billed for the water service. 

  1. What do I do if my street lights are not working? The street lights are serviced by Entergy in most parts of town and by Southern Pine Electric in others, so you should call them to report an outage or request service. Calling City Hall about this issue will only delay resolution of the problem since City Hall does not replace the light bulbs in street lights or repair them. 
  1. Should I call City Hall if I have a power outage? It is unlikely that City Hall can resolve this kind of issue although the Deputy Clerks will do their best to give you information about it. Instead, contact your electric company, either Entergy or Southern Pine, by calling their emergency numbers for reporting power outages or by emailing them. 
  2. Does the City permit burning trash in the City limits? Ordinance 287 allows some burning in some zones under some conditions. If you are not sure whether you are permitted to burn certain materials, it’s best to check with the Magee Fire Department at (601) 849-5507. 

  1. Whom can I contact about renting the Civic Center for an event such as a birthday party, wedding/baby shower, meeting, or reunion? Contact one of the Deputy Clerks at City Hall by calling 601-849-3344. They can help you reserve the Civic Center, which rents from 7 A.M. to 11 P.M. for $300. The Deputy Clerks have details about what is allowed and what is prohibited at the Civic Center. 
  1. Whom should I contact if I have questions or concerns about Fire and Life Safety Codes for the City? You should call the Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie at 601-613-0000.
  1. Whom should I call if I have questions about Property Maintenance Codes, including abandoned houses or derelict properties? You should call Shane Steele at 769-229-2707 or Penny Aguirre at 601-382-0446.
  1. Whom should I call if I have questions about building permits? You should call the Building Inspector at City Hall 601-849-3344or at 601-382-2561. 
  1. Whom should I call if I have questions about zoning, including the presence of inoperable vehicles or potential hazardous material accumulation? You should call Penny Aguirre at 601-721-0066, ext. 313, or 601-382-0446. 
  1. What if I have a question but don’t know exactly whom to speak to? You should call City Hall at 601-849-3344 and speak to any of the Deputy Clerks. 
  1. Does the City of Magee have a Facebook page? Yes, it is located here: https://www.facebook.com/MageeMS/

On this page, you can find updates about issues affecting the City. 

  1. Does the City of Magee have a text alert system? Yes, it can be subscribed to here:

Text “855-211-4848”

TEXT COMMANDS: (Each command must be sent in a separate message)

”Magee” – Enrolls Your Phone for Important Alerts

“MageeWater” – Receive Information About Line Breaks, Boil Notices or Low Water Pressure

“MageeRoad” – Road Closures, Construction or Accidents

“MageeWeather” – Severe Weather, Tornado Warnings, Thunderstorm Warnings, Flash Flood Warnings, Potential Extreme Freezing and Heat Indexes

“MageeEvents” – Any Events Taking Place in Magee or the Area Around Our City

“MageeSafety” – Hazards That City Leaders Deem to Be Posted for Our Citizen’s Safety

“MageeYouthSports” – Updates for Magee Youth Sports

FOR HELP, email mageeyouthsports@yahoo.com, or call +1 6013823510.

Summary Terms & Conditions:

Our mobile text messages are intended for subscribers over the age of 13 and are delivered via USA short code 8552114848. You may receive up to 6 message(s) per month of text alerts.

Message & Data Rates May Apply.

This service is available for phones with text messaging capabilities, and subscribers on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA, Cincinnati Bell, Centennial Wireless, Unicel, U.S. Cellular®, and Boost. For help, text HELP to 8552114848, email mageeyouthsports@yahoo.com, or call +1 6013823510.

You may stop mobile subscriptions at any time by text messaging STOP to short code 8552114848.

  1. What difference does it make if I don’t follow the Zoning Ordinances, Property Maintenance Codes, or Fire and Building Codes and my property is not cleaned up and orderly? You share City services with all your neighbors in all wards, and when homeowners or home occupants do not fulfill their responsibilities, the City must divert limited resources to cleanup and code enforcement. The overall effect of this is a  decrease in City services and deterioration of the appearance of neighborhoods. This deterioration can discourage visitors, potential businesses, and families who might desire to settle down here, limiting the growth and prosperity of the City as a whole. When that happens, all of us have to spend more money to drive longer distances to get basic goods and services, costing all citizens time, money, and convenience. Finally, not keeping your property clean and orderly affects your neighbors because unwanted pests or plants can migrate to your neighbors’ property and because seeing your property is unavoidable just as you notice theirs, no matter what condition it is in. 
  1. How does it help me or my family to follow all the Ordinances and Codes? In addition to conserving limited City resources, which all citizens share, you contribute positively to the upkeep and preservation of your own home and your neighborhood. This increases the value of homes, neighborhoods, and the City in general, not just in monetary terms but also in a sense of pride in the City. This, in turn, creates a safer, welcoming, pleasant, attractive place for residents, visitors, businesses, and new families. Taking care of our homes, yards, and businesses is what being a good neighbor is all about. 
  1. Why is there so much emphasis on enforcement of Ordinances and Codes now when we haven’t been concerned about enforcement in the past? It might seem as though enforcement is more of a priority than ever before; however, since the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and the Property Maintenance Codes, the City has worked to implement and enforce guidelines and laws to protect safety and health. Improving the safety, well-being, and appearance of the City is an ongoing process that requires all citizens’ efforts, not just City officials.  It is important to remember that the purpose of ordinances and laws is to protect and preserve, not to punish.When everyone works together toward the goal of improving Magee, all the citizens benefit. 
  1. What is City Hall NOT responsible for? While City officials strive to be of service to all residents, some problems fall outside the City’s areas of responsibility. Here are some of those issues:
  1. Feral animals in, around, or under a building–generally, you should contact a pest company for pest control/traps for such problems. If you believe these feral animals originate from City property or because of City workers’ activities, contact City Hall at 601-849-3344 to register a complaint, which will be investigated. 
  2. Disturbance of the peace–you should contact the Police Department at 601-849-2366 to report  any kind of disturbance of the peace, including excessive noise.
  3. Fire related problems such as fireworks or burning–you should contact the Magee Fire Department at 601-849-5507 for questions or concerns or to report a fire or safety issue.
  4. Storm damage to a house or business–the Magee Fire Department will assist with storm damage that affects public safety, and the Public Works Department will assist with storm damage that affects City services; however, all other types of damage should be reported to your home insurance or business insurance company. 
  5. Civil disputes–if you have a conflict with your neighbor that becomes threatening or violent, you should contact the Magee Police Department at 601-849-2366; however, if your conflict is less serious, it is a civil matter that City Hall has no authority over but one that falls to the police and the courts. 
  6. Domestic disputes–if you have a conflict with a family member that becomes threatening or violent, contact the Magee Police Department at 601-849-2366 immediately; however, contacting City Hall to report a less serious offense will not likely resolve a domestic dispute since such disputes constitute police and legal matters. 

32. Does the City of Magee have a Police Benevolence Fund? Cities and municipalities are not legally allowed to create and fund Police Benevolence Funds. These are usually 501c3 non-profit organizations set up by a board of private donors to financially support police departments. While some  interest has been expressed in creating a Magee Police Benevolence Fund, currently one does not exist. 

33. Does the City of Magee have a Firefighters’ Benevolence Fund? Cities and municipalities are not legally allowed to create and fund Firefighters’ Benevolence Funds. These are usually 501c3 non-profit organizations set up by a board of private donors to financially support fire departments. While some interest has been expressed in creating a Magee Firefighters’ Benevolence Fund, currently one does not exist. 

34. How can I become involved in City service? There are many ways to become involved. Here are some of them:

  1. Attend Board of Aldermen meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 PM at City Hall. These are open, public meetings where you can learn about issues affecting the City.
  2. Attend Zoning Board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM at City Hall. These are open, public meetings and sometimes hearings where you can learn about zoning matters that are later referred to the Board of Aldermen. 
  3. Volunteer at one of the City’s departments or events: Parks and Rec (contact Jimmy Zila or Daniel Decker), Magee Library, Mayor’s Youth Council, and many more opportunities
  4. Join a committee that seeks to improve the City: The Cemetery Committee, Keep Magee Beautiful, the Magee Preservation Commission, a Chamber of Commerce committee
  5. Partner with the City on cleaning up specific properties, plots of land, structures, or places: contact Mayor Dale Berry for more information.
  6. Register to vote and consider running for office.
  7. Adopt a City department to show appreciation to. Most City employees work diligently to keep the City running, but they are not always at the forefront of recognition. Messages of appreciation are always welcome. 

35. Does the City of Magee have a recycling program? Currently, the City does not have a recycling program, but it does recognize the importance of such a program. If you are interested in helping initiate such a program, contact Penny Aguirre at 601-721-0066, ext. 313.

36. What is a privilege license? A privilege license is sometimes called a business license and is required by the Secretary of State in Mississippi  to operate a business in the City. Applications for privilege licenses can be obtained by visiting, calling, or emailing one of the Deputy Clerks at City Hall, 601-849-3344. These are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. For more information, visit https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2020/title-27/chapter-17/subchapter-generalprovisions/section-27-17-9/