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Southaven aldermen discuss adding damaged or makeshift interior window coverings to property‑maintenance violations
Summary
The mayor proposed adding broken or improvised interior window coverings visible from public streets to the city's property‑maintenance code as a blighted‑property violation; discussion focused on scope, past drafting choices and concerns about overreach, with no vote tonight.
Mayor Caleb introduced a proposed amendment to the property‑maintenance code that would add interior window coverings — broken blinds, shutters, shades or temporary materials visible from the street — to the list of blighted‑property violations.
"Interior window coverings, blinds, shutters, or shades that are broken or bent, temporary materials used for permanent purposes or any other materials not manufactured for the purpose of window covering that are visible from a public street" would be added to the code language, the mayor said, explaining the goal is to protect curb appeal and neighborhood property values.
Aldermen questioned whether similar items were already covered when the code was first crafted and warned against overreach into private residences. One member noted the initial maintenance code was deliberately limited to external, street‑visible conditions to avoid interior inspections.
The mayor emphasized he was bringing facts for consideration and not recommending immediate action. No board action was taken; the item was placed on a future agenda for further discussion and clarifications, including whether listed items are already enforceable under current code language.
