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Animal Control

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1. Can you come to our home and pick up our animal?

No, animals must be relinquished at the animal shelter with currant rabies tags. There will be a fee of $35.

2. Do you take animals from outside of Southaven city limits?

No. You must be able to show proof of your residence in Southaven.

3. What animals do you shelter?

The shelter is set up to address dogs and cats.

4. Can we call you after hours?

Yes, call Southaven Police at (662) 393-0228. They will dispatch the on-call animal control officer.

5. Are there other DeSoto County shelters?

• Olive Branch: (662) 895-4582


• DeSoto County: (662) 429-5013


• Horn Lake: (662) 393-5857


• Mississippi Wildlife: (662) 325-3014

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Arts & Cultural Affairs

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1. How can I become a member of Forever Young?

To become a member, you must be a Mississippi resident and be at least 60 years young. For more details, call Missy Powell at (662) 895-1138.

2. What activities are offered to members of Forever Young?

We have aerobics with Zumba, advanced Aerobics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and indoor walking. For more details, call Missy Powell at (662) 895-1138.

3. What kind of social activities does Forever Young offer?

Forever Young members play canasta, bridge, and hand and foot cards. We have a bunco group, and a large chicken foot dominoes group. Once a month, we get together for lunch and enjoy fun and fellowship. For more details, call Missy Powell at (662) 895-1138.

4. Do you offer tours?

Yes, we use Diamond Tours.www.diamondtours.com

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Building Department

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1. What is your currently adopted building and fire code?

Southaven's Building Department utilizes the 2006 International Building Code and 2006 International Fire Code. For more details, call Building Official Sidney Elliott at (662) 393-4639.

2. What accessibility guidelines do you use?

Southaven's Building Department adheres to the ICC / ANSI A117.1 - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (2003), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more details, call Building Official Sidney Elliott at (662) 393-4639.

3. When do I need to call for an inspection?

To schedule a morning inspection, call (662) 393-4639 before 9:00 a.m. To schedule an afternoon inspection, call (662) 393-4639 before 1:00 p.m.

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Business License Information

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1. Do I have to obtain a business license?

The following businesses are exempt from privilege taxes, and thus do not have to obtain a business license:

• Insurance agents (state license required)
• Liquor stores (state license required)
• Non-profit organizations

2. Are there any businesses that have special requirements?

Yes. There are many businesses that are limited to certain zoning areas of Southaven as well as businesses that must file special applications, obtain state licenses, and/or post surety bonds to obtain a business license or otherwise do business inside the city limits of Southaven. Restrictions and Exemptions

3. Can I get a listing of the new businesses that opened in Southaven last month?

Yes. At the beginning of each month, the City Clerk’s Office publishes a list of all new businesses that were started during the previous month. If you wish to be added to the email list, please email Thomas Mastin.

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City Clerk

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1. Where can I register to vote?

You can register to vote at any City Hall in DeSoto County, or at the DeSoto County Courthouse:
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
Ph: (662) 429-1325

2. How do I file a report of claim against the City?

Visit the City Clerk's office to fill out a form:
8710 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

Or download it online.

3. How do I make a public records request?

Visit the City Clerk's office to fill out a form:
8710 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

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Court

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1. When is my court date?

If you received a ticket, your court date can be found at the bottom of your ticket. Court starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

If you were arrested, your court date will be the first Wednesday after you were arrested. Court starts promptly at 10:00 a.m.

2. Can I change my court date?

No. We do not change or reschedule court dates.

If you are unable to appear, most likely there will be a warrant issued for your arrest.

If your court date is for a traffic citation, you have 10 days from your court date to pay your ticket, or your license will be suspended.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, and MasterCard only.

You must appear in court to petition the judge if you need additional time to pay the ticket.

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Fire / EMS

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1. How can I dispose of hazardous materials found within my home or garage?

Contact the DeSoto County Emergency Management Agency regarding hazardous materials questions at (662) 429-1359.

2. What is the fire insurance rating for the City of Southaven?

The fire insurance rating for all locations within the City of Southaven is a Class 3.

3. How can I get a permit to burn and what can I burn?

Burn permits are issued in compliance with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality requirements and EPA. A permit can be obtained for the clearing of land by contacting this office and completing the permit application. The fee is $100.

A site inspection is required to verify the pit is within guidelines and an air curtain destructor is provided. A pit is required for most sites. Fences must be provided to avoid unknowing humans or animals from falling into the pit. Fences shall be erected at the end of the day. The burn permit must be kept on site and contains a list of the requirements to be met.

Burning of trash, rubbish, copper wiring, tires, or any other materials shall not be allowed. All permits can be discontinued if there are excessive complaints in the area. Developers / contractors are responsible for any damages related to the burning operations.

4. What does the fire insurance rating mean for individual insurance rates?

The Mississippi Fire Insurance Rating Bureau evaluates all fire departments and districts within the state to determine how insurance rates should be applied by insurance companies. The scale runs from one to ten with one being the best rating. There are many factors considered in order to determine the rating. Some of those are area covered by fire stations, apparatus and equipment, training, certifications of various personnel, inspections of commercial properties, water supplies and others. Southaven has been working diligently to add those additional provisions for consideration for a Class 4. It is a goal for this to occur when Southaven has its next evaluation.

5. Does Southaven require “Right to Know” reporting for hazardous materials in commercial properties?

“Right to Know” information should be submitted to the Southaven Fire Prevention Bureau and the Desoto Emergency Management Office as required. Tier II reporting information and forms can be found on the Desoto County EMA web site. A link is provided on our page.

6. Who do I call when I want to take a fire protection system out of service for repair or maintenance?

See the policy included on this web page. The fire dispatch office must be contacted at the phone number provided within that policy.

7. Who do I call if the fire hydrant is leaking or damaged, or somebody is stealing water from a hydrant?

The Southaven Utility Department should be contacted so that they can schedule maintenance or ensure that water is paid for. It is important to report these incidents to be sure that the integrity of our water supply is not jeopardized.

8. Who do I call if I hear a fire alarm sounding or a fire sprinkler bell ringing?

The Southaven Fire Dispatch Office should be contacted at 662-393-7466.

9. What should I do if my child is playing with lighters, matches, or setting fires?

Contact our office for information or consult the link to the United States Fire Administration. We can provide brochures that aid in determining the cause of the behavior and determine when counseling might be appropriate. You can contact our office to have a fire investigator contact you.

10. What do I do if I know about any unsafe condition that might cause a fire or other injury or contamination of the environment by hazardous materials?

You can contact our office and leave your contact information or unanimously. Please provide as much information as possible so that we might investigate. We will notify any other agencies that should be concerned.

11. How can I get a permit to burn and what can I burn?

Burn permits are issued in compliance with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality requirements and EPA. A permit can be obtained for the clearing of land by contacting this office and completing the permit application that can be downloaded from our web site. The fee is $100.00. A site inspection is required to verify the pit is within guidelines and an air curtain destructor is provided. A pit is required for most sites. Fences must be provided to avoid unknowing humans or animals from falling into the pit. Fences shall be erected at the end of the day. There is a detailed list of items to be met within the language of the burn permit that must be kept on site.

12. What codes are enforced by the Southaven Fire Department?

The City of Southaven has recently adopted the 2003 International Codes published by the International Code Congress. Copies can be purchased online by visiting their website at iccsafe.org. NFPA standards are applicable as referenced within the International Fire Code.

13. Do I need to submit plans for review? How long does it take to complete the plan review process?

Plans are reviewed for all buildings, fire protection systems, alarm systems, hazardous material storage, tank installation, and all of the various items listed in the International Fire Code. The normal expected response is within two weeks. Peaks in submittals can delay responses. Plans are reviewed according to the order in which they are received. Plan review reports are normally sent to the submitting design professional unless otherwise designated. Most issues can be addressed by letter stating that the appropriate corrections will be made.

There are times when a sheet or portion of the drawings must be corrected to ensure that the contractors have the appropriate instructions for code compliance.

14. How many sets of drawings are required?

One set of drawings is kept for our records. Any drawings that will be provided for contractors or the owner can be submitted for a stamp of approval. Please provide self addressed, stamped envelopes with postage paid for any drawings to be returned. Drawings can be picked up at the Southaven Municipal Complex in the Building Dept. when completed. The address is: 8710 Northwest Drive, Southaven, MS. All submittals of construction drawings are required to be provided in electronic format in addition to printed versions. All details, calculations, specifications, etc. related to the submittal must be included.

15. Can I obtain a list of permits that are required for construction or operations?

A list of permits required along with fees and an application permit can be found on our web page. Applications should accompany plans submittals for review. Fees for plan review of various systems related to new building projects are included within the initial plan review and building permit fees collected by the Building Dept. at the time of the original submittal for review. Fees are applicable to any addition, modification, or change to an existing location or system.

16. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections must be scheduled by calling or emailing the Fire Prevention Bureau or any of the personnel listed within that division. Requests for inspections must be made a minimum of two working days in advance to allow proper time for scheduling. Exceptions might be considered on an individual basis based on circumstances related to justifiable extenuating circumstances. The Fire Code Official shall determine if a request will be granted based on availability.

17. Is there a process for appealing interpretations of the Fire Prevention Bureau?

The process for appeal is located within the administrative section of the 2003 International Fire Code. An appeal board will hear requests for determinations on interpretations or alternate materials or processes that meet the intent of the code. There is no process for eliminating the enforcement of any specific section within the code as adopted. The code is considered to be the minimum required to produce a safe built environment for our citizens.

18. Does the Southaven Fire Department conduct annual inspections for existing buildings?

The Southaven Fire Prevention Bureau is currently developing and conducting annual inspections based upon occupancy type and the number of occupants affected should there be an emergency within that facility or any hazardous operations that might exist. Any requests for inspections will be scheduled.

19. Can I obtain a list of requirements for the installation of specific items or systems?

There are checklists provided for some specific issues related to construction. Those are included on this page.

20. How can I acquire a fire report from The Southaven Fire Department?

You may come to Fire Department Administration located at 8710 Northwest Drive, second floor between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. The fire report fee is $6.00. Please have the address of incident and the date of incident so we can pull the appropriate report. If a business requires a fire report we will require a formal request on your business letterhead faxed or brought in to our office. Please be advised there is a 24 hour turn around time to have your report ready for pick up.

21. How can I acquire an EMS report from The Southaven Fire Department?

You may come to Fire Department Administration located at 8710 Northwest Drive, second floor between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. The EMS report fee is $6.00. Please have the address of service and the date of service as well as the name of the person involved so we can pull the appropriate report. To obtain an EMS report you must have a signed HIPPA release form. EMS reports may only be released to the person involved. Please be advised there is a 24 hour turn around time to have your report ready for pick up.

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Home

Show All Answers

1. What are City Hall's hours

We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Where can I pay my water bill?

• City Hall:
  8710 Northwest Dr.
  Walk-in, drive through, or drop box
  


• 5813 Pepperchase Dr.
  Walk-in, drive through, or drop box
  


• 939 Rasco Rd.
  Drop box in front of Tri-Firma Construction
  


• 8525 Hwy 51
  In front of the DeSoto County Tags Office

3. What recyclable materials does the City of Southaven collect, and where can I recycle them?

The City of Southaven currently collects paper, metal, and plastic at the county building on Highway 51 and at the Field of Dreams on Snowden Lane. We also partner with the county to collect these items at the DeSoto County Civic Center.

4. How do I make a public records request?

Visit the City Clerk's office to fill out a form:
8710 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

5. What recreational sports do you offer for children?

Spring Sports Sign-up in January:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Spring Soccer

Fall Sports Sign-up in July:

• Football
• Cheerleading
• Fall Soccer

Indoor Soccer Sign-up in October

6. Can I get a listing of the new businesses that opened in Southaven last month?

Yes. At the beginning of each month, the City Clerk’s Office publishes a list of all new businesses that were started during the previous month. If you wish to be added to the email list, please email Thomas Mastin.

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Information Technology

Show All Answers

1. My account says it is locked out. How can I unlock it?

Your account will get locked out if you try to log in with an incorrect password three times in a row. It will unlock after 15 minutes or you can call the IT Department at (662) 280-6557 and we can unlock your account for you.

2. I am working on someone else’s computer. How do I check my email?

There are two solutions to this problem. You can either check your mail by using our online Outlook Web Local Access or from outside our network using the Outlook Web Network Access. You can also contact the IT Department at (662) 280-6557 to set up your local Outlook account on the computer.

3. I am trying to access a website for work purposes, but I am being blocked by the Barracuda Web Filter. How can I get this website unblocked?

Send us an email and one of the IT Department staff will unblock the website if it is confirmed as needed for work.

4. My computer says that it locked and in use by another user and that only that user or an administrator can unlock it. What do I do?

When your computer is locked by another user it simply means that someone else has logged into your computer and did not log out when they were done. You can contact the IT department to unlock your computer so that you can log in or you can have the person who is still logged in to unlock it and log off so that you can log in.

5. I am working on someone else’s computer tomorrow, do I need my account set up on that computer before I can log in?

The answer is No, Your username and password will allow you to log in to any computer on our network. If you work at City Hall and are going over to parks to help with an event, your user name and password will allow you to log in and use that computer. As long as a computer is hooked up to the city network then your account will work.

6. What are the password requirements when I change my password?

The password requirements when changing a password are as follows. Your password must be at least 6 characters long. The password must contain two different special characters. These special characters can be a capital letter, a number, or a symbol.
Ex) bad password: jessica
good password: j3ssic@

7. Why are we required to change our passwords every 90 days?

For security reasons we require all users to change their passwords every 90 days. The more often you change your password the less likely your account is to be compromised.

8. I think someone may know my password but it is not scheduled to be changed for a few more months. Is there any way to change it earlier than that?

Yes. If you hit Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard it will pop up a splash screen that give you an option to change your password. Choose this option and enter your old password once and your new password twice and then click “OK”. If you were successful then you will see a message that says your password has been changed.

9. What is the best way to contact the IT department.

Send an e-mail to Support@southaven.org. This not only e-mails each member of the IT department, but it also creates a work order ticket that you can keep track of and use to find out the status of your issue.

10. What should I do if I think I have a virus?

If your Symantec Endpoint program informs you that your system has a virus you should immediately contact the IT Department.

11. I am not able to print. What should I do?

You should contact the IT department with any printing problems. The information you will need to supply us is what printer you are trying to print to, and what program you are trying to print from.

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Mayor's Office

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1. What are your hours of operation?

We are available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. How do I go about making an appointment to see the Mayor?

Call (662) 393-6939 and speak to the Mayor's Executive Assistant, Kristi Faulkner.

3. How can we have the Mayor come and speak at our event?

Call (662) 393-6939 and speak to the Mayor's Executive Assistant, Kristi Faulkner.

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Municipal Code Enforcement

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1. If I submit a complaint, are you going to tell them who made the complaint?

No, we only acknowledge a complaint was made and verified – the source really does not matter. If it is a violation, we need to address it.

2. How long do you give someone to comply with a violation notice?

Seven days is standard for most violations, but it can vary depending on the severity of the matter as it may relate to public health, safety, and welfare.

3. Can you tell me what you are doing in regards to the complaint I filed?

We typically do not address specifics between parties as it does not offer any real benefit to resolving the situation (i.e., we all have our roles in the process). You can be assured that once we take a complaint, we address it per our process to the fullest extent necessary to bring the matter into compliance.

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Operations

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1. What recyclable materials does the City of Southaven collect, and where can I recycle them?

The City of Southaven currently collects paper, metal, and plastic at the county building on Highway 51 and at the Field of Dreams on Snowden Lane. We also partner with the county to collect these items at the DeSoto County Civic Center.

2. Does the City of Southaven recycle electronics or household hazardous wastes?

Yes. We have special, one-day events for these items. In January, we schedule a day to collect electronic recyclables, and in April we schedule a day to collect electronics and household hazardous wastes. These days are advertised in local papers and around the City in public buildings.

3. How does the City of Southaven work to control mosquito problems?

The City of Southaven seeks to comply with Mississippi Department of Health directives and mandates regarding vector control (including mosquito issues). This includes weekly spraying of the entire City limits from April through October at the times specified by the Health Department. We address our public properties to minimize adult mosquito development. We also enforce municipal codes on private properties to help minimize adult mosquito development there.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Do you have to live in Southaven to play recreational sports?

No, everyone may participate but some sports have restrictions for postseason all-star eligibility and play.

2. What recreational sports do you offer for children?

Spring Sports Sign-up in January:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Spring Soccer

Fall Sports Sign-up in July:

• Football
• Cheerleading
• Fall Soccer

Indoor Soccer Sign-up in October

3. How old does my child have to be to play recreational sports?

• To play baseball or softball, participants must be 3 years old by January 1, 2010.
• To play soccer, participants must be 4 years old by August 1, 2009.
• To play football or cheer, participants must be 5 years old by August 1, 2010.

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Planning & Engineering

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1. When is the submittal date for development applications?

All applications are due on the first working day of the month.

2. When are the public hearings for submitted applications?

The Planning Commission meets on the last Monday of every month. The Board of Aldermen meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month. All meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall:
8710 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

3. What are the requirements for stormwater and development permits for the City?

Any developments less than five acres will be required to file a stormwater / development permit with the Office of Development. This permit requires engineered drawings for erosion control, stormwater design, and drainage and has a fee of $100. Any development of more than five acres will still require the City permit. However, the developer must apply for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Storm Water Pollution Plan permit also. No activity can begin on site until these permits have been submitted and approved.

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Police

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1. How can I get a copy of a police report or accident report?

A copy of an accident report or information report may be purchased for the fee of $10, cash only, from the Records Department at:
8691 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

Come between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. I need my fingerprints taken as part of an employment process, will the Southaven Police Department fingerprint me?

We provide this service to our City residents free of charge every Thursday afternoon between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please bring your employer's fingerprint cards with you and a valid form of ID.

3. We have just moved into Southaven, how long do we have to replace our tags and driver’s license?

Under Mississippi State law, all residents have 30 days from the date they establish residency in the State to obtain new automobile tags and a new driver's license.

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Public Works

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1. Who do I call if a street light is out?

Please contact the City of Southaven Public Works Department at (662) 796-2489.

2. How do I report a traffic light problem?

Please contact the City of Southaven Police Department via their non-emergency phone line at (662) 393-8654.

3. How much does it cost for a second trash container?

A second trash container adds an additional $8 a month to the water bill.

4. How much is an additional container?

8.00 a month added to your water bill

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Utilities

Show All Answers

1. Where can I pay my water bill?

• City Hall:
  8710 Northwest Dr.
  Walk-in, drive through, or drop box
  


• 5813 Pepperchase Dr.
  Walk-in, drive through, or drop box
  


• 939 Rasco Rd.
  Drop box in front of Tri-Firma Construction
  


• 8525 Hwy 51
  In front of the DeSoto County Tags Office

2. Can I pay my bill online?

Not at this time, however, we are working on making this available.

3. Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, you can. Call (662) 393-7353 or (662) 796-2490 to pay with a credit card.

4. How much does the city charge to have my water turned off for repairs?

We do not charge a fee for turning off water during normal working hours (8am to 5pm * Monday thru Friday)However, we charge $25.00 for any after hour or weekend service calls, which will be added to the water bill