Community Development

Community Development is made up of two different departments: Planning and Building. Our primary function is to process development permits, ensure that new construction is an asset to its surroundings, and ensure the safety and maintenance of buildings, property and neighborhoods through enforcement of codes, public education with cooperation with other City Departments and public agencies.

Fee Schedule has been updated as of 3/17/2022.

Rental Housing Code is active as of 3/17/2022.

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  1. Development Fee Schedule
  1. 17. BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE

Rental Housing Code

This code shall apply to all long-term rental housing units located within the City of Starkville, Mississippi, including all residential dwelling unit types. The intent of this code is to establish base standards for rental housing units in Starkville to prevent or correct slum and/or blighted conditions and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. This code does not require existing rental housing units with normal wear and tear to be brought up to the requirements of the current adopted technical codes unless building permits are required in accordance with Section 17.3. This code shall not apply to hotels, motels, short-term rental, and/or any bed and breakfast.

It shall be unlawful for any person and/or entity to maintain or operate any rental housing unit(s) within the City of Starkville unless such person or entity has registered the property and has obtained a rental housing license and privilege license.

All persons or entities who have rental property within the City are required to register their property(ies) within 60 days after the effective date of the ordinance and before the property is rented for the first time after a certificate of occupancy is granted.

Failure to pay the registration fee within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the passage of this ordinance shall be considered a violation and enforced in accordance

with Section 3.19. In addition to penalties as outlined in Section 3.19.2, revocation of the certificate of occupancy for each unregistered unit may occur.

If the Community Development Department and/or a Code Enforcement Officer determines that the property has been rented without registration after the effective date of the passage of this ordinance it shall be considered a violation and enforced in accordance with Section 3.19. In addition to penalties as outlined in Section 3.19.2, revocation of the certificate of occupancy for each unregistered unit may occur.