Senior Services FAQ's and Numbers

1. Is there a membership fee for the Senior Center?
   Answer: No
   
   
2. Is the Senior Center available to rent for other functions?
   Answer: No
   
   
3. Are there exceptions for people under the age of 50?
   Answer: No

Frequently Used Numbers
SS Office
890-0439

Drivers License
890-7211

Tax Collector
893-8989

OB City Hall
890-9200

Post Office
890-5493

Desoto County Transportation
1-800-844-2433

Voters Registration
429-1326

Court House in Hernando
429-5011

Animal Shelter FAQ's

1. How many dogs and cats are allowed?
   Answer: 4 dogs and 6 cats
   
   
2. What do we do about barking dogs?
   Answer: If it has become a nuisance, call the shelter at 662-895-4582 if during the hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm. If after hours, call the police department at 662-895-4111
   
   
3. What are the shelter hours?
   Answer: 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday - Friday and Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm
   
   
4. Is there a leash law?
   Answer: Yes, all animals including cats are to be on a leash or confined if you live in the city.
   
   
5. What do we do if a dog is being treated inhumanely?
   Answer: Call the shelter and we will have an officer do a welfare check on the animal.
   
   
6. What is considered an emergency for after hours calls?
   Answer: If the shelter is closed, it has to be a problem with an aggressive animal in order to dispatch an officer.
   
   
7. Do our animals have to wear their rabies tags?
   Answer: Yes, it is a Mississippi law, but also helps in the return of your lost animal.
   
   
8. Where can we get low cost spay and neuter?
   Answer: There is a vet in Byhalia, MS, once a week. They can be reached at 662-252-6196.

Attorney FAQ's

1. I need an attorney. Can the City Attorney represent me, or assist in finding a local attorney?
   Answer: No. The City Attorney represents the City of Olive Branch and its Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and employees regarding their official duties. He does not represent nor can he provide advice to members of the public. However, your search for an attorney may be assisted by reference to the webpage for the Mississippi Bar (www.msbar.org). The Bar’s website contains a link labeled “How to Choose a Lawyer.” This resource may prove helpful for finding a local attorney who can assist.
   
   
2. Where can I locate Ordinances in effect in the City of Olive Branch?
   Answer: The City of Olive Branch Code of Ordinances is available online and through this website.  Click here to view the City ordinances currently in effect.
   
   
3. I need assistance researching an issue involving State law. Can you help?
   Answer: The Mississippi Secretary of State website (www.sos.state.ms.us) contains links to various legal resources, including the Mississippi Code which contains the general laws of the State of Mississippi. The Office of the Attorney General maintains a website (www.ago.state.ms.us) containing numerous resources, including an online opinion database. Finally, the Mississippi State Legislature has a website (www.billstatus.ls.state.ms.us) with a bill status link which allows one to research current and prior legislative sessions. Hopefully these resources will be of assistance.

Clerk FAQ's

1. How much does it cost for a business license?
   Answer: Call the Business License clerk at 662-892-9238 for the correct fee amount.
   
   
2. When do you renew your business license?
   Answer: Business Licenses expire every September 30 and must be renewed by October 1 to avoid penalty.
   
   
3. Who do you call for a Mississippi Sales Tax number?
   Answer: The Mississippi Tax Commission at 662-562-4489.
   
   
4. Things to do prior to obtaining a business license for a home-based business:
   Answer: Apply for a Mississippi State Sales Tax number if applicable.
   Come to the City Hall to apply for business license and submit payment.
   
   
5. Things to do prior to obtaining a business license for a business located in a commercial building:
   Answer: Make sure commercial building is zoned correctly (662-892-9334).
   Apply for State Sales Tax number, Federal Tax number, and Beer/Liquor Permits if applicable (662-562-4489).
   Get Health Dept. inspection if food-related (662-429-2034).
   Get building inspection (662-892-9333).
   Get fire inspection (662-8959611).
   Come to City Hall and apply for business license (last step prior to opening doors for business).
   
   
6. How do I learn about Blocker Cemetery and get information on purchasing gravesites?
   Answer: Contact the office of the City Clerk and speak with Nancy Walker, 662-892-9238.
   
   
7. Who do I call for my Court Schedule and where can I pay my fine?
   Answer: Contact the City Court Clerk, 662-895-4046, and speak with any of the clerks.
   
   
8. Where can I register my vehicle and get car tags?
   Answer: The DeSoto County Tax Collector has three offices.  You can also renew your current car tags online.  Visit the Tax Collector's webpage for more information.
   
   
9. Where do I get a marriage license?
   Answer: Marriage License applications are available in the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
   
   
10. Where can I get a map of my property?
    Answer: Contact or visit the Tax Assessor.
    
    
11. Where can I pay or get information about my current property tax bill?
    Answer: The Tax Collector accepts current (not delinquent) property taxes.
    
    
12. Where can I pay delinquent property taxes?
    Answer: The Chancery Court Clerk accepts delinquent property taxes.
    
    
13. Are there any lands in DeSoto County that are open to public hunting?
    Answer: Yes, for more information contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Batesville office:  (662) 563-6330.
    
    
14. When does the Board of Supervisors regularly meet?
    Answer: The Board of Supervisors meets regularly on the first Monday of every month.  Additional meeting are scheduled as necessary.  Contact the County Administrator's office for the Board of Supervisor's calendar.
    
    
15. How do I contact my supervisor?
    Answer: Call the Board of Supervisor's office:  (662) 429-5590.
    
    
16. Where do I renew my driver's license?
    Answer: The Highway Patrol has two driver's license locations in DeSoto County.  Visit the Driver's License page for more information.
    
    
17. Where do I file homestead exemption?
    Answer: The Tax Assessor's office accepts applications for homestead exemption from January 2 through April 1 every year.



18. I would like to request records or documents from the City of Olive Branch.  Who should I contact to obtain public records?
    Answer: Public records are available from the City of Olive Branch in accordance with the provisions of State law and local policy, as such may be amended from time to time.  The current City Public Records policy and associated request form are available in the “Clerk’s downloads” section.  Please feel free to contact the City Clerk’s office with any questions.

Engineering FAQ's

1. I have drainage/flooding problems in my yard—
   Call the Engineering Dept. at 892-9352. If this problem is occurring as a result of an ongoing construction project, call Engineering to request that an inspector take a look at it. Call Public Works at 893-5249 if this problem is not a result of an ongoing construction project; call Public Works to request that someone take a look at it.
   
   
2. I have a sinkhole in my yard—
   Call Public Works, 893-5249, or Engineering, 892-9352. We will take your name, address and phone number and send someone to inspect it.
   
   
3. I need my yard repaired from a City Project that was done—
   Call Engineering at 892-9352. We will take your name, address, and phone number and will coordinate with the contractor to get you on the repairs list.
   
   
4. We have potholes in our street—
   Call Public Works, 893-5249, or Engineering Dept., 892-9352. Provide us with the street name and the area the pothole is located and we will either get it on our pothole repair list, or contact the developer to repair it if the subdivision is still under development.
   
   
5. I want a street sign on my street—
   Call Public Works, 893-5249, or Engineering Dept., 892-9352. We will take your name, phone number and address, and area of concern. If the subdivision is still under development we will send the request to the developer if it is for stop signs or speed limit signs, all other sign request will be handled as if not under development. If the subdivision is not under development, we will present the request to our City Engineer, Steve Bigelow, for his approval of the street signs.
   
   
6. I want the speed limit reduced on my street—
   Call the Engineering Dept. at 892-9352. We will take your information: name, address, phone number, the nature of your request—such as too much speeding—etc. We will present your request to the City Engineer for his approval.
   
   
7. I want to tie-in to the City Sewer System—
   Call the Engineering Dept. at 892-9352. We will first check to see if your area has a sewer service line. If so, we will forward you to the utility dept. to discuss putting in an application to begin sewer service and paying the connection fee. You will be required to hire your own plumbing contractor to connect a line from your home to our sewer line.
   
   
8. I have sewer coming out of the manhole, or I can smell sewer—
   Call Public Works, 893-5249, or Engineering Dept., 892-9352. We will take your name, address and phone number and send someone to inspect it.
   
   
9. My water is cut off—
   Call the Public Works Dept. at 893-5249. We will take your name, address and phone number and send someone to inspect it.
   
   
10. I want speed bumps installed on my street—
    Call the Engineering Clerk at 892-9352 to request. We will then place a request to the Police Dept. to set up a monitor for a 24 hour period. If the results show that 85% of the traffic’s speed exceeds the posted limit by 5 or more mph (must be 25 mph speed limit or less) we will allow the requester to obtain signatures on a petition and provide the requester with this and other necessary documents, forms, etc. 75% of the homeowner’s signatures will need to be obtained to receive installation approval.
    
    
11. I want speed bumps removed from my street—
    Call the Engineering Clerk at 892-9352 to request. We will send you a petition to obtain 75% of the homeowner’s signatures to receive approval to have the speed bumps removed.

Fire Department FAQ's

Click a title below to expand it's section.

Planning & Building FAQ's

1. What are the requirements concerning replacing a fence?
Answer: A permit must be applied for to insure that the new fence meets the requirements of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.  A fence permit can be applied for at the Building Department offices.

2. Are silt fence require on all vacant lots?
Answer: No, silt fences are required only on lots where grass has been removed.

3. What are the requirements to install an accessory building on your property?
Answer: In order to construct an accessory structure a permit must be applied for at the Building Department offices.  The permit application process ensures that the potential structure does not interfere with any utility easements and that the placement of the structure is in accordance with zoning and building regulations.

4. How do I schedule inspections?
Answer: Contact the Building Department offices at (662)892-9333 before 9 a.m. for a morning inspection and before 1 p.m. for an afternoon inspection.

5. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?
Answer: No, a permit is not required if you are having the garage sale at your residence.  A permit is necessary if you are having the sale at a commercial location.

6. What are your adopted building codes?
Answer: On September 1, 2009 the Mayor and Board of Alderman passed an ordinance adopting the following building codes:

 2006 International Building Code
 2006 International Residential Code
 2006 International Mechanical Code
 2006 International Plumbing Code
 2006 International Fuel Gas Code
 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
 2005 National Electric Code

7. What is the difference between the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment?
Answer: The Planning Commission is made of seven Commissioners, which includes a Chairman who is in charge of the meetings. Those monthly meetings are held to process applications from land owners requesting changes in a particular subdivision’s zoning text, to change from one zoning designation to another, or subdivide currently owned property for the purpose of developing it, and other necessary miscellaneous requests. The Planning Commission’s function is to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with reference to the applications that have been processed. The final decision rests with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

The Board of Adjustment also consists of seven members, including a Chairman who is in charge of the meetings. Those monthly meetings are held to process applications from land owners requesting changes and or variances in existing City of Olive Zoning Regulations. The requests also include temporary allowances of certain functions to take place for requested periods of times, and within particular zoning designations. The requests are known as Conditional Use Permit and Variance requests, the final decisions with reference to the applications submitted rests with this Board, unless that decision is appealed to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

8. The notices that we receive in the mail about the meetings, are those meetings open to the public? If I attend, do I have to speak? 
Answer: The purpose of the notice is to inform you about the request from a homeowner located within 500 ft. of your property. This gives you the opportunity to either support or object to the request, you may choose not to attend the meeting. You will be given the opportunity to speak at the meeting if you desire, with the length of time to be determined by the Chairman.  Board of Adjustment meetings are open to the general public.
 
7. What are the rules for parking vehicles?  How many vehicles are allowed? Can we park on the street? What is considered a junk or derelict vehicle?
Answer: The City of Olive Branch parking ordinance states that all vehicles shall be parked on an impervious surface.  Vehicles are not allowed to be parked on the lawn.  Parking on the street is allowed for a time period of 48 hours.  Junk vehicles, as defined by the City of Olive Branch, are vehicles without current tags, current inspection sticker, or that are clearly inoperable. Any vehicle that meets the criteria for a junk vehicle must be parked in a completely enclosed building or garage.

8. Why does it take a long time to clean abandoned properties?
Answer: The City of Olive Branch cleans or cuts properties under Mississippi Code section 21-19-11. This code requires the City to set a public hearing date at a regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen, and requires that we give the property owner substantial notice of the public hearing. The public hearing must also be held at a regular meeting of the Board of aldermen. To complete the required process, it takes about eight weeks.

9. Why are some portable signs allowed and others not? 
Answer: The City of Olive Branch’s ordinance relating to signs prohibits the use of portable signs, or signs that are not permanently affixed to the ground or a building. There are a few exemptions to this ordinance including, but not limited to, political signs, real estate or “for lease” signs, and public signs.

10. How much is a fence permit? 
Answer: The total for a fence permit is $36.00. 

Police FAQ's

1. Who issues firearms permits in Mississippi?
   Answer: “State firearm permits are issued through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and are processed locally at the district Mississippi Highway Patrol Sub-Stations. The two nearest MHP Sub-Stations for the Olive Branch area are located at Batesville and New Albany. The Batesville location processes firearm permits on Mondays (from 8 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3 PM) – phone number 662-563-6400. The New Albany location processes firearm permits on Wednesdays (from 9 AM to 12 noon) – phone number 662-534-8619. The State Firearms Permit website is: www.dps.state.ms.us/dps/dps.nsf/divpages/hp2firearm?OpenDocument
2. With what other states does Mississippi have firearm permits reciprocity? (Whose permits do we honor, who honors ours?
   Answer: “Mississippi has reciprocal firearm permit agreements with: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia & Wyoming”.
3. Where do I go to obtain/renew my Mississippi Driver’s License?
   Answer:“The local Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver’s License office is located at 6569 Hwy. 305 next door to the B. J. Chain Public Library in Olive Branch. Their phone number is 662-890-7211”.
4. Where do I go to obtain/renew my Mississippi Vehicle Tags?
   Answer: “Mississippi vehicle tags can be purchased from the DeSoto County Tax Collector’s office, located at 6597 B. J. Chain Drive in Olive Branch, next to the Olive Branch City Park. Their phone number is 662-893-8989.
5. Where do I go to have my fingerprints processed for new employment?
   Answer: “Fingerprints can be done at the Olive Branch Police Department, located at 9245 Pigeon Roost Road on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (from 8 AM to 4 PM). Persons requiring fingerprints for job opportunities will need to obtain a fingerprint card(s) from their prospective employer and bring them by the Police Department on the days listed above. Cost is $10.00 per card to process, $3.00 for each additional card”.
6. What is the phone number for Poison Control?
   Answer: “901-528-6048 (Memphis area number) or the 800-222-1222 (nationwide number)”.
7. What is the location(s) and phone number(s) of local minor medical center(s)?
   Answer: “There are two minor medical centers located in Olive Branch. (1) Baptist Minor Medical located at 8990 Germantown Road – phone 662-893-1160 (open 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM, except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and (2) Methodist/Le Bonheur Minor Medical located at 5480 Goodman Road – phone 662-893-9800 (open 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM)”.
8. What is the location and phone number of the Animal Shelter/Control Office?
   Answer: “The City of Olive Branch Animal Shelter/Control office is located at 7100 Stateline Road east of Hwy. 178. The shelter is open Monday – Fridays from 8 AM to 4 PM. The phone number is 662-895-4582”.

Current Fee Schedule (Effective 6/16/2010)

Accident Reports (Report Beam) - $15.00

Accident Reports (Picked up) - $10.00

Incident Reports - $10.00

Compact Discs (photos/videos) - $25.00

Fingerprinting - $10.00 (first card) / $3.00 (each additional card)

Gas Services FAQ's

1. How safe is the natural gas pipe line?
   Answer: Underground natural gas pipelines are the safest mode of energy transportation.
   
   
2. How would I know if I have a gas leak inside my home?
   Answer: Natural gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless. City of Olive Branch adds an odorant that is called mercaptan that is very recognizable to smell.
   
   
3. What do I do if I have a gas leak inside my home?
   Answer: Do no operate electric switches. Do not use home telephone. Evacuate immediately to a safe distance, then use cell phone or neighbors phone to make the emergency call, 662-893-5209 or 911.