The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team investigated claims that it is illegal to dig into the grass on the opposite side of the sidewalk from one’s property in Hattiesburg.
RESULTS: These claims are misleading.
While the city owns this area, known as a right of way, it’s possible to legally dig there with proper permits. However, this may not be true in every city, as laws vary from place to place. To learn more, read the full fact-check below.
Hattiesburg city law lays out the details on this subject here.
To dig into any part of city property, a permit is required, no matter how close it is to one’s home. When applying for a permit, the Department of Public Services must be informed of where the work is being done, the nature and extent of the project, the estimated time required and the purpose of the project. Then, if the department approves the request, a permit will be granted.
The Department of Public Services also has the right to require payment of a bond if the work being done is deemed hazardous to the city or dangerous to any person. Anyone doing permitted work is also required to leave the area as they found it and rebuild it, to the best of their ability, to the condition it was in before the work began.
The last law in the document states that it is unlawful to destroy or otherwise tamper with barricades installed to guard dangerous construction areas or to put out the lights connected to the barricades.
About “What Is True?”
The RHCJC “What Is True?” team of graduate investigators examines everything from viral online posts to local community rumors. If you have a question, submit it to the “What Is True?” inquiry form on the RHCJC website or call 855-IS-IT-TRU (855-474-8878).
