A Mandarin property piled with trash, abandoned appliances and a bright orange van is driving rodents into neighboring homes, residents say.

Susan Philipps, a five-year resident of the neighborhood, said the yard held stoves, a refrigerator, furniture and stacked wood as of Saturday, as first reported by Action News Jax. The van sat partially in the road.

"We have been having problems with rodents because of this," Philipps said.

The city has cleaned the property at least twice before, according to Philipps. Each time, the clutter returned.

Action News Jax reported that no one at the home answered the door Saturday and that the city forwarded questions about open cases to code enforcement, with answers not expected before Monday.

What city code says about nuisance properties

Jacksonville's Municipal Code Compliance Division classifies garbage, debris and buildings that shelter rodents as public nuisances under Chapter 518, the city's property safety and maintenance code. Junk or inoperable vehicles that create a blighting influence or attract vermin fall under the same rules.

Once a property owner receives notice, the code requires violations to be corrected within 15 days. If the owner does not comply, the city can hire a contractor to clear the property and place a lien for the cost. A special magistrate can impose fines of up to $250 a day until the owner complies, according to the city's code compliance page.

Repeat violations carry escalating fees. The city's published fee schedule lists a $106 administrative fee for a nuisance lien and fines starting at $184 for a first repeat violation.

Why the van may fall to police

The van sits partially in the road, which may complicate enforcement. Jacksonville's code compliance division does not enforce violations on public streets or rights-of-way. That portion could fall to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Residents who want to report code violations in Mandarin can call 630-CITY (904-630-2489) or file a request online through the city's MyJax system.