Helping to Keep Our Neighborhoods Beautiful

One of the problems affecting many communities within District 6 is the presence of lots that are overgrown with weeds and covered with trash and debris. Just one negligent property owner can spoil an entire neighborhood's effort to keep their community clean and beautiful.

Having recognized this nuisance, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved to significantly increase the penalties for owners who fail to properly maintain their properties. Unfortunately, the new law only affects unincorporated portions of the county. However, by establishing a $500 minimum fine and changing the maximum fine from $500 to $1,000 the law sets an example for other governments to follow. In addition, the resolution stipulates that repeat offenders will receive a $1,000 fine and a waiver of the 14-day notice period.

Since the adoption of the Fulton County resolution, the City of Atlanta amended their ordinances to include tougher penalties as well. Minimum fines for convictions of owners of properties overgrown with weeds increased from a minimum of $50 to $100 for a first offense and a minimum of $350 for a second violation. Third convictions for violations of the code carries a $1,000 fine, and possible imprisonment.  We applaud the efforts of the City of Atlanta and I believe that these penalties go a long way in deterring property negligence in our neighborhoods.

If you know of property that is not properly maintained in your neighborhood, please contact the City of Atlanta's Housing Code Enforcement Division at 404-330-6190 or my office at 404-612-8226. We are anxious to work with you to help keep our neighborhoods beautiful.

Together we can make a difference!