Code Enforcement

Report Code Violations

Please report code violation complaints through the Garden city connect app:

• Apple app Store
• Google Play Store
• on the web

Garden City will not take anonymous complaints, all complaints must have contact information, and complainant must certify that they are willing to testify as a witness in Court if Court is required for resolution.

Parts or all of complaint forms may become public record as applicable under current Federal, State, and local records and public information laws.

Intentionally falsifying information can be a criminal act under applicable laws.

Mission and Vision

To enhance the quality of life in Garden City, GA by protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents, visitors, property owners, and businesses in Garden City.

Garden City Code Enforcement works under the Planning Department to enforce City Ordinances, Zoning Regulations. Stormwater Enforcement and the the adopted International Property Maintenance Code(PDF, 3MB) and assist with the inspection and enforcement of all other adopted codes as applicable to Garden City

Garden City Code Enforcement believes in inspecting and enforcing fairly, equitably, and strives to work with all members of the community and partner agencies to reach compliance.

Commonly Cited Code Violations

When Garden City's Enforcement Officers are proactively patrolling the City, they are looking for several things to include, but not limited to: overgrown lots, unkempt vacant properties, dilapidated houses, derelict vehicles, illegal businesses and other environmental issues.

1. Tall Grass and weeds- Grass must be kept under 12". Properties must be kept free of noxious weeds and prohibited overgrowth.
2. Sanitation (302.1 IPMC)- The premise shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. All trash, rubbish, garbage, and debris shall be removed from the property and properly containerized until its removal.
3. Derelict/Junk Vehicles- All vehicles in Garden City on public and private property must be legally and mechanically operable. If somebody wants to store a derelict vehicle on private property it must be inside an approved structure (garage) or fully screened (privacy fence on all sides).
4. Occupational Tax Certificate Required- All persons and organizations engaging in business, trade, or industry in Garden City must have a Garden City Occupational Tax Certificate that is valid for the current year. Apply or renew here.
5. Address Numbers Required- All primary structures (houses, stores, primary places of business). Address numbers shall be Arabic Numerals and contrast the color of the structure, be visible from the street, and comply with the International Fire Code and International Building Code as applicable.
6. Trash/Recycling Carts- Rollout Carts shall be placed out for collection no earlier than 5:00 pm and must be removed by 7:00 pm the day of collection. Having carts out at prohibited times will result in a fine per cart per day in accordance with the current fee schedule.
7. Protective Treatment (304.2 IPMC)- Exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a good condition, stains and dirt shall be removed. All exterior surfaces shall be kept free of cracks, breaks, and holes. Paint shall be free from chipping, peeling and flaking.
8. Grading and Drainage (302.2 IPMC)- Premises shall be maintained and graded in a way to prevent erosion and prevent the accumulation of stagnate water.
9. Sidewalks and Driveways (302.3 IPMC)- Sidewalks, Driveways, Parking Spaces, and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free of hazardous conditions.
10. Swimming Pools (303.1-303.2 IPMC)- Swimming pools shall be kept clean and in a proper state of repair. All swimming pools that are at least 24" deep shall be completely enclosed by a fence of at least 48" in height with a self-latching gate.
11. Accessory Structures (302.7 IPMC)- All accessory structures including fences, garages, sheds, and walls shall be maintained to be structurally sound and in good repair.
12. Defacement of Property (302.9 IPMC)- All graffiti and defacement of property shall be remedied by the owner of the property. Property owners should have plans in place to prevent such defacement.
13. Pest Elimination (309.1-309.5)- Properties shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestations. Such infestations shall be abated by the responsible parties (owner and occupant as applicable based on use and occupation).

Commonly Cited Code Violations(PDF, 34KB)

Code Enforcement Procedures

When a violation is discovered either through routine patrol, random inspection, or complaint, the method of addressing the violation varies depending on the nature of the violation, violation history of the property, the zoning of the property, and any other relevant factors.

The responsible party may be given a Courtesy Notice, which generally gives at least 7 days to abate the violation. If a Courtesy Notice abates the violation, no further action will be taken.

The responsible party may be given a Violation Notice, in which there may be a required compliance date from immediately to 30 days or more depending on the nature of the violation. A Violation Notice will involve a re-inspection once the "required compliance date" hits, if the violation remains, a fine may be imposed against the property, or a summons to court may be issued. If the violation has been abated the case will be closed out. If progress towards abating the violation has been accomplished, but there is not full abatement, and an extension formally requested, Code Enforcement will work with the parties on a case-by-case basis regarding extensions (based on progress and communication). Re-inspection fees may be charged in accordance to the Garden City fee schedule for Violation Notice re-inspections (per visit). These fines and re-inspection fees can be billed to the utility account associated with the property.

If a property is vacant or has a non-responsive owner. After proper notice has been posted, Garden City can undertake certain types of work after 15 days, and bill the work against the property. This generally involves cutting the grass, removal of trash and debris, removal of prohibited weeds or vegetation, and securing unsecured structures. Other work may be performed at the discretion of the City Marshall. If a property owner fails to pay this bill a lien will be filed against the property.

Any vehicle that is derelict can be towed after 10 days of being stickered. A vehicle can be towed in less than 10 days if it is on public property and posing a traffic hazard (or a tow-away zone), or is on private property and the property owner wants it removed. Derelict vehicles are defined as vehicles (including cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles) that are not legally and mechanically operable on a public road. A vehicle must mechanically run, not be missing vital components, have a valid license plate, registration and insurance. This applies to private property as well. Derelict vehicles are prohibited on all property in Garden City. If a property owner wants to store a derelict vehicle on their property it must be stored inside an approved accessory structure (enclosed garage) or behind proper screening (full privacy fence on all sides).

If other remedies are not successful, Code Enforcement can issue a summons to an individual, organization, or interested party for a Court hearing in Garden City Municipal Court. This is a last resort as Garden City strives to seek compliance. The Court can issue fines of up to $1,000.00 and/or 90 days of confinement per violation (with every day of the violation existing constitution an additional violation) at the discretion of the Court.

FAQs