Common Violations

The Code Enforcement division does exactly as the name implies;  enforcing the City’s zoning code, which define what type of activities can take place on residential, commercial, professional office, industrial and agriculturally zoned properties. Below are some of the most common Residential Violation Complaints we receive.

Abandoned or Salvaged Automobiles
Unless provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed vehicle should be parked, kept or stored on any premises.  Any vehicle missing current registration or license plate with current decal is considered a junk or salvaged vehicle and is not permitted. Vehicles in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled are considered a code violation.

Accumulations of Trash and Debris
Exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure shall be free from any accumulations of rubbish or garbage.

Illegal Signs
Signs which do not meet the requirements et forth in the City of Sandy Springs Sign Code Ordinance.

Noise
Noises considered loud or disturbing which endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others are deemed a nuisance. Construction and commercial landscaping hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and none on Sundays and Holidays. Anyone seeking to work outside these hours must first receive a variance from the Community Development Department. 

Overgrown Grass/Weeds
Excessive growth of grass and weeds – exceeding 10 inches – is not permitted.

Outside Storage Associated with a Use or District
Furniture, appliances, supplies and equipment must be screened from adjoining properties with an enclosed solid fence or vegetative screen.

Outside Storage Not Associated with a Use or District
Outside storage of tires, auto parts, appliances, machinery or building material is forbidden.

Parking on Grass
All vehicles are to be parked on all-weather surfaces.

Residential Structures

• No parts of a residential structure should show signs of decay.
• All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay resistant woods, should be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective covering.
• All vacant structures (i.e., garages) shall be maintained and kept in good repair.
• A permit is required when a building or structure is enlarged, altered, repaired, moved or demolished.

For a complete explanation of what constitutes a Code Violation in Sandy Springs, please refer to Municode, a searchable database of the City’s ordinances.