Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH)

*** NEW UPDATES - TRADE INSPECTION POLICY CHANGE*** Please click MRH Information for MEP Inspectors | City of Sandy Springs (sandyspringsga.gov to see the updated policy changes for Trade Inspections. 

All Multifamily Rental Housing (MRH) properties in Sandy Springs must follow the newly adopted code updates. On September 5, 2023, Sandy Springs City Council approved development code amendments to require annual inspections of all (100%) Multifamily Rental Housing units in the city beginning in 2024.

Multifamily Rental Housing means any multifamily rental unit and/or any multifamily rental dwelling containing three or more separate multifamily rental units used as a residence or sleeping unit. This definition includes, but is not limited to, multiple-family apartment units, boardinghouses, rooming houses, group homes, and flats.

The Fire Department, Code Enforcement, and the Building Division will jointly administer the inspections program. In addition to the annual inspections, a separate inspection of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems is required every five years to ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and operating within the manufacturer’s specifications.

Click here to see the approved ordinance: Multifamily Rental Housing 09-05-23 (Part 1 - Subpart B - Chapter 105 - Article IV)

Currently, the city has 96 apartment complexes, with two more under construction. All apartment complex owners or property management companies must schedule and pay for the annual third-party inspections. All property managers must undergo training on the new ordinance and owners are recommended to attend.

MRH DEADLINES:

2023 Calendar Year:

• Only the 20% inspections required by the previous code is required to be completed in 2023.
• All 2023 inspections shall be completed by December 31, 2023, and late inspections are subject to citations for every MRH unit and building not completed by this due date.
• 2023 inspections apply for the 2024 Business License/Occupational Tax Certificate.
• 2024 Occupational Tax Certificate must be filed no later than March 31, 2024.
• Submit any outstanding 2023 reports through Compliance Engine as required by the previous MRH ordinance prior to beginning any new 2024 inspections and notify the City immediately of any late 2023 reports.

2024 Calendar Year: 

• 100% inspections required by the updated code is required to be completed in 2024.
• All 2024 inspections shall be completed by December 31, 2024, and late inspections are subject to citations for every MRH unit and building not completed by this due date.
• 2024 inspections apply for the 2025 Business License/Occupational Tax Certificate.
• 2025 Occupational Tax Certificate must be filed no later than March 31, 2025.

 Summary of MRH Deadlines

 Required Inspection Summary 

2024 Occupational Tax Certificate Requirements

1. 2024 Occupational Tax Certificate Application
2. Property Manager Certification issued by the City prior to March 31, 2024
   (Property Manager must be physically located on the property or assigned to the property.)
3. Certificate of Compliance issued by the City for the 2023 inspections.
4. Current Certificate of Insurance

MEP Inspection Scheduling

Penalties for violation of MRH Code

Info for Property Manager

Info for Certified Building Inspector

Info for MEP Inspectors

Multifamily Rental Housing Taskforce

The MRH task force comprises of three City Divisions: Building Department, Code Enforcement, Fire Department working collaboratively to implement this process.

Please email MRH@SandySpringsGA.gov with your questions and concerns.

FIRE DEPARTMENT
Captain Scott McColl
Deputy Fire Marshal

CODE ENFORCEMENT
Yvonne Shaw
Code Enforcement Manager

BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Jonathan Livingston, P.E.
Building Official