Roswell's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Roswell, Georgia, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Property Blight

All property in Roswell must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free of junk, litter, refuse, and overgrowth. Responsibility falls on the owner, the resident, and any person in control of the property. Code Enforcement (770-594-6101) handles complaints.

Key details: Code: Roswell Ch. 8 + §8.8.3. Standard: Clean and sanitary; no junk or overgrowth. Responsible Parties: Owner, resident, person in control. Code Enforcement: 770-594-6101. Cure Period: 10-14 days typical.

Continuing violations after notice are citable in Municipal Court with fines up to $1,000 per day. The city can also abate at owner expense, lien the property for the cost of cleanup plus administrative fees, and ultimately foreclose on the lien.

Trash Bin Storage

Roswell provides every residence a 96-gallon city-owned garbage cart. All household garbage must go in this cart, the lid must be closed for collection, and carts must be curbside by 8 a.m. on the day of collection and removed by end of day.

Key details: Cart Size: 96 gallons. Curb Time: By 8 a.m. day of pickup. Recycle Cart Setback: 3 ft from other objects. Removal: End of collection day. Solid Waste: 770-641-3961.

Carts left at the curb past collection day, broken/missing lids, or overflowing trash outside the cart create property-maintenance violations citable by Code Enforcement. Repeat violations can trigger fines under the city's general penalty clause.

The Bottom Line

Roswell's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Roswell is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Roswell can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.