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

Roswell, Georgia declares a building 'blighted' and a public nuisance when it is unsecured, abandoned mid-construction, or dilapidated from rot, weakened framing or deteriorated roofing, under § 8.8.2. Code enforcement can order repairs, closure or demolition, and place a lien on the property to recover its costs.

Key details: Governing section: § 8.8.2, blighted property definition. Blight triggers: Unsecured, abandoned construction, dilapidation. Notice before city abatement: 72 hours. Lien terms: 25% down, 3 annual payments, 7% interest. Penalty: Up to $2,000 fine / 180 days jail.

Maintaining a blighted or unfit building is punishable under § 8.8.13's general penalty, tied to § 1.1.3: up to a $2,000.00 fine, up to 180 days in jail, up to 180 days of community service, with each day the condition continues charged as a separate offense. The city can also recover its own abatement, demolition or repair costs as a lien on the property, collectible under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-358 if unpaid after three years.

This is one of the stricter rules in Roswell's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Roswell's nuisance code treats an unsecured vacant lot that could attract trespassers, vagrants, or unlawful activity as blighted property, exposing the owner to code enforcement action.

Key details: Condition: Unsecured property attracting trespassers. Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 8.8.2. Covers: Improved and unimproved land. Who acts: City code enforcement officer.

An unsecured-property finding lets code enforcement order the owner to secure or abate the condition; the property can be logged as blighted under the nuisance chapter until corrected.

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.