Fulton County, GA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-2, Code of Ordinances
- Hardware required
- Deadbolt above existing lock
- Applies to
- Vacant, unfit structures
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000/day, 60 days jail
Summary
Fulton County requires vacant dwellings and structures found unfit to have a deadbolt installed above the existing lock on the front exterior door, plus secured openings and debris removal, before code enforcement clears the property.
Where it is determined that there exists in Fulton County a dwelling or other building or structure that is vacant, the following minimum specifications to secure the property shall be maintained:
(1)All openings shall be secured from unauthorized entry.(2)All fabricated boards used to board up all openings to prevent unauthorized entry shall be painted with one coat of primer on the exterior surface. Paint to be compatible with existing building.(3)All garbage, trash, and debris shall be removed from the interior and exterior of the premises.(4)A deadbolt shall be installed on front exterior door above existing lock. (90-RCM-197, § 31-1-5A, 2-21-90)
State Law reference— Authority to repair, close or demolish unfit buildings or structures, O.C.G.A. § 41-2-7.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-2, once Fulton County's code enforcement determines a dwelling, building or structure is vacant, the owner must secure it to four minimum specifications: seal all openings against unauthorized entry, prime-paint any boarding used to close openings, remove all garbage, trash and debris from the interior and exterior, and install a deadbolt above the existing lock on the front exterior door. This applies within the county's own enforcement jurisdiction, unincorporated Fulton County. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, South Fulton and other cities in the county enforce their own building and property maintenance codes for vacant structures.
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet these four minimum securing standards on a vacant structure is a Sec. 14-1 misdemeanor: up to $1,000 per violation and up to 60 days in the Fulton County Jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to my house in Atlanta or Sandy Springs?
What triggers the deadbolt requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
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