Alpharetta, GA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Section 2-152 defines "City of Alpharetta codes and ordinances" for purposes of the code enforcement board to include zoning and subdivision ordinances, environmental ordinances, the state minimum standard codes adopted under O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25, and, most relevant to day-to-day complaints, ordinances providing for control of litter and debris, control of junked or abandoned vehicles, and control of overgrown vegetation. The definition excludes codes requiring a permit unless the violator never secured the required permit, and excludes local amendments to state minimum standard codes that were not adopted following O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25(c).

A code inspector, defined as any city agent or employee whose duty is to ensure compliance, brings cases before a seven-member enforcement board (plus up to two alternates) appointed by the mayor and council. Separately, § 26-138 lists specific building and property conditions the city treats as a nuisance, including structures 33 percent or more deteriorated, fire-damaged structures dangerous to occupants, and premises not clean and free of dirt, junk, filth, rubbish, garbage, debris, combustible materials or excessive weeds and grass that invite rodents, vermin or fire and disease.

Administrative fines for enforcement board violations involving the health or safety of a third party can reach $1,000 per day under § 2-157(b)(1); other violations cap at $1,000 total. Unpaid fines become a lien on the property, enforceable by the city attorney after three months.