Sandy Springs, GA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

City Code Sec. 105-100 requires every owner, tenant, agent, or employee who owns, holds, or occupies property in Sandy Springs, whether a vacant lot or an improved parcel, to keep the property clean and sanitary at all times, including cutting and removing weeds, wastepaper, trash, and other rubbish. The duty specifically covers undergrowth such as kudzu, briars, weeds in excess of 24 inches in height, honeysuckle, and other vines and seedlings whenever the growth becomes a nuisance to neighboring residents or businesses. On an unimproved lot, the planning and zoning director has discretion to reduce how much maintenance is required, as long as there is no imminent threat to public health and safety.

Enforcement runs through the community development director, who must send five days' written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and also attempt personal delivery, directing the owner to appear before city council and show cause why the property is out of compliance. The director must also post notice on the property itself for five consecutive days, and that posted notice serves as official notice if the owner cannot otherwise be reached. If council finds the section still unmet after a hearing, the owner gets five more days to comply; if the owner still fails, the public works director has the work done by the city.

Council can, by majority vote, refer any of these cases to municipal court instead of a council hearing. Once city crews cut the weeds or clear the rubbish, the city assesses the cost as a debt against the owner, tenant, agent, or other party in charge, secured by a lien on the property dating from completion of the work.