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Chatham County, GA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County citation
Sec. 12-201 to 12-207
State statute
O.C.G.A. 40-11-1
Permit fee
$10.00 quarterly
Limit per property
One abandoned vehicle
County fine
$100 and/or 30 days

Summary

In unincorporated Chatham County, an untagged vehicle on private property is an "abandoned motor vehicle" requiring a $10 permit and decal, and no more than one is allowed per property. Georgia's O.C.G.A. 40-11 governs vehicles left on public or private land.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Every person, firm or corporation, which owns an abandoned motor vehicle located within Chatham County and outside of the corporate limits of any municipality, shall obtain from the Chatham County Inspection Department a permit and decal ... No person shall allow or permit more than one abandoned motor vehicle on their private property at one given time.

Source: Chatham County Code Book, Chapter 12, Article II (Abandoned Motor Vehicles)View official code

Full Breakdown

Chatham County Sec. 12-201 to 12-207 requires anyone owning an abandoned motor vehicle outside city limits to get a permit and decal from the County Inspection Department; Sec. 12-203 defines an abandoned vehicle as one parked on private property without a valid current state tag that is not a junk vehicle. No property may hold more than one at a time; farm vehicles, enclosed vehicles and licensed junkyards are exempt. Statewide, O.C.G.A. 40-11-1 additionally treats a vehicle "left unattended on private property for a period of not less than 30 days without anyone's having made claim thereto" as abandoned, enabling removal and disposal.

Violations & Fines

Violating the county ordinance brings a fine of $100.00 or up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, at the court's discretion (Chatham County Sec. 12-207).

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as abandoned in Chatham County?
Any motor vehicle on private property without a valid current state tag that is not a junk vehicle, under Sec. 12-203. It needs a county permit and decal.
How long before a car is legally abandoned in Georgia?
Under O.C.G.A. 40-11-1, a vehicle left unattended on private property at least 30 days with no claim is abandoned; five days applies on public streets.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsStreet Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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