Roswell, GA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Blighted property means any property on which there exists any one (1) or more of the following conditions or activities: (1)A building or structure that is not occupied, inhabited, used, or secured. For purposes of this chapter, a building or structure is unsecured when it is unlocked or the public can gain entry without the consent of the owner. ... (4)Any building or other structure which by reason of rot, weakened joints, walls, floors, underpinning, roof, ceilings, or insecure foundation, or other cause has become dilapidated or deteriorated.(5)Any building or other structure with exterior walls and/or roof coverings that have become so deteriorated as to not provide adequate weather protection and be likely to, or have resulted in, termite infestation or dryrot.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
8, defines a 'blighted property' expansively, and several of its nineteen listed conditions target dangerous or substandard buildings specifically. 2, blighted property includes a building or structure that is not occupied, inhabited, used, or secured, where 'unsecured' means unlocked or open to public entry without the owner's consent; construction abandoned for six months without an active permit; and any building or structure that by reason of rot, weakened joints, walls, floors, underpinning, roof, ceilings, or insecure foundation has become dilapidated or deteriorated, along with structures whose deteriorated walls or roofing have caused or invite termite or dry-rot damage.
10 gives the judge power to investigate conditions, take evidence, and order the property vacated and secured until repairs or demolition are complete. 5 requires the code enforcement officer to give the responsible person at least 72 hours' written notice describing the violation and a deadline to fix it, except in cases of immediate necessity. 12 turns the cost into a lien against the property; the owner can satisfy it by paying 25 percent within 30 days and the remaining balance in three equal annual installments at 7 percent interest, but the full balance becomes due immediately if the property is sold before the lien is paid off.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building 'blighted' under Roswell's code?
How much notice does Roswell give before abating a nuisance building?
Can Roswell demolish a dangerous building itself?
Who pays if Roswell has to fix or demolish a blighted building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roswell
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle property blight.