Smyrna, GA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Article II of Chapter 80 of the Smyrna Code implements the Georgia unfit-building statute, O.C.G.A. Title 41, Chapter 2. Section 80-21(b) applies it to both residential and non-residential property, whether occupied or not and whether being developed or not. Section 80-22 makes the city administrator or designees the public officer.

Section 80-23 lists the conditions. They include a means of egress not adequate or not arranged for a safe path of travel in fire or panic, stress in any material exceeding the Georgia State Building Code for new buildings, structural damage from fire, flood, earthquake or wind, exterior appendages not securely fastened, a structure manifestly unsafe or unsanitary for its use, decay or dilapidation likely to cause full or partial collapse, construction in violation of a specific code requirement, any condition that constitutes a public nuisance, and anything that is a fire hazard or danger to human life by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment.

Secured building status is the alternative to demolition. Under Section 80-24 the owner applies for a permit and pays fees, the walls and roof must be structurally sound, the building must stay vacant with all utilities off and windows and doors covered and secured, and it must be reinspected annually. Entering a secured building, other than the owner or authorized agent, or removing the securing material is unlawful. Section 80-25 requires full return to building and fire code compliance before reoccupancy.

Process runs through Section 80-26: a complaint is served on the owner and parties in interest, a hearing is held before the municipal judge not less than seven nor more than 30 days after service, and the judge orders repair or vacating and closing, or removal or demolition. The city cannot require removal unless the cost of repair exceeds one-half the value of the building once repaired. Section 80-27 and Section 80-28 provide placarding, and Section 80-38 lets an affected person petition superior court within 15 days of posting and service of the order.