South Fulton, GA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

The City of South Fulton enforces property condition through its own Property Maintenance code (Title 3, Chapter 6), which is based on the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, plus a vacant-property registration program run by Code Enforcement. Owners of 'vacant real property' (a structure intended for habitation that has not been lawfully inhabited for at least 60 days with no evidence of utility use in the past 60 days, or partially constructed without a valid permit) must register with the city within 30 days of the property becoming vacant; the registration form must be notarized and a payment submitted through the city portal. The stated purpose is to improve neighborhood appearance and give Code Enforcement direct contact with owners to resolve violations. In May 2023 the City Council adopted a litter ordinance requiring commercial properties with multiple tenants to keep all trash picked up and maintain at least one trash receptacle for every two businesses; violators face fines up to $1,000 per day until compliance. Georgia's separate state blight-tax framework (O.C.G.A. Title 48) lets local governments levy increased taxes on properties found unfit for habitation, but is a distinct judicial tool.