Macon-Bibb County, GA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacant residential-district lot limit
- 18 inches (Sec. 15-13(a)(2))
- Other lot types
- Also 18 inches (Sec. 15-13(a)(3))
- Improved residential lots
- Lower 12-inch limit applies instead
- Exemptions
- Wooded areas, ag land under O.C.G.A. § 41-1-7
- Notice period
- 15 days (30 for industrial/2+ acres)
- Maximum fine
- $500 per violation
Summary
A vacant lot in a Macon-Bibb County residential district is a nuisance once weeds exceed 18 inches, six inches more tolerance than an improved residential lot gets. The same nuisance-abatement process, notice, court order, fine, applies from the general County Code.
(2)Any vacant lot located within a residential district or area shall be deemed a nuisance if the growth of weeds as defined herein exceeds eighteen (18) inches or more in height.(3)Any lot or property other than those described above shall be deemed a nuisance if the growth of weeds as defined herein exceeds eighteen (18) inches in height. Exception: For the purpose of this division, wooded areas as defined herein shall be exempt from the above requirements and agricultural areas as defined in O.C.G.A. § 41-1-7 shall also be exempt.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Comprehensive Land Development Resolution: Supplement 4 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 15-13(a) of the general County Code sets three separate weed-height thresholds by lot type. Subsection (2), the one governing this target, provides that any vacant lot located within a residential district or area is deemed a nuisance if weed growth exceeds 18 inches, six inches higher than the 12-inch threshold for lots carrying a residential structure. Subsection (3) applies the same 18-inch threshold to any other lot or property not otherwise described. Weeds are defined broadly in Sec. 15-12 as objectionable growth that breeds mosquitoes or other pests, harbors snakes or rodents, creates a fire or traffic hazard, or hides persons from view; flowers, shrubbery, trees and other intentional landscaping are excluded.
§ 41-1-7 are exempt from all three thresholds. The enforcement path mirrors improved-lot violations: the Director of Business Development Services or Economic and Community Development issues written notice under Sec. 15-14 giving 15 days to abate (30 days for industrial-zoned or over-2-acre parcels), with a discretionary 15-day extension for reasonable cause, before the matter can be summoned to municipal or state court.
Violations & Fines
A court finding a violation under Sec. 15-16 may fine the owner up to $500 per violation, order up to 50 days imprisonment, require community service, or combine penalties at the judge's discretion; the County may also mow the lot under Sec. 15-15 and bill the removal cost, which can become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the weed height limit for a vacant lot in Macon-Bibb County?
Is a wooded vacant lot exempt from the weed ordinance?
Who enforces the vacant-lot weed rule and how long do I have to comply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon-Bibb County
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