Smyrna, GA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Section 46-111(a) puts the duty on every person or entity owning or occupying improved or unimproved property within the city, and it applies at all times. The property must be clean and sanitary, which includes keeping it free from all waste, litter, trash, dead animals and rubbish of every nature and kind. To prevent the property from becoming a breeding ground for vermin and other pests, weeds, underbrush and high grass must be kept down. Section 46-118 defines high grass, weeds and undergrowth as growth over eight inches in height and/or gone to seed, whichever is lower.

Section 46-113 declares a nuisance against anyone who permits weeds, undergrowth, rubbish, filth, dead animals or other offensive matter to stay on premises in a condition that provides a breeding place for flies, a feeding place or sanctuary for rats, and a source of obnoxious odors.

Abatement follows Sec. 46-112. If the owner refuses or fails to comply after ten days of written notice addressed to the owner and delivered to the property by the sanitation department, the city removes the offensive matter and cuts the weeds and undergrowth. The work is done at the expense of the owner, and the clerk issues execution against the owner and against the property for the expense and all costs. The person returning the property for taxation, or the person against whom it is assessed if there is no return, is deemed the true owner.

Related rules close off other harborage. Section 46-114 makes it unlawful to let rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative furniture, appliances, machinery, vehicles, boats or trailers accumulate in outside storage, and bars indoor furniture and similar items from sitting outside or in public view for more than 30 days. Section 46-115 extends the duty to yards, lawns, courts and alleys, makes the owner of a building with two or more dwelling units responsible for shared areas, and puts the same duty on owners of vacant lots.