Adverse possession in Georgia requires 20 years of possession under O.C.G.A. § 44-5-163, or just 7 years under written 'color of title' under § 44-5-164. The possession must be public, continuous, exclusive, uninterrupted, peaceable, and under a claim of right (§ 44-5-161). A squatter lacking that is a trespasser, removable through the dispossessory process.
O.C.G.A. § 44-5-163 provides that possession meeting the § 44-5-161 requirements 'for a period of 20 years shall confer good title by prescription' against everyone except the state. Section 44-5-164 shortens this to 7 years where the claimant holds 'under written evidence of title' (color of title), unless that writing is forged or fraudulent and the claimant had actual notice. Under § 44-5-161, possession 'must be public, continuous, exclusive, uninterrupted, and peaceable' and 'accompanied by a claim of right'; it cannot originate in fraud, and 'permissive possession cannot be the foundation of a prescription.' A mere squatter lacking these elements is a trespasser, removable via the dispossessory action or charged under criminal trespass law (§ 16-7-21).
Possession that is permissive, secret, interrupted, or shorter than the statutory period confers no title. A squatter who never meets §§ 44-5-161, 44-5-163, or 44-5-164 is a trespasser and may be removed through the dispossessory process and may face criminal trespass charges under O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Brookhaven, GA
Construction in Brookhaven is restricted by Ch. 7, §7-196. Permitted hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. No construction on Sunda...
Brookhaven, GA
Barking dogs in Brookhaven are regulated under the general noise ordinance (Ch. 16, Art. VII) and the Animals ordinance (Ch. 5). Persistent barking constitut...
Brookhaven, GA
Brookhaven's noise ordinance is codified in Chapter 16, Article VII. General quiet hours prohibit disturbing noise in residential areas. Non-commercial lands...
Brookhaven, GA
Brookhaven regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable distur...
Brookhaven, GA
Parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in Brookhaven residential areas is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Long-term storage in front yards or on pub...
Brookhaven, GA
Street parking in Brookhaven follows standard Georgia parking regulations and city ordinances. No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, no blocking drive...
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