Link: http://www.co.gwinnett.ga.us/departments/planning/pdf/propmain.pdf

On October 27, 1998, the Gwinnett County Property Maintenance Ordinance was adopted by the Board of Commissioners. The ordinance became effective January 1, 1999. The ordinance covers fences, walls, grass, weeds, junk and junk vehicles, hazardous trees and tree debris, exterior building maintenance and residential occupancy limits and applies to all existing structures and premises within the unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance was adopted to promote and protect the public health, safety, convenience, order and general welfare of the citizens of the county.

The ordinance prohibits the growth and maintenance of grass, weeds, or other uncultivated vegetation in excess of 12 inches in height. This includes all rank vegetation such as kudzu, poison ivy, jimsonweed, plants of obnoxious odors and other similar unsightly growth.

The ordinance established standards for the maintenance and repair of exterior surfaces including fences, walls, roofs, stairways, porches, decks, balconies, and windows. All exterior surfaces must be free from defects of any kind and properly weather resistant. Exterior doors, frames, and decorative fixtures must also be properly maintained in good repair and safe condition.

The ordinance prohibits the outdoor or open storage of any appliances, junk vehicles, building materials, trash, rubbish, goods, or merchandise except in those areas zoned for such activity and those properties greater than five acres in size.

The ordinance established minimum room width and height requirements as well as minimum square footage requirements of dwelling units based on the number of occupants residing in the premises. Every bedroom occupied by one occupant must contain at least 70 square feet and bedrooms occupied by more than one occupant must contain at least 50 square feet per occupant. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and non-habitable spaces cannot be used for sleeping purposes. This regulation does not apply to guests whose occupancy is not to last longer than 1 week.

Violations of the Gwinnett County Property Maintenance Ordinance are prosecuted in the Environmental Division of Recorder’s Court and are subject to a penalty of up to $500 and/or 60 days in jail per violation per day (minimum fine is $250).

To report possible violations, please call the Code Compliance Section’s 24-hour hotline at 678.518.6032. To speak to a Code Compliance Officer, please call 678.518.6050 between 7:30am and 9:00am or 3:30pm and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays. During the remainder of the workday, the compliance officers are in the field investigating complaints.