FAQs

• Can I keep chickens on my property?

  Chickens are permitted in zoned districts AG, RE, R, R-22 and R-15. Backyard Chickens on residential properties must have a minimum of one (1) acre or more, are limited to no more than six (6) chickens, with no roosters allowed. Associated structures (chicken coop, etc.) shall maintain a minimum setback of at least twenty-five (25) feet from rear and side property lines. Chicken enclosures/fencing must be made of wood, stone, or brick and be weather resistant. Chickens must be contained. A chicken coop 100sqft and larger will require a building permit to be issued. For permits and inspections, the Building Department can be contacted at 678-297-6080.
  
  

• There may be mold in my residence, what can I do?

  An independent certified company specializing in mold detection and remediation will need to perform a test to determine the nature of the organic matter. It will be the responsibility of the tenant to provide the certified test report to Code Enforcement before any Code Enforcement Official may get involved.

  
  
  

• What is Accumulation of Rubbish, how do I get rid of it?

  Rubbish is any combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except normal garbage. Along with an up-to-date and current paid trash service, the City and Republic Trash Services offer a free Bulky Waste Service to help remove larger items from your property. Instructions and Pick Up Form can be found at: alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/finance/services/trash-pickup-service or call Republic Services at 678-407-6216.

  
  
  

• Can the City cut the grass at a vacant or foreclosed property?

  The City does not maintain vacant property. A Code Enforcement Officer will attempt to contact the current property owner to bring their property into compliance

  
  
  

• Do I need a building permit to repair or replace my deck or finish my basement?

  Yes, it is very likely you will require a permit. Check with the Building Department at 678-297-6080 before beginning any construction project. Starting work before obtaining a permit may result in a Stop Work Order, lost time, and additional expense.

  
  
  

• Do I need a building permit to replace major appliances such as a water heater or air conditioner?

  A permit is required for the replacement of a major built-in appliance, such as a water heater or furnace/air conditioning unit. A permit is not required to replace a portable appliance, such as a refrigerator or clothes washer. If you are unsure, call the Building Department at 678-297-6080.

  
  
  

• How do I report a City Code Violation?

  A City Code Violation can be reported by completing an online Code Violation Complaint through SeeClickFix, or by calling 678-297-6087 or 678-297-6089.
  
  
  Report An Issue (SeeClickFix)
  
  

   

   

  
  
  
  

• My neighbor does not follow our HOA rules. Can the City force compliance?

  The City does not have the authority to enforce HOA covenants and restrictions.

  
  
  

• My neighbor’s house is a mess. Can’t anybody help me?

  A mess is not necessarily a code violation. However, any code violations noted at the property will be handled by a Code Enforcement Officer. A Code Enforcement Officer will inspect the property and determine if there are issues that can be classified as violations.

  
  
  

• What are fence and wall requirements?

  Height of fences, and walls used as fences, shall not exceed six (6) feet on residential property and eight (8) feet on non-residential property. All fencing shall be constructed with the finished side facing away from the property owner's property. Fences and walls used as fences shall be made of wood, metal, brick, block, vinyl or stone. Fences over six (6) feet tall, retaining walls over four (4) feet tall, and walls that have a surcharge to the top of the wall will require a permit and inspections. No privacy fences are allowed in any front yard. In order to prevent the obstruction of visibility, no walls, fences, shrubbery or hedges over three (3) feet in height shall be located within twenty (20) feet of an intersection of two or more streets or within ten (10) feet of the edge of a driveway leading to a street. Fences and walls shall be placed at least five (5) feet from required landscape strips and buffers to accommodate construction and maintenance unless approved otherwise at a public hearing. The requirements above are general. Municipal Code Requirements Sec # 2.3.6.

  For permits and inspections, the Building Department can be contacted at 678-297-6080.

  
  
  

• What do I do if I receive a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?

  You should correct the violation before the date indicated on the notice. If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer listed at the bottom of the notice you received. 
  
  You can also call our main number at 678-297-6087 or 678-297-6089 and ask to speak to the Code Enforcement Officer for your area.

  
  
  

• What is considered an inoperative vehicle?

  Any vehicle that does not have a current license plate, has been dismantled, is not capable of being operated on a public street due to missing or inoperable mechanical or electronic parts or has been parked in the same spot on a city street for more than 10 consecutive days is considered an inoperable vehicle. Inoperable vehicles must be parked or stored in a completely enclosed building or garage or be removed from the premises.

  
  
  

• What is the height limit on high grass and weeds in my yard?

  Grass and weeds cannot exceed 12" in height.

  
  
  

• Where can I store my boat or recreational vehicle on my property?

  Boats, boat trailers and recreational vehicles may be stored in an area not visible from the street. These areas include a garage, behind a privacy fence or behind the house.

  
  
  

• Who do I contact about dogs in my neighborhood?

  If a barking dog is causing a nuisance, call the Alpharetta Police Department at 678- 297-6300 to lodge a noise complaint. Problems with loose-running dogs are handled by Fulton County Animal Control, call 404-613-0358.