Cities throughout the state of Georgia have issues relating to derelict property and GMA often gets questions related to the options cities have in controlling this growing problem. In response, GMA has developed these model ordinances based upon ordinances enacted by the City of Griffin, Georgia, to whom much thanks is given, for use by other cities in controlling nuisance properties.

 

The first model ordinance follows state law on nuisance abatement on derelict properties and will allow cities to utilize court procedure to achieve results on these derelict properties.

 

The second model ordinance enacts a blight tax on blighted properties which is specifically allowed by the state Constitution and state law. Combined, these ordinances could provide to be very useful tools for cities in fighting derelict properties.

 

Should you have any questions or comments related to these model ordinances, please feel free to contact Rusi Patel at rpatel@gmanet.com.