Code Compliance is For The People

We are all complaining about the fact that our home values have taken a steep dive. There are things you can do to help keep those values from decreasing, and possibly to help bring them back to where they should be. County codes (Code Enforcement or Code Compliance) are written to help keep those property values up and give us an appealing, safe place to live. 

For example:

Junked, broken down cars:  Do you like the way they look? Flat tires, debris, obviously inoperable? Also, in DeKalb County, you’re not allowed to have a vehicle up on blocks in your driveway.

Commercial vehicles: When commercial drivers obtain their CDL licenses, they are instructed that commercial vehicles are not allowed in residential areas. They already know this, but rather than pay a few bucks to park overnight in an allowed area, they will bring the trucks home and park them in their driveway. It’s a violation, and brings down your property value. This includes tow trucks, semi trucks and trucks with commercial advertisement/lettering on them.

Peeling paint: Obvious signs of an unkempt home.

Outdoor storage: This includes trash, debris, containers, etc, in plain view.

Grass over 18 inches: Do I really need to comment on this one?  Also, if you have a vacant home in your neighborhood, the owner, realtor or the bank is responsible for keeping this up. There’s also nothing wrong with the neighborhood chipping in from time to time to keep it up, for the sake of your own property value.

Business in improper zone: This applies to businesses which cause increased foot traffic, such as a used car lot, mechanic shop (that falls under the junked cars, too), etc.

Parking on unpaved surfaces:  You cannot park on your grass in DeKalb County.

Noise: Barking dogs, music etc.  This goes without saying as well.  Do you really like having your peace disturbed at the very place you’ve invested the majority of your income?

My biggest pet peeve is the signs on the corners and intersections, both stuck in the ground and tacked to poles. Were you aware that they carry hefty fines? That’s right, they’re junky, tacky and illegal. They manage to really bring down our property values from a “trashy” standpoint. No unauthorized, unpermitted advertisement signs are allowed on county easement, telephone poles or on fences around retention pools. This includes real estate signs. 

Many times I hear folks say “it’s my home, I can do whatever I want."  Not in DeKalb County, and not if it disturbs your neighbors and violates the codes. They were put in place for the good of the people and to maintain our property values.

For more information, go to “DeKalbCountyGA.com” and click on the “Code Compliance” link.  You will be surprised what you see there, but keep in mind that these rules are set in place to give you a safe, clean and appealing place to live and to help keep up your property values.