Chamblee code enforcement reports jump in cases, emphasizes proactive inspections

Code enforcement supervisor William delivered the city’s annual code enforcement update Wednesday, saying the office handled a marked increase in caseloads in 2024 and emphasizing a proactive approach to inspections.

The presentation set out key figures: “total cases for 2023 … 274 which increased in 2024 to 364,” and an annual total of 4,364 case entries for 2024, William said. He told the council the department issued 614 citations last year and described trends that drove the increases: signs, permits and licensing, vehicles and parking, and vegetation and grass violations.

The report framed the department’s mission as “to promote and maintain a safe desirable living and working environment throughout the city.” William described the team as five officers assigned across three zones and said officers focus on proactive case identification rather than waiting for complaints: “we're not reactive … my guys are actively out looking for code and violations.”

William reviewed ongoing abatement cases by address, recounting multiyear court processes that led to demolitions at several problem properties and noting that lengthy court timelines are a normal part of abatement enforcement. He said one long-running case at 2589 Shemly Tucker Road culminated in demolition after a protracted legal process and praised officers’ evidence collection for court work.

On multifamily compliance, William said all 45 complexes required by the city’s multifamily inspection program had submitted documentation for the third consecutive year. He recommended shortening the city’s allowed compliance period after a failed interior inspection from 12 months to six months, saying the current 12-month allowance “once they've submitted again, they're sort of behind on the next year.” He said he is “in talks with John” (staff) about lowering the period.

Council members praised the department’s work and asked how council could help. Mayor Brian Mach and several council members thanked William for the team’s efforts. Councilors also pressed for clearer public education about due process timelines for court-driven abatement and asked staff to explain what evidence officers collect to prepare cases for the solicitor and judge.

William concluded with 2025 goals including more commercial and apartment sweeps, translating code guidance into Spanish, reducing complaints through outreach, and increasing officer investigative training.

Council members generally expressed support for continued enforcement and public education on the limitations and timeframes of court processes surrounding abatement cases. The council did not take a formal vote during the presentation; the item was an informational update and will inform budget and program decisions going forward.