The Property Maintenance Ordinance explains how buildings and yards must be kept. It is important for the health, safety, and appearance of the community that all properties be kept clean and well maintained.
All owners or occupants of property in the City are responsible for keeping their premises clean.
Premises: Yards and shrubs must be properly cut. This includes front, side, and rear yards and porches;areas underneath houses or any accessory building; and that portion of the sidewalks, grass-strips, streets, and lanes next to their property. All of the premises must be kept clean and free of litter, debris, garbage or animal waste.
Owners and occupants must acquire a garbage container from the City of Savannah Sanitation Department. There is a one-time charge for the container.
Trash: All trash (such as glass, paper, dust, leaves, yard clippings, straw, wood, and metal) should be put into a garbage container for pickup by the Sanitation Department. The only exception to this requirement are small tree branches, or other small items that are not easily containerized.
Fallen trees or tree limbs are not allowed anywhere on public or private property.
Objects such as junk materials, machinery, and equipment, appliances, or other household items, building materials, or piles of dirt are not allowed on front yards or front porches. Such objects are also not allowed on side or rear yards or on side or rear porches if they can be seen from the street or lane. All such materials must be kept covered or enclosed in a shed.
Grass and Weeds: These are considered overgrown when they reach 10 inches in height and must be cut. Shrubbery and other vegetation should be kept neatly trimmed.
Owners must keep their vacant lots cut and free of litter and debris. A vacant lot is the same as a front yard; therefore, vehicles can not be parked on a vacant lot.
Storage Buildings: These are not allowed on the front yard. They are permitted on rear and side yards only and must be kept in good repair, Dilapidated storage buildings are not allowed anywhere.
Vehicles, Boats, Trailers: These objects must not be placed on the front yard except on an established driveway or parallel and within 5 feet of an established driveway. Vehicles, boats, or trailers in good condition may be placed on the side or rear yard.
A derelict vehicle left on public property will be towed after 10 days. A derelict vehicle left on private property will be towed after 30 days. An abandoned vehicle left on public property will be towed after five days. An abandoned vehicle left on private property will be towed after 30 days.
Derelict vehicles, boats, trailers, or parts are not allowed anywhere except in an enclosed accessory building.
Fences: All fences must be constructed or repaired using materials specifically designed for fence construction. Tin or plastic roofing material and doors are not allowed.
Rats: Rats are attracted by trash piles, open garbage, unkempt vegetation, and derelict vehicles. Do not pile coal, wood, etc. near or against walls. Keep stored materials (firewood, building materials) up 12 to 18 inches off the ground on cement blocks.
Enforcement: Owners or occupants of property where there is a violation of the PMO will be given a written notice to correct the violation within ten days. Persons who fail to correct their violations will be given a citation to appear in court.
The Property Maintenance Division urges all residents to maintain their premises according to these standards. If you have questions or want to report a problem, please call one of the following telephone numbers listed below.
Property Maintenance DivisionCredits and Disclaimer: The information on this web page is derived from the City of Savannah's PMO web site and handout pamphlet. The Olin Heights Neighborhood Association has created this page as a handy reference resource for the community.