The City of Douglas hereby notifies its residents and interested parties of a proposed text amendment to the City of Douglas Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24, Nuisances, Article I, specifically Sections 24-1 (Definitions) and 24-3(a), relating to weeds, debris, and obstructive or structurally encroaching vegetation.
“AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF DOUGLAS CODES AND ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 24, NUISANCES, ARTICLE I, BY AMENDING SECTION 24-1 (DEFINITIONS) AND SECTION 24-3(a) RELATING TO WEEDS, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NUISANCE CONDITIONS; TO CLARIFY THAT OBSTRUCTIVE OR STRUCTURALLY ENCROACHING VEGETATION SHALL CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”
Summary of Proposed Amendments:
- Revising Section 24-1 to clarify that objectionable growth includes vegetation that obstructs sidewalks, streets, public rights-of-way, or visibility at intersections; creates a health, fire, or safety hazard; or otherwise creates a condition detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare.
- Clarifying that flowers, ornamental shrubbery, trees, and other landscaping are not included unless they are not maintained in a safe, sanitary, and orderly condition or otherwise create a hazard or nuisance.
- Amending Section 24-3(a) to add a new subsection specifying that vegetation which encroaches upon, attaches to, or overgrows a primary or accessory structure so as to cause deterioration, structural damage, unsafe conditions, or harborage of vermin shall be deemed a nuisance.
No changes are proposed to existing height requirements or exemptions for wooded areas.
The Planning Commission will discuss the proposed text amendment at its regular meeting on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at City Hall, located at 302 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, Georgia 31533.
Notice is hereby given that the proposed text amendment will be read for the first time at a regular meeting of the . Mayor and City Commissioners of the City of Douglas, Georgia, on March 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM, and will be read for a second time, followed by a public hearing, on April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, located at 302 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, Georgia 31533. After the public hearing, the ordinance will be voted upon at the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Commissioners. Anyone interested in said ordinance should be in attendance at the meeting on the above-stated dates.
A copy of the text amendment may be reviewed at City Hall in the Community Development Department, Planning & Zoning Division, 302 S. Madison Avenue, Douglas, Georgia 31533, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Holiday hours may differ.
Any person with special needs regarding disability access or foreign language should contact Wynetta Bolder, City Clerk, at (912) 389-3405. Persons with hearing disabilities may consider using the Georgia Relay Service at 1-800-255-0135. For more information, please contact Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director, at (912) 383-0277.
