Although we’ve been having a fair share of rain over the past couple of days (and consequently had to scramble to reschedule many ALTA matches), Georgia is still in a severe drought.
A few weeks ago the following article was published…
Due to worsening drought conditions in Georgia, the Director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has declared a level four drought response for the northern third of the state.
A level four drought response prohibits most types of residential outdoor water use. This includes no watering for newly (in place less than thirty days) installed landscapes unless installed by certified or licensed professionals, commercial exemptions apply.
Every City police officer and fire fighter are now authorized and empowered to enforce the provisions of this through the issuance of non-criminal or criminal citations. Such officers shall have the authority to enter property for the purpose of inspection for compliance.
Personal contact with the violator is preferred. The officer will seek immediate voluntary compliance. Any person accused of violating any provision of this Ordinance shall, with respect to the first violation, be provided with a written warning. Any person accused of violating any provision of this Ordinance for a second time shall be issued a non-criminal citation requiring the payment of a civil penalty to the City of Alpharetta in the amount of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00). For a third violation of this Ordinance, a violator shall be issued a non-criminal citation requiring the payment of a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00) to the City of Alpharetta. An appeal process through the City Administrator has been established within this ordinance. Appeals that are denied will be forwarded to the Municipal Court for consideration.
For more information about water schedules in your area, contact the Fulton County Department of Public Works, Water Services Division at (404) 612-8097. For more information on water conservation and outdoor water use, please visit these site: Conserve Water Georgia.
Being in the real estate business this has become somewhat of a problem for my listings. Of course I am very concerned about the current state of our water supply. On the other hand, when a seller wants to plant fresh beds of annuals to create the best curb appeal possible it is difficult to disagree with them.
As stated above, the exception to the rule is if the landscapes are installed by certified or licensed professionals. There in lies the dilemma. My sellers, understandably, are trying not to spend too much money on a house they will be moving from so they would prefer to plant the landscapes themselves.
To tell or not to tell? The $250-$500 (amount of fines) question!
Thoughts…comments…suggestions?
P.S. To my current listings…no worries, I have no idea whether you are planting your landscapes yourself or using a certified or licensed professional :)
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