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Economic Development

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1. What is the population of Palmetto?

The estimated population of Palmetto in 2009 was 5,157 (www.census.gov).

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Fire Department

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1. What can I legally burn and when can I burn it?

Effective October 1st the State of GA has lifted the annual ban on outdoor burning. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED & can be obtained by calling the GA Forestry Commission at 1-877-652-2876 or online at www.GaTrees.org. Permits are required for all natural vegetation including leaf piles, vegetative debris from storm damage, weed abatement and tree disease and/or pest prevention. NO MAN MADE MATERIALS such as tires, roofing materials, plastic or lumber may be burned.

2. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?

In the case of life-threatening emergency, we will dispatch a fire truck along with an EMS unit to provide extra assistance since all of our personnel are trained to provide at least Basic Life Support.

3. What is your response time?

Our average response time within City limits is less than five minutes.

4. What is the process to report (1) illegal vendors (2) debris on property such as abandoned cars, old furniture, etc. and (3) maintenance of property such as high grass, weeds, etc.?

First and foremost, we need the assistance of the public in notifying us when any of these conditions are noticed. Much as the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Watch operates, we need information on emerging problems as soon as possible. Notification of our Code Enforcement Officer is critical; this Officer can be contacted at (770) 990-4156. This notification sets into motion a series of actions designed to remediate the situation.

In the case of vacant commercial property, additional enforcement action through the Fire Code is possible. On a monthly basis, all identified vacant commercial property is inspected to assure that the building is properly secured to prevent vandalism. Any finding of violation is then processed as outlined above by the Fire Inspector.

Determining whether or not a particular vendor is “illegal” can be problematic. Any vendor physically present in the City can be asked by the Code Enforcement and/or Police Officer if they are licensed to conduct the business in which they are found to be engaged. Again, timely notification by the public is key to resolving this situation.

5. How long does it take for the Code Enforcement officer to process complaints?

Normally, upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer investigates the situation on the day of complaint. If a valid complaint is found to exist, the Officer attempts to contact the vendor or occupant at that time. If the occupant is at home, they are advised of the issue and asked to take appropriate action to remedy the situation. If the occupant is not available, the Officer will leave a Courtesy Notice of Violation advising the occupant of the nature of the problem and the City Code governing the violation. A time period of 7 days is usually given to remedy the situation. If at the end of that period, compliance has not been achieved, the occupant is sent a Certified Letter advising them of the situation and ordering them to remedy the situation within 30 days. If at the end of that time period compliance has not been achieved, the Police Department is contacted to issue a Summons to Appear in Municipal Court.

In the event the property is unoccupied, the Code Enforcement Officer will research City records to determine the name and address of the property owner. When the property owner is identified, a phone call is made to the owner to notify them of the situation and request them to remedy the situation. Once again, they are typically given 7 days to remedy the situation. If this is not done, they are notified via Certified Mail of the violation and given 30 days to correct the situation. If at the end of this time period compliance has not been achieved, an attempt to serve the owner with a Summons to Appear is made.

Delays in this process may occur for several reasons. In the case of vacant properties, the Officer must research utility and tax records to determine the actual property owners. In some cases, a title search is required to determine ownership.

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Home Page FAQ

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1. Why can't the city allow a "relaxed" payment schedule when special circumstances occur?

We do. The City provides residential customers two arrangements in a calendar year. These arrangements are agreements to pay in full by the last day of the month.

2. What is the status on the Train Depot?

We are currently reviewing bids for the renovation. We hope to start construction later this year. Concurrent with renovation and construction, we will initiate an advisory and input process for museum content and programming.

3. How do I establish utility service for an existing residence?

Utility service can be applied for at Palmetto City Hall, 509 Toombs Street between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Applicant will need to show picture ID and a lease or closing papers and pay a $5.00 application fee. Deposit amount is based on credit ($150.00, $350.00 or $550.00). Full deposit must be paid before service is turned on. For further information call (770) 463-3377.

4. What is the process to report (1) illegal vendors (2) debris on property such as abandoned cars, old furniture, etc. and (3) maintenance of property such as high grass, weeds, etc.?

First and foremost, we need the assistance of the public in notifying us when any of these conditions are noticed. Much as the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Watch operates, we need information on emerging problems as soon as possible. Notification of our Code Enforcement Officer is critical; this Officer can be contacted at (770) 990-4156. This notification sets into motion a series of actions designed to remediate the situation.

In the case of vacant commercial property, additional enforcement action through the Fire Code is possible. On a monthly basis, all identified vacant commercial property is inspected to assure that the building is properly secured to prevent vandalism. Any finding of violation is then processed as outlined above by the Fire Inspector.

Determining whether or not a particular vendor is “illegal” can be problematic. Any vendor physically present in the City can be asked by the Code Enforcement and/or Police Officer if they are licensed to conduct the business in which they are found to be engaged. Again, timely notification by the public is key to resolving this situation.

5. How long does it take for the Code Enforcement officer to process complaints?

Normally, upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer investigates the situation on the day of complaint. If a valid complaint is found to exist, the Officer attempts to contact the vendor or occupant at that time. If the occupant is at home, they are advised of the issue and asked to take appropriate action to remedy the situation. If the occupant is not available, the Officer will leave a Courtesy Notice of Violation advising the occupant of the nature of the problem and the City Code governing the violation. A time period of 7 days is usually given to remedy the situation. If at the end of that period, compliance has not been achieved, the occupant is sent a Certified Letter advising them of the situation and ordering them to remedy the situation within 30 days. If at the end of that time period compliance has not been achieved, the Police Department is contacted to issue a Summons to Appear in Municipal Court.

In the event the property is unoccupied, the Code Enforcement Officer will research City records to determine the name and address of the property owner. When the property owner is identified, a phone call is made to the owner to notify them of the situation and request them to remedy the situation. Once again, they are typically given 7 days to remedy the situation. If this is not done, they are notified via Certified Mail of the violation and given 30 days to correct the situation. If at the end of this time period compliance has not been achieved, an attempt to serve the owner with a Summons to Appear is made.

Delays in this process may occur for several reasons. In the case of vacant properties, the Officer must research utility and tax records to determine the actual property owners. In some cases, a title search is required to determine ownership.

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Planning and Zoning

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1. Can I change the zoning of my property?

Zone changes require property to be posted and advertisements to be run in the newspaper for 15 days prior to a public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Board and the City Council. Applications for rezoning can be picked up at City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For further information call the City Clerk at 770-463-3377. Planning Board.

2. What are current zoning restrictions that ensure "greenspace" is not being eliminated in Palmetto?

The Tree Ordinance was passed on April 6, 2009 and can be viewed by following the link on the Home page of this website to the Code of Ordinances. This is a significant step for protecting existing growth of trees, requiring developers to restore, establishing tree densities and setting standards for landscaping in the City.

3. What is the current status on repairing the Thornton Rd. underpass?

Our recent LCI study included a recommendation for converting this underpass to pedestrian access. CSX is currently working to repair the underpass and will continue down Main Street to the Fayetteville Road and Church Street underpasses, as well. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes with rerouting traffic, however we are very excited to see this problem being corrected.

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Police Department

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1. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

For a copy of an accident report, please contact Court Services at (770) 463-9068 or come by the Police Department at 401 Carlton Road between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

2. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Police open my vehicle for me?

No, however, the Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

3. What is being done to eliminate gang activity in our City ("tagging" on buildings on Sims St and on the underpasses)?

The elimination of gang related activity in our City is spearheaded by the Police Department but the degree of success is determined by our collective efforts. Our Police Officers have been specifically trained to recognize gang activity and capture relevant information. A Police Sergeant has been assigned as the focal point for receiving, collecting, reviewing and disseminating gang related information; and for coordinating with other Public Safety organizations and responding in the most appropriate manner.

Tagging is one element of gang activity. All tagging is photographed by the Police for informational and investigative use. As with any act of vandalism, call 911 to report such activity. Once the Police conclude the investigation, information will be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer and Public Works Director so they can work with the property owner to have the graffiti removed or painted over.

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Public Works

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1. How do I establish utility service for an existing residence?

Utility service can be applied for at Palmetto City Hall, 509 Toombs Street between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Applicant will need to show picture ID and a lease or closing papers and pay a $5.00 application fee. Deposit amount is based on credit ($150.00, $350.00 or $550.00). Full deposit must be paid before service is turned on. For further information call (770) 463-3377.

2. Why can't the city allow a "relaxed" payment schedule when special circumstances occur?

We do. The City provides residential customers two arrangements in a calendar year. These arrangements are agreements to pay in full by the last day of the month.

3. When an interruption in electric, water or sewer service occurs in the city what agency are citizens to contact for assistance?

In an emergency situation, such as downed power lines, broken water mains or sewer lines, contact 911, calling 911 records the information and alerts the correct on duty responders. In a non emergency situation, during business hours (8-5, M-F), contact City Hall at (770) 463-3377; at any other time contact (404) 730-7109 (this is the non emergency number at the 911 dispatch center).

4. What is the current status on repairing the Thornton Rd. underpass?

Our recent LCI study included a recommendation for converting this underpass to pedestrian access. CSX is currently working to repair the underpass and will continue down Main Street to the Fayetteville Road and Church Street underpasses, as well. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes with rerouting traffic, however we are very excited to see this problem being corrected.

5. The street light on my street is out. How do I get it repaired?

Call City Hall with the location of the street light and a work order will be issued for the repair. It is helpful if you have the address of the closest house or a landmark such as a cross road in order for the crew to locate the light.

6. What are the current outdoor watering restrictions?

Outdoor irrigation systems may be used daily between the hours of 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM.

There are no restrictions at this time on watering personnal food gardens or watering with a handheld hose with automatic cutoff or by handheld container. For further information call City Hall at (770) 463-3377.