Chapter 18 BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
Plain English: what this part covers
This chapter says which state construction codes the city enforces (building, plumbing, electrical, fire and so on), requires every house and building to display its assigned street number, and sets water-saving limits for toilets, faucets and shower heads. It's short, and the list of code editions hasn't been updated since 2009.
- House numbers at least 3 inches tall — Sec. 18-64
- Post assigned numbers within 20 days — Sec. 18-63
- Buildings more than 50 feet from the street: number goes near the walk/driveway or on a post — Sec. 18-65
- Toilets max 1.6 gallons per flush; shower heads max 2.5 gpm; bathroom faucets max 2.0 gpm — Sec. 18-102
- Building permit fees still set by 1997 Ord. No. 97-02 — Sec. 18-33
Cross reference— Environment, ch. 38; fire prevention and protection, ch. 42; floods, ch. 46; health and sanitation, ch. 50; historical preservation, ch. 54; planning, ch. 66; solid waste, ch. 70; streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 74; utilities, ch. 86; zoning, app. A.
State Law reference— Access to and use of public facilities by physically handicapped persons, § 30-3-1 et seq.; relating to repair, closing and demolition of dwellings unfit for human habitation or buildings or structures that imperil health, safety or morals, O.C.G.A. § 36-61-11; authority to demolish structures where drug crimes are committed, O.C.G.A. § 41-2-7; authority to repair, close or demolish unfit buildings or structures, O.C.G.A. § 41-2-7; county or municipal ordinances relating to unfit buildings or structures, O.C.G.A. § 41-2-9 et seq.; water efficiency requirements, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-1 et seq.; construction standards generally, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-1 et seq.; minimum state construction codes, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25; enforcement of minimum state construction codes, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-26; fire escapes in buildings, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-50; authority to adopt technical codes, Ga. Const. art. IX, § II, ¶ III(a)(12).
What's in here
Questions folks ask
Which building codes does Ashburn use?
The city enforces the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes 'the latest editions as adopted and amended' by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The list printed in the code names the 2006 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy and Fire Codes and the 2008 National Electrical Code — but the state has adopted newer editions since, so check with the city's building office for what's actually enforced today.
Do I have to put my house number on my house?
Yes. The owner, occupant or agent must post the number the city assigns. Numbers must be at least 3 inches tall, durable and clearly visible, placed above, on or beside the door so they can be seen from the street. If the house sits more than 50 feet back, put the number near the walk or driveway, or on a gatepost or fencepost. The owner pays for the numbers.
How long do I have to put up a new house number?
Within 20 days after the number is assigned, and any old or incorrect numbers have to come down at the same time.
I'm building a new house. Do I need my address before a permit?
Yes. The city won't issue a building permit until the owner gets the official number for the property, and the building inspector will hold final approval until permanent numbers are put up.
How do I find out what my correct address number is?
Ask the city (or its designee); on request it must give you the correct property number.
Are there rules for toilets and shower heads when I renovate?
Yes. New construction and renovations that replace fixtures can't use toilets over 1.6 gallons per flush, shower heads over 2.5 gallons per minute, urinals over 1.0 gallon, bathroom faucets over 2.0 gallons per minute, or kitchen faucets over 2.5 gallons per minute. There are exemptions (for example, if your old plumbing wouldn't work with low-flow fixtures, or for fixtures designed for people with disabilities), which you apply for at the building inspector's office for a fee. Newer state plumbing rules may be stricter.
What are the building permit fees?
This chapter doesn't list them. It says the 1997 building-permit fee ordinance (Ord. No. 97-02) stays in effect until the city revises it, so ask city hall for the current fee schedule.
This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.
Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH18BUBURE
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH18BUBURE
Paid for by James Burgess