Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Plain English: what this part covers
Chapter 1 is the instruction manual for reading the rest of the code. It defines common words like 'person' and 'street,' explains how to count deadlines, says that if a court strikes down one part the rest still stands, and sets the default punishment for breaking a city ordinance when no other penalty is listed.
- Default penalty: up to $1,000 and/or 180 days; each day of a violation counts as a separate offense (Sec. 1-12)
- Weekend deadline rolls to Monday; holiday deadline rolls to the next business day (Sec. 1-2)
- Code supplements are supposed to be prepared every year (Sec. 1-8)
What's in here
- Sec. 1-1 Designation and citation of Code
- Sec. 1-2 Definitions and rules of construction1
- Sec. 1-3 Catchlines of sections; history notes; references and editor's notes
- Sec. 1-4 Effect of repeal of ordinances
- Sec. 1-5 Severability of parts of Code
- Sec. 1-6 Amendments to Code; effect of new ordinances; amendatory language
- Sec. 1-7 Altering Code
- Sec. 1-8 Supplementation of Code
- Sec. 1-9 Liability for violations by corporations, other associations
- Sec. 1-10 Provisions considered continuations of existing ordinances
- Sec. 1-11 Ordinances not affected by Code
- Sec. 1-12 General penalty; continuing violations
Questions folks ask
If an ordinance doesn't list a penalty, what's the punishment for breaking it?
Up to a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Every day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
If a city deadline lands on a weekend or holiday, do I get extra time?
Yes. If the last day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you have through Monday. If it falls on a legal holiday, you have through the next business day. For periods shorter than seven days, weekends and holidays don't count.
Do city ordinances apply to businesses, or just individuals?
Both. 'Person' includes firms, partnerships, associations, corporations and other organizations as well as individuals.
If an employee breaks a city ordinance on the job, is the company on the hook too?
Yes. A violation by an officer, agent or employee acting within the scope of the job also counts as a violation by the business or organization, and the individual can be punished too.
If a court throws out one part of the city code, does the whole thing fall?
No. The code is severable: the rest stays in effect.
Does 'street' in the code include sidewalks and alleys?
Yes. 'Street' includes streets, sidewalks, avenues, boulevards, roads, alleys, lanes and all other public highways in the city.
Is it illegal to tamper with the city code book?
Yes. Altering, adding or removing pages in a way that misrepresents city law is punishable under the general penalty in Sec. 1-12.
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_CH1GEPR
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH1GEPR
Paid for by James Burgess