Chapter 30 CIVIL EMERGENCIES
Plain English: what this part covers
This chapter lays out what happens when there's a disaster like a tornado or hurricane: the mayor can declare a local emergency, an emergency management director coordinates the response, and the city can impose curfews, close areas, waive permit fees, and allow temporary trailers while homes are repaired. It also makes price gouging illegal during an emergency and requires out-of-town contractors to register before doing repair work.
- Local emergency lasts max 30 days unless the mayor renews it — Sec. 30-34
- Violations: up to $1,000 fine and/or 180 days per violation, each day separate — Sec. 30-35
- Price gouging presumed at 25% or more above pre-emergency price — Sec. 30-39
- Recovery period for price gouging and contractor rules: 3 months after the emergency — Sec. 30-37, 30-39
- Emergency contractor registration: $50 per year — Sec. 30-37
- Temporary dwelling permits during repairs: up to 6 months — Sec. 30-36
Cross reference— Administration, ch. 2; fire prevention and protection, ch. 42; law enforcement, ch. 58.
What's in here
Questions folks ask
Who can declare a local emergency, and how long does it last?
The mayor declares it, files it with the city clerk, and tells the public. It lasts until the mayor ends it but no longer than 30 days unless the mayor renews it, and the city council can end it at any time by ordinance.
Can the city put a curfew in place after a storm?
Yes — only if the mayor's emergency declaration says the curfew section is in effect. Then it's unlawful to be out in public places in the designated area during the hours the mayor sets. Exceptions include police, firefighters, health care workers, utility crews, emergency workers and volunteers, and people restoring their own home or business on their own property.
What counts as price gouging during an emergency?
When the declaration turns on this section, charging 25% or more above the usual pre-emergency price for goods, food, supplies, labor, motel rooms or rentals is presumed to be overcharging — unless the increase is due to the seller's own higher costs. It applies during the emergency and a recovery period of up to 3 months.
A contractor knocked on my door after a storm. Do they have to be registered?
If the declaration activates this section, anyone doing building or repair work in the disaster area must register with the city clerk ($50 a year) under oath and get a building permit posted at the job site. Repairs only. That lasts through the emergency plus 3 months.
My house was damaged. Can I live in a trailer or RV on my lot while it's repaired?
During a declared emergency the city can issue temporary permits for a mobile home, trailer, RV or other temporary dwelling in any zoning district while your house is repaired, for up to 6 months; it must be removed when the permit expires.
Will the city waive building permit fees after a disaster?
It can. During a declared emergency the city may temporarily reduce or suspend building, land disturbance, zoning and similar fees to encourage rebuilding. Fees the city collects for the state or federal government aren't included.
Can the city order an evacuation?
Yes. During a declared emergency the emergency management director can order evacuation of all or part of the city, set evacuation routes and destinations, and set up emergency shelters — and the code specifically mentions protecting people with household pets and service animals.
What's the penalty for breaking emergency orders?
Up to a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both, for each violation, and each day counts as a separate violation.
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_CH30CIEM
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH30CIEM
Paid for by James Burgess