Chapter 62 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Plain English: what this part covers
This is the city's general 'don't do it' chapter. It covers firing guns, loitering, noise, fireworks, juvenile and park curfews, disorderly conduct, littering, false burglar alarms and abandoned shopping carts. Most violations go to Ashburn Municipal Court.
- Noise: sound plainly audible at 50 feet between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. is prima facie violation (Sec. 62-101(2))
- Construction noise allowed 7 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays; emergency permits 3 days at a time (Sec. 62-101(10))
- Pile drivers/heavy equipment banned 10 p.m.–7 a.m. (Sec. 62-101(16))
- Noise penalty up to $1,000 and/or 180 days (Sec. 62-103)
- Fireworks by chief's permission only between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. (Sec. 62-104)
- Juvenile curfew 11 p.m.–6 a.m.; midnight–6 a.m. Fri/Sat (Secs. 62-131, 62-134)
Cross reference— Courts, ch. 34; law enforcement, ch. 58; planning, ch. 66; traffic and vehicles, ch. 82; utilities, ch. 86; zoning, app. A.
State Law reference— Criminal Code of Georgia, § 16-1-1 et seq.; limitation on home rule powers of municipal corporations with respect to duplication of state criminal offenses, O.C.G.A. § 36-35-6(a)(2); Georgia Clean Communities Act, O.C.G.A. § 16-7-43.
What's in here
Questions folks ask
Can I shoot a gun inside the city limits?
Generally no. Firing a gun in the city is unlawful except in defense of person or property, or by law enforcement or military on official duty.
What are the quiet hours?
The code doesn't set one quiet-hours rule for everything. Music or sound devices plainly audible 50 feet away between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. are presumed to violate it. Pile drivers and similar equipment can't run between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Noise that unreasonably disturbs neighbors is prohibited at any hour.
When can construction work make noise?
Building, demolition or repair is allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Work outside those hours needs an emergency permit from the building inspector, issued three days at a time.
What's the fine for a noise violation?
Up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Each day counts as a separate offense.
When can I set off fireworks?
State fireworks law applies. To use consumer fireworks at times state law doesn't specifically list, you need written permission from the Ashburn chief of police, and that permission can only cover 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Is there a juvenile curfew in Ashburn?
Yes. Minors can't be out unsupervised in public places from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., or midnight to 6:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Exceptions include being with a parent, emergency errands, coming home from work or school events, First Amendment activities, and riding in a car with parental consent. Note that two versions exist: one covers ages 16 and under, the other under 18.
Can parents be penalized for a curfew violation?
Yes. A parent or guardian who allows a child to break curfew gets a warning citation the first time, and can be charged after that.
When do city parks close?
Parks close from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. unless the city manager authorizes use or the event is city-sponsored.
What's the fine for littering?
$100 to $1,000. The court can also order you to pick up litter along up to one mile of public road, and may publish the names of people convicted. If your name is on mail in dumped trash, the code presumes it's yours.
Do I have to register my home burglar alarm?
Yes. Any alarm system on residential or commercial premises must be registered with the police department. An unregistered commercial alarm can be charged a $100 fee.
What happens if my alarm keeps going off by mistake?
After the third false alarm in 12 months you get a written warning. After that, fees apply: as listed, roughly $25 to $50 per false alarm for the 3rd through 10th, and $50 to $100 for 11 or more. New systems get a 30-day grace period.
Can I leave an old refrigerator outside?
Not with the door or lock still on if children can get to it. Remove the door or lock first, unless the appliance is crated or strapped shut behind the building.
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_CH62OFMIPR
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH62OFMIPR
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