Citizen of Athens-Clarke County

As a student at the University of Georgia you are a citizen of Athens-Clarke County. Obeying local ordinances and being a good neighbor is your responsibility so as to maintain a healthy and supportive mutual relationship between you and your neighbors and between the University and its host community. All students, but particularly those who choose to live off campus, should be aware that violation of local ordinances can bring you fines and other sanctions in local courts. Here are a few examples of the types of ordinances which may impact students:

Single family housing: In single-family residential zones, no more than two unrelated individuals may live in a single dwelling unit, and a related family may house only one additional unrelated person. In areas not zoned for single family residences, no more than four unrelated individuals may live in a single dwelling unit, and a related family may house only two additional unrelated persons. To learn the zone your house is located in, please call the ACC Planning Department at 706-613-3515.

Noise: Noise should be confined to the property on which it is generated 24 hours per day. Specific ordinance provisions require that no noise can be heard more that 300' from the structure or property line from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. From 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM these restrictions are further reduced to 100'. Noise is also restricted to 100' beyond a car and 5' beyond a common wall/point of contact between two properties, such as an apartment.

Parking: Vehicles may not be parked in the front or side yard of residences except on driveways. Parking ordinances downtown and in single-family residential neighborhoods are strictly enforced by towing, booting and/or significant fines.

Open containers: Open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited on public property and in vehicles.
Intoxication: Being intoxicated in public is prohibited, including boisterousness, indecency, vulgarity, profanity, and loud or unbecoming language.

Bicycles: Bicycles must observe the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles and are prohibited from riding on sidewalks in business zones where doors open onto the sidewalk.

Pets: Animals must be on leash whenever off their owner’s property. There are some specified off-leash parks. Animals may not go on the property of any other person without that person’s permission.

Littering: Throwing litter on public or private property is prohibited. Renters should observe garbage pick-up dates and place trash at the curb only on their assigned dates. Trash cans may be placed at 6 p.m. the day before a scheduled pick up and must be removed by noon on the day after.

Event registration: Outdoor entertainment events with electronic amplification or commercial entertainment must be registered with the ACC Police Department at least 72 hours prior to the event. These events are subject to the noise ordinance provisions described above.

Traffic: Observe speed limits and traffic control devices. Avoid aggressive driving. Pedestrians should observe traffic signals and cross only at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians in crosswalks not governed by traffic signals have the right of way over vehicles.

The Student Handbook is published by the Division of Student Affairs. Since the programs and services described herein are subject to continuous review and evaluation, this document is intended for informational use only. Any portion of this handbook in conflict with the policies of the Board of Regents shall be null and void and of no effect whatsoever.