Sandy Springs will seek help from Fulton County Superior Court to enforce its short-term rental laws against an out-of-state company that owns a home at 8609 Kenstone Court.
The Sandy Springs City Council authorized City Attorney Dan Lee during its June 17 meeting to seek temporary and permanent injunctive relief against Failsafe Data LLC from the Superior Court. The Ohio company failed to apply for a business license and a short-term rental permit.
“This is a little bitty neighborhood. I think there are six houses, five houses in there, and this particular house has been so disruptive to these other homes,” Sandy Springs Council Member John Paulson said.
The noise, traffic, and parking complaints were so frequent that some residents have moved out of the neighborhood.
A Superior Court order would place a hold on the property, which would give the Sandy Springs Police Department the legal authority to bar anyone from being at the home without a license and permit.
After the order, a hearing would be scheduled within 30 days. If the property owner fails to attend, he or she could be held in contempt by the judge.
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“It’s the only way that we know that we can enforce our ordinances,” Lee said.
Sandy Springs Code Enforcement served the property owner with a notice of ordinance violations on Dec. 31, 2024. According to city officials, the owner took no steps to get the license and permit and ignored three code citations. In addition, the owner also failed to attend two municipal court dates.
The property had not been inspected for compliance with building and fire codes, another requirement. The city has since inspected the home, which failed in several areas. A required follow-up inspection has not been scheduled by the property owner.
Lee warned the city council to expect more requests to seek help from the courts with other out-of-state property owners.