Document Athensclarkecounty_doc_86d2c5ee80

2026 Edition ACC from A to Z A Guide to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Community Services ---PAGE BREAK--- Detailed listings for departments and agencies listed below can be found within this book. Emergency (Fire / Police / Sheriff / 911 ACC Animal Services [PHONE REDACTED] / 911 (After Hours Emergency) ACC Clerk of Superior & State ACC Code Enforcement ACC Communication Department (formerly Public Information ACC Crime Stoppers Tip ACC Elections ACC Emergency Management Agency ACC Fire Department ACC Municipal ACC Police Department (Non-Emergency General ACC Police Department (Non-Emergency After ACC Public Utilities Department (Brown, Discolored, or Other Water Quality Issues) ACC Public Utilities Department (Water or Sewer Emergencies)............[PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (After Hours) ACC Solid Waste Department / Leaf & Limb ACC Transit Department (Public ACC Transportation & Public Works Department (After (Police) Clarke County School Georgia Crisis Line - Mental Illness / Substance Abuse / Developmental Disabilities.................. 988 / [PHONE REDACTED] Georgia Health [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Birth Certificates) Georgia State Government 800-GEORGIA Georgia Travel 511 Information & Referral Helpline for Health and Human Services (United Way) University of Georgia Directory Underground utility line marking colors Call 811 before you dig www.georgia811.com Proposed excavation Communication, TV Temporary survey Potable water Electric Reclaimed water, irrigation Gas, oil, steam, petroleum Sewer and drain lines Connect with ACCGov More at www.accgov.com/socialmedia facebook.com/accgov instagram.com/accgov x.com/accgov youtube.com/accgov or YouTube app Watch videos on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV channels (search “accgov”) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z A Guide to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Community Services 2026 Edition Produced by the Athens-Clarke County Communications Department P.O. Box 1868 • Athens, GA • 30603 [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com I [EMAIL REDACTED] ACC from A to Z is printed and updated annually. Information contained within is accurate as of February 9, 2026. Cover by the Cotton Patch Quilters. Additional artist information on back of guide. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 2 Downed electrical line 911 Damaged or broken street sign • Broken Stop or Yield signs: 911 • All else: ACC Traffic Engineering - [PHONE REDACTED] Fallen tree • Regular business hours (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, M-F) - 911 or ACC Landscape Management Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) • After 3:30 PM (Seven days a week) - 911 Sewer overflow ACC Public Utilities • [PHONE REDACTED] (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, M-F) • [PHONE REDACTED] (Afer hours / Weekends) Street flooding 911 or ACC Streets & Drainage Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) Traffic signal issues ACC Traffic Engineering ([PHONE REDACTED]) or 911 Broken street light Contact the power provider tagged on the pole. accgov.com/streetlights for more info. Pothole • Locally-Maintained Roads - [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Streets & Drainage Division • State-Maintained Roads - [PHONE REDACTED] GA Department of Transportation Water line issue ACC Public Utilities • [PHONE REDACTED] (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, M-F) • [PHONE REDACTED] (Afer hours / Weekends) Road obstruction 911 or ACC Streets & Drainage Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) Urgent Issues & Who to Call in Athens-Clarke County Updated January 2025 ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 3 Athens-Clarke County Organizational Chart Overview As of January 2026 * Excludes Municipal Court Judge, who is appointed by the Mayor & Commission. Appointed by others Mayor and Commission Sheriff District Attorney Judges* Solicitor General Tax Commissioner Residents of Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior and State Courts Clerk of Commission Manager Independent Agencies Authorities and Boards Internal Auditor Attorney Municipal Court Judge Transit Director Tax Assessor Housing & Community Dev. Director Communications Director Chief of Staff Assistant Elections Director Manager Assistant Manager Cooperative Extension Building Inspections Director Planning Director Economic Development Director Corrections Warden Human Resources Director Leisure Services Director Sustainability Director Airport Director People & Belonging Director Organizational Development Director Capital Projects Director Transporation & Public Works Director Central Services Director Information Technology Director Solid Waste Director Animal Services Director Budget & Strategic Analysis Director Finance Director Police Chief Chief Judge Superior Court Chief Judge Juvenile Court Public Utilities Director Fire Chief Chief Judge Magistrate Court Chief Judge State Court Judge Municipal Court Sheriff Clerk of Superior and State Courts District Attorney Judge Probate Court Tax Commissioner Coroner Solicitor- General ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 4 52.4% Female 47.6% Male Information sources: University of Georgia, Georgia County Guide, GA Department of Community Affairs, GA Department of Labor, U.S. Census Bureau & ACCGov Economic Development Department. Athens-Clarke County By the Numbers History • 44 nationally-registered historical sites • 16 districts on National Register of Historic Places • 16 local historic districts • 44 individual local historic landmarks • Athens named for Greek center of learning • Clarke County named for Revolutionary War General Elijah Clarke Largest employers Some figures may be estimates and include part-time employees 12,165 – University of Georgia 3,300 – Piedmont Athens Regional 2,350 – Clarke County School District 2,100 – St. Mary’s Health Care System 1,842 – Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (FY26) 1,350 – Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation 1,100 – Caterpillar Athens Plant 600 – Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health 500 – DialAmerica 500 – Power Partners, Inc. • Gold Level BioReady Community, certified 2024 • Georgia Camera Ready Community, certified 2011 Employment Demographics (2024 Census ACS estimates, unless noted) Population, including students UGA enrollment (Athens only, Fall 41,020 Median age in Median household income High school graduates or higher (ages Bachelor’s degree or higher (ages Persons below poverty Unemployment (GA Dept. of Labor, Nov. 2025)...3.8% Racial Makeup • White – 58.4% • Black – 23.9% • Asian – 4.2% • Other (one race) – 4.1% • Other races) – 9.3% Hispanic or Latino – 12.7% (may be any race above) 6th Most populous of Georgia’s 537 cities/towns 19th Most populous of Georgia’s 159 counties • Clarke County School District is separate from the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government • 9 elected to the Board of Education • Public schools: 15 Pre-K sites, 14 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high • Private schools: 7 secondary & elementary • Higher education: The University of Georgia, Athens Technical College, Piedmont University • Top 15 Best College Towns in America 2026 (Yahoo!) • South’s Top Culinary Towns 2025 (Local Palette) • South’s Best Cities 2025 (Southern Living) • 40 Most Charming Small Downtowns in America - #2 (HGTV, Sept. 2025) • 14 Most Underrated Cities for a Great Retirement (AOL.com, Dec. 2025) 70 miles northeast of Atlanta Over 425 miles of streams & rivers Geography Incorporated Areas 1 Athens-Clarke County 2 City of Winterville 3 City of Bogart (partial) Accolades Education 122 mi2 159th Smallest of Georgia’s 159 counties Approximately 122 square miles in area 425 70 University of Georgia (UGA) chartered Clarke County created as 25th county in Georgia and the site of UGA selected Town of Athens chartered Clarke County and the City of Athens governments unified on January 14 1785 1801 1806 1991 ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 5 Judicial • Magistrate Court • Juvenile Court • Municipal Court • Probate Court • State Court • Superior Court (circuit includes Oconee County) • Accountability courts: DUI/Drug Court, Felony Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, Parental Accountability Court, Treatment & Accountability Court, and Veterans Court Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Mission: Athens-Clarke County, an open and responsive government, facilitating a positive environment for individuals to obtain a high quality of life and local organizations to achieve success by providing innovative, high quality services and responsible stewardship of the community’s resources, to benefit current and future generations. (Adopted November 4, 1997) Legislative Elected Mayor and 10 elected Commissioners. Each resident has two directly-elected local representatives. Executive Day-to-day operations are overseen by a Manager appointed by the Mayor and Commission and two Assistant Managers. Sales Tax: 8% 4% State of Georgia 1% SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) 1% LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) - ACC General Fund credit on property taxes 1% E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) 1% TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) $ 676 Public Safety $ 337 General Government $ 184 Public Works $ 121 Judicial Services $ 84 Culture & Recreation $ 60 Other Agencies $ 56 Housing & Development $ 30 Capital Projects $ 30 Transfers to Other Funds & Debt Services Average General Fund cost per ACC resident for local government services (FY26): Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget • Runs July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 • $346.3 million total budget for all funds • The General Fund supports the majority of basic government services $202.0 million (General Fund) Average overall cost per resident $4.30 daily $130.83 $1,570 annually Employees • 43 departments / courts • 1,842 (FY26) authorized full-time positions • 14.2 (FY26) employees per 1000 residents 5% Culture & Recreation 4% Housing & Development 2% Transfers & Debt Service 2% Transfers for Capital 4% Other Agencies General Fund Expenditures 50% Property Taxes 19% Sales Taxes 14% Other Tax 9% Charges for Services 5% All Other Revenues 2% Use of Fund Balance 1% Fines & Forfeitures General Fund Revenues With homestead exemption No exemptions ACC $1,263.23 $1,684.30 School $1,692.00 $1,880.00 State $0 $0 LOST credit (see below) -$344.48 -$459.30 Total $2,610.75 $3,105.00 Millage Rate (FY26) (property tax rates) 18.80 School district 12.25 Unified Government 31.05 Total Property Taxes For a $250,000 home in 2025 (Note: only an estimate – other exemptions possible) Public Safety 43% Public Works 26% General Government 9% Housing & Development 9% Judicial 8% Leisure Services 4% 12% Public Works 43% Public Safety 8% Judicial 21% General Government ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 6 Lexington Rd Loop 10 Hull Rd Loop 10 Atlanta Hwy Morton Rd Tallassee Rd US 29 Hwy N S Milledge Ave Timothy Rd Nowhere Rd Olympic Dr Commerce Rd Barnett Shoals Rd Athena Dr W Broad St Cherokee Rd Belmont Rd Baxter St Danielsville Rd S Lumpkin St Athens Rd Whitehall Rd Newton Bridge Rd Prince Ave Voyles Rd Barber St Vincent Dr Macon Hwy North Ave Beaverdam Rd Whitehead Rd Cedar Shoals Dr Lem Edwards Rd Freeman Dr Oglethorpe Ave Fowler Mill Rd Jefferson Rd S Main St Oak St US 78 Hwy 2 4 7 5 6 3 1 8 10 9 Voters may check on districts, precincts, and sample ballots by calling the ACC Elections Department at [PHONE REDACTED] or visiting the GA Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page” online at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or through www.accgov.com/elections. Athens-Clarke County Commission Districts ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 7 Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission Mayor and Commission biographies, a full calendar of meetings, meeting minutes, and online comment forms are available at www.accgov.com/commission. Tentative meeting agendas are available at www.accgov.com/agendas at least 24 hours before each meeting and include public comment information. For additional information, contact the Clerk of Commission’s Office at [PHONE REDACTED] (City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suite 204). District 1 – Patrick Davenport * [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 1868, Athens, GA 30603 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district1 Initial Term: 01-08-19 District 2 – Melissa Link [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 1868, Athens, GA 30603 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district2 Initial Term: 04-04-23 District 3 – Tiffany Taylor * [PHONE REDACTED] 240 Fairview Street, Athens, GA 30601 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district3 Initial Term: 01-03-23 District 4 – Allison Wright [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 1868, Athens, GA 30603 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district4 Initial Term: 01-02-13 District 5 – Dexter Fisher * [PHONE REDACTED] 125 Melbourne Drive, Athens, GA 30606 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district5 Initial Term: 01-03-23 District 6 – Stephanie Johnson [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 5394, Athens, GA 30604 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district6 Initial Term: 1-7-25 District 7 – John Culpepper * [PHONE REDACTED] 824 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens, GA 30606 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district7 Initial Term: 01-03-23 District 8 – Carol Myers [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 1868, Athens, GA 30603 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district8 Initial Term: 1-06-21 District 9 – Ovita Thornton * [PHONE REDACTED] P.O. Box 82313, Athens, GA 30608 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district9 Initial Term: 01-08-19 District 10 – Mike Hamby [PHONE REDACTED] 375 West Rutherford Street, Athens, GA 30606 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.accgov.com/district10 Initial Term: 01-06-09 10 9 8 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 * Election takes place in 2026 Election takes place in 2028 Commissioner Fisher is the mayor pro-tempore for 2026 and presides in the absence of the mayor. Regular Voting Meetings: 1st Tuesdays at 6:00 PM at City Hall Work Session Meetings: 2nd Tuesdays at 1:00 PM at Dougherty St. Agenda Setting Sessions: 3rd Tuesdays at 6:00 PM at City Hall Special Called Sessions: Scheduled when necessary Committee Meetings: Schedule varies by committee Meetings subject to change due to holidays, elections, or other factors. - Videos live / rebroadcast / on- demand on one or more platforms: • www.accgov.com/videos • www.youtube.com/accgov • www.facebook.com/accgov • YouTube app on TVs & devices • Roku/Apple/Fire TV (accgov channel) • ACTV Spectrum Ch. 180 (pg. 16) Mayor – Kelly Girtz * [PHONE REDACTED] (office) • 301 College Avenue, Suite 300, Athens, GA 30601 [EMAIL REDACTED] Initial Term: 01-08-19 ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 8 Additional Athens-Clarke County Local Elected Officials * Election takes place in 2026 Election takes place in 2028 Clerk of Superior and State Court Elisa Zarate [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 450 Athens, GA 30601 Mailing: P.O. Box 1805, Athens, GA 30603 Coroner Michael Eberhart [PHONE REDACTED] 150 Buddy Christian Way Athens, GA 30605 District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 370 Athens, GA 30601 Magistrate Court Chief Judge Benjamin Makin [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 240 Athens, GA 30601 Probate Court Judge Susan Schaffer [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 200 Athens, GA 30601 Sheriff John Q. Williams [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 125 Athens, GA 30601 Solicitor General Will Fleenor * [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 550 Athens, GA 30601 State Court Chief Judge Charles Auslander [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 425 Athens, GA 30601 State Court Judge Ryan Hope [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 425 Athens, GA 30601 Superior Court Judge Eric Norris * [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 580 Athens, GA 30601 Superior Court Judge Lawton E. Stephens [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 315 Athens, GA 30601 Mailing: P.O. Box 8064, Athens, GA 30603 Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 405 Athens, GA 30601 Mailing: P.O. Box 1623, Athens, GA 30603 Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott * [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 325 Athens, GA 30601 Tax Commissioner JP Lemay [PHONE REDACTED] 325 East Washington Street, Suite 250 Athens, GA 30601 All offices listed above are elected county-wide. Superior Court Judge and District Attorney offices cover the Western Judicial Circuit, which also includes Oconee County. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 9 * Election takes place in 2026 / Election takes place in 2028 State Elected Legislators Federal Elected Legislators Governor Brian Kemp * Republican gov.georgia.gov 206 Washington Street, Suite 203, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Senator Bill Cowsert * Republican – GA District 46 [EMAIL REDACTED] P.O. Box 512, Athens, GA 30603 [PHONE REDACTED] 432 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Senator Frank Ginn * Republican – GA District 47 [EMAIL REDACTED] P.O. Box 1136, Danielsville, GA 30633 [PHONE REDACTED] 121-I State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Representative Houston Gaines * Republican – GA District 120 [EMAIL REDACTED] P.O. Box 1203, Athens, GA 30603 415 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Representative Eric Gisler * Democrat – GA District 121 [EMAIL REDACTED] P.O. Box 803, Watkinsville, GA 30677 607-G Coverdell Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Representative Spencer Frye * Democrat – GA District 122 [EMAIL REDACTED] 865 W. Broad St., Athens, GA 30601 [PHONE REDACTED] 604-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Representative Trey Rhodes * Republican – GA District 124 [EMAIL REDACTED] 1051 Ben Hammond Dr., Greensboro, GA 30642 228-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 [PHONE REDACTED] Senator Raphael Warnock Democrat – Senator warnock.senate.gov Russell Senate Office Building, Suite 416 Washington, DC 20510 [PHONE REDACTED] District Address - Atlanta Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center 100 Alabama St. SW Suite 3R8 Atlanta, GA 30303 [PHONE REDACTED] Senator Jon Ossoff * Democrat – Senator ossoff.senate.gov Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 303 Washington, DC 20510 [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (fax) District Address - Atlanta 271 17th Street, Suite 1510 Atlanta, GA 30363 [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (fax) Representative Mike Collins * Republican – 10th Congressional District collins.house.gov 1223 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (fax) District Address – Monroe 100 Court St. Monroe, GA 30655 [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (fax) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 10 Animal Services - Dogs, Cats & Other Animals (ACC Code Chapter 4-1) • Keep pets under control at all times, meaning: on a leash or in a crate when off your property except in dog park off-leash areas in passenger areas of a vehicle (not in a truck bed) on your property and attended by a person confined by an electronic containment system, pen, fence, or other structure to prevent escape. • Do not attach or tether pets to stationary objects unless it is temporary with a collar or harness while a person is with them. • Do not leave animals in vehicles without sufficient ventilation and protection from excessive heat or cold. • Keep pets off of others’ property without permission. • Do not let pets pee or poop on others’ property without permission. Remove poop immediately from public property and private property not under your control, such as apartment complex common areas. • Do not let pets disturb the peace by making loud, persistent noises such as barking. You can be cited if you have received a written warning within 90 days of the charged violation and at least two complaining witnesses have signed a written statement. • Rabies vaccinations must be current and displayed on tags at all times (except ear-tipped community cats). • Know the new rules approved in 2022 on transferring or selling pets (Section 4-1-31) before doing either. • Provide safe and sanitary shelter for pets from the elements with space for them to make normal body movements appropriate to their age, size, and health. • Provide clean water at all times. • Do not let pets menace or attack persons on public rights-of-way or on someone else’s property. • Report concerns to Animal Services at [PHONE REDACTED]. Bicycle Rights, Duties & Sidewalk Riding (ACC Code Chapter 3-10) • Bicyclists have generally the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers. • Only children 12 years old or younger can ride bicycles on sidewalks. No one can ride bicycles on sidewalks downtown or where the door of a building opens directly onto a sidewalk. • Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. Dumping (ACC Code Section 5-2-14[g] & 5-2-19) • Do not dump or otherwise place trash, dead animals, or other discarded personal property on any public road or on another’s property. • Do not place trash in a dumpster without permission. Noise Ordinance (ACC Code Section 3-5-24 & O.C.G.A. § 40-6-14) • Generally, noise is prohibited if it is audible: 300 feet from the property line: Sundays – Thursdays: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Fridays & Saturdays: 7:00 AM – midnight. 100 feet from the property line: Sundays – Thursdays: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM Saturday & Sunday mornings: midnight – 7:00 AM 100 feet away at any time: Vehicle stereos 5 feet beyond the wall or boundary: Any apartment, condominium, duplex, or other dwelling unit with adjoining points of contact. • Landscape maintenance devices (leaf blowers, lawn mowers, etc.) within 300 feet of any residential zoning district cannot be used from 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM (9:00 PM – 7:00 AM in AR district). • Construction noise cannot be plainly audible within any residential zoning district more than 100 feet beyond the property between 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM except for projects with a variance from the ACC Building Permits and Inspections Department and government and utility company construction and maintenance projects. • See ‘Fireworks’ entry for details on fireworks noise. • Report complaints to the ACC Police Department at [PHONE REDACTED] or 911. Disorderly Conduct Activities & Behaviors (ACC Code Section 3-5-1) These are only some of the behaviors and activities considered disorderly conduct. • Making a person fear for their safety or placing a person’s property in danger through violent actions. • Causing, provoking, or engaging in any fight or riotous conduct or gathering for that purpose. • Intending to get money from a person by fraud in a public place. • Suddenly starting, stopping, turning, or operating a vehicle so as to endanger a person or their property. • Aiding or encouraging a minor to do any act of disorderly conduct or a breach of peace. • Gathering for unlawful purposes, including gaming. • Using “fighting words.” Posting Handbills / Notices / Posters (ACC Code Section 3-12-17) Do not post notices, posters, handbills, or other items on any lamppost, public utility pole, tree, or public structure or building. Selected Ordinances The ordinances listed below are for general information only and are current as of December 18, 2025. Visit www.accgov.com/code for full versions and updates to all ACC ordinances. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 11 Single Family Housing - Number of Residents (ACC Code Section 9-15-18) Definitions • “Family”: Two or more persons residing in a single dwelling unit where all members are related by blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care, up to the second degree of consanguinity. • “Consanguinity”: Spouses, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, and first cousins. • “Residing”: Staying overnight for more than 30 days in a 90-day period. • RS = Single Family Residential district & AR = Agricultural Residential district. Call the Planning Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) for zoning details. Within RS zoning districts or “AR neighborhoods” • A single dwelling unit cannot have more than two unrelated individuals residing there. • Families, as defined above, cannot have more than one unrelated individual residing with them. Smoking (ACC Code Chapter 4-3) • No smoking, including electronic smoking and vaping, in any enclosed public places and enclosed places of employment, except for a few specified locations. • No smoking in any park, youth sports complex, or recreation area owned, leased, or operated by Athens-Clarke County. Picketing & Demonstrations (ACC Code Section 6-5-23) • Picketing, demonstrations, gatherings, processions, or other activities protected by the Constitution cannot block entry and exit from any public or private place. • Persons or groups planning these activities must submit an application to the ACC Police Department. Trash Receptacles / Rollcarts (ACC Code Section 5-2-14(a)) Trash receptacles must be stored behind or next to the service location or screened from view from the public right-of-way, except from 6:00 PM the day before the scheduled collection day to noon the day after the scheduled collection day. Junk Vehicles (ACC Code Sections 3-9-2 & 3-5-8) • A junk vehicle is one that does not have a current license plate lawfully displayed or is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or otherwise inoperable. • Junk vehicles include golf carts, RVs, boats, buses, campers, go-karts and other means of conveyance. • Do not park a junk vehicle on public property for more than three days or on private property for more than 30 days unless under a carport or similar structure. Open Containers - Alcoholic (ACC Code Section 6-3-12) & Glass (ACC Code Section 3-12-23) • Alcoholic beverages in open containers and all open glass containers (even non-alcoholic) are prohibited on public streets, sidewalks, alleyways, or rights-of- way; in public or semi-public parking facilities; or on outdoor public patios, except licensed sidewalk cafes. • Semi-public parking facilities include privately-owned areas where vehicles are parked by the public for a business, office, church, school, or multi-family dwelling. • These restrictions do not apply to Board of Regents property such as the University of Georgia; passengers of limousines, similar vehicles, or buses driven by a commercially-licensed driver; or occupants in a living area of a camper or motor home. Outdoor Event Registration (ACC Code Section 3-5-24[d]) (see also: Events, Special and/or Outdoor in listings) • Outdoor events with commercial entertainment or electronic amplification must register at least 72 hours beforehand with the ACC Police Department. • Events cannot take place during 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and between midnight – 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Parking (ACC Code Chapter 3-3 & Section 9-30-8) • Do not park a vehicle on a non-prepared, unimproved surface such as grass in a front or side yard in a residential zone. • Vehicles parked downtown may be immobilized or towed if they have six or more unpaid citations or more than $200 in penalties. • Certain residential streets allow permit parking only. Permits must be displayed prominently at all times. • Do not park in marked handicapped spaces at any time without a displayed permit. Report violations to the ACC Police Department at [PHONE REDACTED] or 911. • Do not park in a loading zone unless the vehicle is properly identified as a delivery or pickup vehicle; the person is parked there for no longer than 30 minutes; and the person is actively loading/ unloading materials while parked in the loading zone. Property Maintenance (ACC Code Sections 3-12-19, 3-13-17, 5-2-14[k] & 7-1-1] • Keep property free of litter and undesirable vegetation • Keep property in compliance with local codes, as well as those sections of the International Property Maintenance Code (linked at www.accgov.com/ codeenforcement) adopted by Athens-Clarke County. • Solid waste litter, trash, debris, or other materials), whether yours or others’, should not accumulate on a property for more than 15 days. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 12 Please use this form to request pickup of bulky items for collection and disposal by ACCGov Solid Waste. Total number of items for pickup* Please enter your pickup address in the box below. I certify that my bulky waste pickup is free of prohibited items. Yes No Types of items for pickup: Applicances Furniture Other oversize household items Other bulky item (please list) Your name Your email address Your telephone number Submit COLLECTION LIMIT: 4 pick-ups per year + = 5 items per pick-up 20 items per year x 4 x 4 x 5 x 5 20 20 BULKY WASTE GUIDELINES Separate it: Separate metal items from other bulky waste. Scrap metal will be recycled if stacked separately from other bulky waste. Avoid obstructions: Do not block intersections, driveways, sidewalks, mailboxes, fire hydrants, drainage systems, roadways, or utilities. Bulky waste must be placed at least 50 feet from intersections and 10 feet from fire hydrants. Items should not obstruct traffic views or access to drainage. Avoid placing materials near or under objects such as trees, walls, poles, vehicles, or overhead wires. Timing is key: Place materials curbside no more than 24 hours before your scheduled collection. Separated metal will be recycled, as well as clean mattresses, whenever possible. For smaller items like electronics, small appliances, pallets, bicycles, tires, and more, you can bring those items to CHaRM for recycling. With your help, we can keep more bulky waste out of the landfill. , For details on CHaRM, visit accgov.com/charm. ACCGov Solid Waste’s new bulky waste collection program makes it easier for residents to dispose of large household items. Funded through property taxes, the program aims to improve service and cut down on illegal dumping, which costs the county over $1 million annually. Materials must be placed neatly between the curb and sidewalk by 7:00 AM on the pick-up day. BULKY WASTE RECYCLING EFFORTS Furniture Chairs & tables Couches, loveseats & futons Mattresses & box springs (headboards and bed frames)* Lawn furniture & lawn mowers (with oil and gas removed)* Grills (no propane tanks - take to CHaRM)* Appliances Microwave ovens* Washer and dryers* Stoves, dishwashers & water heaters* Refrigerators & freezers* Other oversized household items Toys, bicycles, & metal playground equipment Large electronics (TV or larger)* Toilets* Rugs Carpet (must be cut and bundled) Bagged trash Batteries* Construction and demolition debris (including pallets*) Dead animals+ Hazardous materials Automotive components* Liquids Tires* Leaf and limb material WHAT IS PICKED UP? WHAT IS NOT PICKED UP? ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY SOLID WASTE Metal should be separated from other materials for collection. For more information, call the ACC Solid Waste Department at [PHONE REDACTED] x 7 or visit accgov.com/bulkywaste *NEW* BULKY WASTE PROGRAM OVERVIEW As of November 3, 2025, ACC Solid Waste began collecting bulky waste for residents. Visit accgov.com/bulkywaste for more information. Residents are allowed up to five items per pickup and four pickups per year at no charge. To schedule a pickup: Go online to accgov.com/bulkywaste 1. Enter the number of items for pickup 2. Enter your address 3. Certify that you will follow ACC Solid Waste bulky waste collection guidelines 4. Select the types of items for pickup 5. Indicate if you need special assistance 6. Include any special instructions 7. Enter your contact information 8. Click submit  Call [PHONE REDACTED] x 7 to schedule. ADDITIONAL COLLECTION? Call [PHONE REDACTED] x 7 to schedule
Fees: Starting at $50/trip HOW TO SCHEDULE * Can be recycled at CHaRM + Call [PHONE REDACTED] x7 for pickup ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 13 Plastic utensils towels cardboard foodwares Food scraps Napkins & paper Wax coated Compostable accgov.com/compost accgov.com/landfill Chip and candy wrappers Straws Diapers Hoses No construction materials Construction materials must go to the C&D Landfill in Oglethorpe County Food soiled items LANDFILL COMPOST accgov.com/charm Batteries Electronics stretchy plastic Glass: plates, cups,mugs, windows Shredded paper Metal: pots, pans, tools, auto parts, cords, chains, hangers Plastic bags & Styrofoam (all kinds) Light bulbs Paper, Cartons, & Flattened Cardboard RECYCLE Hard Plastic Bottles & Containers Metal Cans & Containers Glass Bottles & Jars accgov.com/recycle Disposal of Items in Athens-Clarke County ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 14 SPLOST 2020 • Approved by voters Nov. 5, 2019 • 35 projects totaling $314 million • Collections began April 1, 2020 • Collections projected to end in December 2028 • www.accgov.com/splost2020 SPLOST 2011 • Approved by voters Nov. 2, 2010 • 35 projects totaling $195 million • Collections began April 1, 2011 • Collection ended March 31, 2020 • www.accgov.com/splost2011 www.accgov.com/splost Current SPLOST Programs Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 1. Facilities Space Modernization 2. Affordable Housing 3. Classic Center Arena 4. SPLOST Bond Debt Service 5. Fire Department Equipment 6. Fire Station #5 Replacement 7. E911 Phone System Replacement 8. Public Safety Vehicle & Equipment Replacement 9. Mobile Medical Services Facility 10. Environmental Mitigation & Restoration 11. Renewable Energy 12. Greenspace Acquisition & Sustainability 13. Holland Youth Sports Complex Improvements 14. Athens West Park 15. Sandy Creek Nature Center Exhibit 16. Memorial Park Improvements 17. Beech Haven Park Improvements 18. Tallassee Forest Nature Preserve Improvements 19. Bishop Park Improvements 20. Parks Facilities Improvements 21. Bear Hollow Zoo Improvements 22. Broadband Connectivity Enhancement 23. East Athens Youth & Community Enrichment Facilities 24. Animal Shelter Improvements 25. East Side Public Library 26. Recovered Material Processing & Reuse Facilities 27. Facilities Equipment / Systems Replacement 28. Mental Health Recovery Facility 29. Welcome Center Access Improvements 30. Airport Capital Improvements 31. Vincent Drive Sidewalk 32. Tallassee Road Connector 33. Jackson Street Art Walk 34. Water Trails 35. Live Stream Pipe Replacement 36. City of Winterville Projects 37. Town of Bogart Projects 1. Jail Expansion 2. Classic Center Expansion 3. Fire Protection Services & Safety Equipment 4. Integrated Public Safety / Judicial Information System 5. Public Safety Communications Improvements 6. Bicycle Transportation Improvements 7. Transit Vehicles & Bus Stops 8. Rails-to-Trails Network Program 9. Oconee Greenway Rivers Network Connectors 10. Cooperative Extension Service Center 11. County Library Improvements 12. Pedestrian Safety & Safe Routes to Schools Program 13. Morton Theatre Repair / Renovation 14. Sandy Creek Park Renovation 15. Park Pool Renovations 16. Parks Facilities Improvements 17. Dudley Park Improvements 18. Satterfield Park Renovations 19. Animal Shelter Expansion 20. Government Facilities Fire Protection 21. Public Art Program 22. Youth & Community Enrichment 23. Energy Sustainability Program 24. Affordable Housing Improvements 25. Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) 26. Road & Bridge Improvements 27. Areawide Stormwater Improvement 28. Greenspace Acquisition Program 29. Facilities Management Facility Relocation 30. Expansion of Property & Evidence Facility 31. Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) 32. Costa Building Renovation 33. Ware-Lyndon House Historic Garden 34. City of Winterville Projects 35. Town of Bogart Projects SPLOST 2020 Projects SPLOST 2011 Projects ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 15 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax • Approved by voters Nov. 7, 2017 • 19 projects totaling $109.5 million • Collections began April 1, 2018 • Collection ended Sep. 30, 2022 • www.accgov.com/tsplost2018 TSPLOST 2018 1. Airport Capital Improvement Program Matching Funds 2. Transit Vehicle Expansion & Replacement 3. Bus Stop & Transfer Facilities 4. Transit Service Expansion 5. Oconee Rivers Greenway 6. Firefly Trail 7. Pavement Rehabilitation 8. Tallassee Road Bridge Replacement 9. Downtown Transportation Improvements 10. Whitehall Road at South Milledge Avenue 11. Bicycle Improvements Program 12. Pedestrian Improvements Program 13. West Broad Pedestrian Improvements 14. Lexington Highway Corridor Improvements 15. Atlanta Highway Corridor Improvements 16. Prince Avenue Corridor Improvements 17. Acquisition of Private Streets 18. City of Winterville Projects 19. Town of Bogart Projects TSPLOST 2018 Projects TSPLOST 2023 • Approved by voters May 24, 2022 • 34 projects totaling $150 million • Collections began Oct. 1, 2022 • Projected collection end date: September 30, 2027 • www.accgov.com/tsplost2023 1. Winterville Storm Drainage Improvements 2. Lexington Road Corridor Improvements 3. Lexington Road Sidewalk Gap 4. Atlanta Highway / West Broad Street Improvements 5. Prince Avenue / Jefferson Road Corridor Improvements 6. Timothy Road / Mitchell Bridge Corridor Improvements 7. East Athens Pedestrian & Lighting Safety 8. East Athens Neighborhood Traffic Management Program 9. East Athens Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation 10. East Athens Neighborhood Transit Improvements 11. East Athens MLK Parkway Oconee River Greenway Trail 12. East Athens Neighborhood Greenway Connectors 13. East Athens Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements 14. North Athens Transporation Improvements 15. Sycamore Drive Pedestrian Improvements 16. Westchester Neighborhood Area Pedestrian Improvements 17. Stonehenge Neighborhood Area Pedestrian Improvements 18. Firefly Trail Project 19. ACCGov Public Transit Operations 20. Electrify the Fleet Program 21. Pavement & Bridge Maintenance Program 22. Culvert & Live Stream Pipe Replacement Program 23. Greenway Trail Safety Improvements 24. Historic District Street Signage 25. Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Program 26. West Broad & Hancock Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements Program 27. Five Points Intersection Safety Improvements 28. College Square Pedestrian Plaza 29. Smithonia & Smokey Road Pedestrian Improvements 30. Traffic Safety Infrastructure Improvements 31. Neighborhood Traffic Management Program 32. Traffic Signage Replacement Program 33. City of Winterville Projects 34. Town of Bogart Projects TSPLOST 2023 Projects www.accgov.com/tsplost Current TSPLOST Programs A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a 1% sales tax voted on by residents to fund a wide variety of community capital projects. The SPLOST Program provides opportunity to use the sales tax dollars that nonresidents provide to ease the burden on funding from local taxpayers. TSPLOST is a special type of SPLOST that can be used only for transportation-related projects. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government’s Capital Projects Department oversees the planning, design, and construction associated with SPLOST and TSPLOST projects and assists in program scheduling, financial management, and reporting. An E-SPLOST is an educational SPLOST that is separately managed by the Clarke County School District. What is SPLOST, TSPLOST & E-SPLOST? TSPLOST 2026 • Voter referendum to be held on May 19, 2026 • If approved, six year program totaling $239 million ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 16 ACTV, the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government’s television channel, is produced by the ACCGov Communications Department and airs government-related programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on TV, online, and through a secondary channel in some public space waiting areas. Programming includes bulletin board information, public service announcements, videos, and live and rebroadcast Mayor and Commission meetings. Special programming may replace scheduled programming; watch ACTV or check online for details. Background music over bulletin board information exclusively features Athens musicians. ACTV is seen live on: • Spectrum Cable Channel 180 • www.accgov.com/actv • Roku/FireTV channel (accgov) Live streaming of meetings • www.accgov.com/videos • www.youtube.com/accgov • www.facebook.com/accgov • YouTube app (Apple TV, Roku, etc.) • Roku/Apple/Fire TV (accgov channel) ACTV Government Access Television Videos online at www.accgov.com/videos & available on YouTube & Roku/Apple/Fire TV Watch videos of ACTV programming such as Mayor & Commission meetings, public service announcements, short videos, and special events on-demand. Most videos are also on YouTube (www.youtube.com/accgov), the YouTube app on TVs and devices, and the accgov channel on Roku/Apple/Fire TV devices. For questions about ACTV, suggestions for local government programming, or reporting ACTV problems, contact the ACCGov Communications Department at [PHONE REDACTED] or [EMAIL REDACTED]. Bulletin Board Government Information Programming (Hourly) The following 10-minute magazine schedule repeats every hour when not superceded by other programming. Mayor & Commission Information Biographical and contact information for the Mayor and Commissioners, goals and objectives, agendas, district maps, updates on other issues. Government Services Updates Road work reports, water restrictions, leaf and limb pickup schedules, water conservation tips, Transportation and Public Works updates, Public Utilities updates, Solid Waste information. What’s Happening in Athens? Time sensitive information on ACC activities and programs, Leisure Services program information, and public meetings and forum information. Job Opportunities with ACCGov Current listing of available jobs with the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, including full-time, part-time, and summer opportunities. Public Safety Updates Fire and crime prevention tips, reward and persons wanted information, public safety (Police, Fire, Sheriff) information, warnings and alerts, requests for citizen assistance, recognition for personnel. All About Athens General ACC information, dog listings, ordinance information, operating hours, general parks and recreation information, important phone numbers, and more. Televised Mayor & Commission Meeting Schedule • 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – 6:00 PM (live) • 2nd Tuesdays – 6:00 PM (rebroadcast) • Other Tuesdays – 6:00 PM (rebroadcast) • Thursdays – 6:00 PM (rebroadcast) • Sundays – 3:00 PM (rebroadcast) Note: Some live televised meeting days may be altered due to holidays, elections, or other factors. Programming Schedule ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 17 ACC Athens-Clarke County (geographic area) or Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ACCFD Athens-Clarke County Fire Department ACCGov Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ACCPD Athens-Clarke County Police Department ACT Athens Creative Theatre ACTV Athens-Clarke County Television (Government Access Channel) ADDA Athens Downtown Development Authority ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution AIMC Athens In Motion Commission AMI Advanced (Water) Metering Infrastructure ARCH Athens Resource Center for Hope CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates CCSD Clarke County School District CCSO (Athens-)Clarke County Sheriff’s Office CDBG Community Development Block Grants CERT Community Emergency Response Team CHaRM Center for Hard to Recycle Materials CTC Community Tree Council CVB Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau DAPS Downtown Athens Parking System DCA Georgia Department of Community Affairs DFCS / DFACS Georgia Division of Family and Children Services EADC East Athens Development Corporation EFNEP Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program E-SPLOST Education Local Option Sales Tax EMS Emergency Medical Services FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation GBI Georgia Bureau of Investigation GDOT Georgia Department of Transportation GEMA Georgia Emergency Management Agency GIS Geospatial Information Systems GOC Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission’s Government Operations Committee HCD Athens-Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department HUD United States Housing and Urban Development ICE United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement IRS Internal Revenue Service KACCB Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LRC Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission’s Legislative Review Committee MACORTS Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Regional Transportation Study MRF Materials Recycling Facility NNI Neighborhood Notification Initiative NTMP Neighborhood Traffic Management Program PIO Public Information Officer PUD Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department RDC Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SPLOST Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax STR Short Term Rental TAD Tax Allocation District TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TSPLOST Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax TPW Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department VITA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance UGA The University of Georgia Detailed information for most acronyms listed below can be found within the guide, usually under the full name. Common Athens-Clarke County Acronyms ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 18 # 211 unitedwaynega.org/211 United Way of Northeast Georgia’s 211 provides residents with information about community-based resources including food, clothing, and food and utility assistance. 211 offers bilingual support, is available 365 days a year and serves Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Stephens, and Walton counties (see also: United Way of Northeast Georgia) 4-H [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/4h The mission of Georgia 4-H is to assist youth in grades 5-12 in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished through “hands- on” learning experiences, focused on agriculture awareness, environmental issues, leadership, communication skills, food and nutrition, health, energy conservation, and citizenship. 4-H is coordinated by Athens-Clarke County Extension locally and offers a variety of programs and summer camps (see also: Extension, ACC). 811 (see: Utilities Protection Services or Utilities Locator) A Aaron Heard Park and Community Center (see: Heard Park and Community Center) Abandoned Vehicles [PHONE REDACTED] It is unlawful to leave a vehicle parked in one place on a public street, highway, or other ACCGov-owned property for more than 48 hours. If a vehicle is reported to have been abandoned, it is first determined whether or not it has been reported stolen. If it has been reported stolen, or if its position on a roadway makes it a potential traffic hazard, the vehicle can be towed immediately. If it has not been reported stolen and is not a potential traffic hazard, then its tires will be marked. After 48 hours, if the marked vehicle has not been moved, it can lawfully be towed (for vehicles on private property, see ‘Junk Vehicles’ ordinances on pg. 11). Absentee Voting [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/absenteevoting Voters may vote by absentee ballot by mail or in person prior to elections. Applications for absentee ballots may be obtained from the ACC Elections Department or through the GA Secretary of State website (www.mvp. sos.ga.gov). Access to Justice Initiative, Athens www.athensaccesstojustice.org Provides resources to people who are taking on a civil legal action without an attorney (see also: Legal Aid and Assistance). ACCGov to You [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/communications The ACCGov to You community engagement van provides mobile tabling opportunities with ACCGov staff at community events and other locations to provide information about ACCGov services, surveys, and other activities. Contact the Communications Department to inquire about availability. Accident Reports Arrest reports may be obtained from the law enforcement agency that issued it for a fee: • ACC Police Department ◦Online at accgov.com/police (for troubleshooting issues – [PHONE REDACTED]) ◦East Precinct, 3035 Lexington Road – [PHONE REDACTED] • UGA Police Department – [PHONE REDACTED] 286 Oconee Street, Suite 100 • Georgia State Patrol – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Online record requests at dps.ga.gov ◦1505 U.S. Highway 29 North Accounts Payable (by Athens-Clarke County) [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Finance Department Accountability Courts Accountability courts aim to address underlying problems such as substance abuse and mental health. Graduates of accountability courts can receive reduced sentences, lower fines, and other incentives. There are six accountability courts that operate out of the ACC Courthouse: DUI / Drug Court (State Court), Family Treatment Court, Felony Drug Court (Superior Court), Parental Accountability Court, Treatment and Accountability Court (TAC), and Veterans Court (see also: individual entries). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 19 ACTION, Inc. [PHONE REDACTED] (Admin) / [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 21 (Community Services) [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 19 (Weatherization) www.actionathens.org 2440 West Broad Street A community-based human development service agency that operates programs in a 10-county area. ACTV www.accgov.com/actv The ACC Communications Department operates this government access channel on Spectrum Cable Channel 180 with programming regarding ACCGov activities. Some meetings of the Mayor and Commission are broadcast live and rebroadcast, while some content also displays on digital displays in some public spaces (see also: Communications Department; ACTV schedule on pg. 16). ADDA (see: Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA)) Addiction (see: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) Addresses (see: Street Addresses) Adopt Athens [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7879 Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful ACC Solid Waste Department www.accgov.com/kaccb Community appearance program that engages volunteer organizations to “adopt” public spaces for maintenance and beautification. Includes Adopt-A- Highway, Adopt-A-Bus Stop, Adopt-A-Stream, Adopt-A- Park, as well as neighborhood greenspaces, ACCGov facilities and grounds, and other public spaces. Adopt-a-Bus Stop (see: Adopt Athens) Adopt-a-Highway (see: Adopt Athens) Adopt-a-Park (see: Adopt Athens) Adopt-a-Stream Volunteers can monitor water quality in streams through the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream program. Sandy Creek Nature Center staff ([PHONE REDACTED]) is the regional coordinator for Georgia Adopt-a-Stream and offers occasional training workshops. For stream clean- ups, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful and ACC Stormwater Management Program provide opportunities for groups to clean up streams and coordinate community clean-up efforts through programs such as Rivers Alive (see also: Adopt Athens; Rivers Alive). Adoption, Animal [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Animal Services Adoption Center www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter 125 Buddy Christian Way An application, a fee, and an adoption appointment are required (see also: Animal Services Department). Adoption, Child [PHONE REDACTED] (877-210-KIDS) www.dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov GA Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services Advance Voting [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/advancevoting Administered by the ACC Elections & Voter Registration Department, advance voting allows voters to cast ballots in person prior to each election. A full schedule and voting location(s) are available through the ACC Elections Department. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/ami This automated water meter system used by the ACC Public Utilities Department eliminates the need for manual meter readings by using low power radio signals to record, store, and transmit information from water meters. The highly accurate data collection decreases the possibility of incorrect manual meter readings, identifies potential leaks quickly, and improves customer service. Customers can access the data to better manage and monitor their water use through the online WaterSmart AMI Portal. Advantage Behavioral Health Systems www.advantagebhs.org The GA Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities contracts with Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (ABHS) as a publicly-funded provider of behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disease services for 10 counties in Northeast Georgia, including Athens-Clarke County. ABHS provides treatment, counseling, supportive services for community living, activity groups, and other services for people whose health affects their behavior, such as people suffering from mental illness or people battling alcohol or drug addiction (see also: Crisis Line • Behavioral Health Center – [PHONE REDACTED] 240 Mitchell Bridge Road (mental health, addiction, intellectual and disability services, youth and adult programs, therapy and day programs, medical and pharmacy services) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 20 • Intellectual and Development Disabilities Services – [PHONE REDACTED] 126 Barrington Drive • Homeless Services – [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 1700 240 North Avenue (see also: Homeless Services) • Youth Services – [PHONE REDACTED] 130 Mill Center Boulevard • Women’s Services – [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 1145 250 Bray Street Aging (see: Council on Aging, Athens Community) Agriculture & Natural Resources [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension provides a wealth of information for residents and home gardeners including landscaping, identification of plants, insects, plant diseases, soil, and water testing (see also: Extension, ACC). ADR (see: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)) Airport (Athens-Ben Epps Airport) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/airport 1010 Ben Epps Drive Athens-Ben Epps Airport provides air travel services for Athens-Clarke County and Northeast Georgia. Services are provided for charter air travel, general aviation, and military users. Akins Ford Arena (see: Classic Center) Alcohol & Other Addictive Drug Services (see: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) Alcohol Licenses [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/finance ACC Finance Department Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/adr ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 210 This process refers to any form of settling a dispute other than litigation. Mediation is one type and the method used by the courts in Athens-Clarke County. Mediation is a process by which a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between other parties in conflict. AMI (see: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)) Animal Emergency Veterinary Services (see: Veterinary Services - Emergency) Animal Services Department [PHONE REDACTED] / 911 (After Hours Emergency) www.accgov.com/animalservices 125 Buddy Christian Way The ACC Animal Services Department operates the animal shelter and adoption center and protects the public from dangerous or seriously sick animals and at-large dogs. The department also investigates animal cruelty allegations, enforces the animal ordinances, manages adoptions and reclaims of impounded and surrendered dogs and cats, and provides public education on a variety of animal-related topics, including information regarding lost or found dogs and cats (see also: Adoption, Animal; Animal Shelter; Cats; Wildlife; ‘Animal Services’ ordinances on pg. 10). Animal, Dead Removal Dead animals the size of an armadillo, raccoon, opossum, or larger are only removed from public rights-of-way. Dead animals on private property can be disposed of by private wildlife removal companies or by transporting them to the ACC Landfill. • Athens-Clarke County-maintained roads: ACC Solid Waste Department – [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7 • Parks & trails: ACC Leisure Services – [PHONE REDACTED] • State roads (any road maintained by the state in Athens-Clarke County): GA Department of Transportation – [PHONE REDACTED] Animal Shelter (see: Adoption, Animal) Animal Spaying/Neutering (see: Humane Society, Athens Area or call private veterinarians) Annulments [PHONE REDACTED] The Clerk of Superior & State Courts charges a filing fee and the Sheriff’s Office charges a fee for their service. Copies of the petition and Sheriff’s information are needed. Appraisal, Property (see: Property Values) Aquatics (ACC Leisure Services) www.accgov.com/aquatics (see: Pools, Public; Splash Pads) Arborist [PHONE REDACTED] The Athens-Clarke County Arborist, housed in the Planning Department, is responsible for the successful implementation of the Community Tree Management Ordinance during the development process. The Arborist reviews tree management plans and notices of timber harvesting, and also inspects properties before, during, and after development to ensure that trees are conserved ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 21 and planted in accordance with the tree ordinance. The position also provides educational outreach and works with some environmental commissions (see also: Community Forester; Planning Department). Arrests (see: Jail) Art, Public [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/publicart The ACC Leisure Services Arts Division’s Public Art Coordinator oversees public art installations, calls for art, and art selection processes with recommendations from the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission. Residents interested in being part of public art selection panels can contact the Public Art Coordinator. Funding for public art comes from a public art budget, as well as from 1% of total construction costs for public art components of most SPLOST and TSPLOST projects (see also: Cultural Affairs Commission, Athens). Arts Center (see: Lyndon House Arts Center) Asbestos [PHONE REDACTED] epd.georgia.gov/asbestos GA Department of Natural Resources Athens Area Community Foundation [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensareacf.org The Athens Area Community Foundation is a public grantmaking foundation that exists to build, distribute, and preserve philanthropic assets to enhance the quality of life in the Athens area. Athens Creative Theatre (ACT) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/act ACT is a unit of the Arts Division of the ACC Leisure Services Department with offices housed at the Morton Theatre and both performance and rehearsal space at Quinn Hall inside Memorial Park. Athens Creative Theatre has provided quality workshop opportunities, classes, and live theatrical performances since 1966. Their Quinn Hall black box performance space at Memorial Park is named for ACT founder and former UGA drama professor Jane Quinn and is available for event rentals. ACT is known for its main stage musicals, second stage dramas, all-inclusive programming (including programs for the cognitively challenged), and “Hit the Pit” live pit orchestra program. Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) [PHONE REDACTED] www.downtownathensga.org Gameday Building, 250 West Broad Street, Suite 108 The ADDA promotes, maintains, and enhances a safe and economically viable Central Business District by focusing both private and public resources on the potential of downtown to benefit the entire community (see also: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS)). Athens Film Office (see: Film Office, Athens) Athens in Motion www.accgov.com/athensinmotion The Athens in Motion Plan identifies a clear strategy for near and long-term projects that will result in a safe, connected, and equitable bike and pedestrian network for Athens-Clarke County. The Athens in Motion Commission (AIMC) is responsible for development, implementation, and modification of the plan for a safe and connected network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout Athens-Clarke County (see also: Bicycle Facilities; Boards, Authorities, and Commissions). Athens Land Trust (see: Land Trusts) Athens Regional Medical Center (see: Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center) Athens Technical College [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenstech.edu 800 US Highway 29 North Athens Transit System (see: Transit) Athens Wellbeing Project www.athenswellbeingproject.org The Athens Wellbeing Project is a community wide partnership between the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, the Clarke County School District, the Athens Area Community Foundation, Family Connection-Communities in Schools, the United Way of Northeast Georgia, and the University of Georgia. The project’s mission is to integrate planning efforts and improve the outcomes achieved by local institutions, organizations, and community stakeholders through collecting and sharing open-access, neighborhood-level data representative of the community’s population. Athens Wellness Clinic [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenswellnessclinic.org 240 North Avenue Athens Wellness Clinic is a nonprofit health clinic that provides free, comprehensive healthcare to low- to no income members of the Northeast Georgia community who have no health insurance. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 22 Attorney’s Office [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/attorney Civic Hall, 155 East Washington Street The ACC Attorney’s Office provides legal services to the Mayor and Commission, the Manager, and all other departments and divisions of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. The office researches and drafts local legislation concerning ACC and all ordinances to be adopted by the Mayor and Commission. Auctions, Property (see: Foreclosure Auctions; Surplus Items, ACCGov; Tax Sale Auctions) Auditor’s Office (see: Operational Analysis Office) Authorities (see: Boards, Authorities, and Commissions) B Babies Can’t Wait [PHONE REDACTED] www.bcw-bibs.com 740 Prince Avenue, Building 15 Statewide system run by the GA Health Department for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Background Checks [PHONE REDACTED] (Police) or [PHONE REDACTED] (Sheriff’s Office Field Section) For a fee, both the ACC Police Department (East Precinct on Lexington Road) and ACC Sheriff’s Office Field Section (ACC Courthouse) can conduct a criminal records background check for employment or housing. Bankruptcy Court (Federal Court) [PHONE REDACTED] (Macon Divisional Office) www.gamb.uscourts.gov US Post Office & Federal Courthouse 115 East Hancock Avenue Athens is part of the Middle District of Georgia, which has its main office in Macon. Barking Dogs (see ‘Animal Services’ ordinances on pg. 10) Bear Creek Reservoir www.bearcreekwtp.com This regional reservoir located north of Bogart and west of Cleveland Road in Jackson County serves Athens-Clarke, Jackson, Barrow, and Oconee counties. The Upper Oconee Water Basin Authority was formed by these counties to address long-term water needs through regional approaches. The 505-acre lake helps Athens-Clarke County to ensure an adequate water supply during periods of drought. ACC’s 44% share of the reservoir water is pumped to Athens-Clarke County for treatment (see also: Public Utilities). Bear Hollow Zoo [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/bearhollow Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Drive Bear Hollow is a facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department and the home to more than 35 native non- releasable animals housed in natural habitat exhibits. Educational programming is offered year-round. Ben Burton Park [PHONE REDACTED] (Trails & Open Space Office) www.accgov.com/benburton 616 Mitchell Bridge Road This 35-acre park is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department and features 1.4 miles of trail on the Middle Oconee River, picnic tables, grills, and a canoe/kayak boat launch. Ben Epps Airport (see: Airport (Athens-Ben Epps Airport)) Benefits, Government www.benefits.gov Better Business Bureau [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (text) www.bbb.org 200 North Point Center East, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30022 The Better Business Bureau of Atlanta and Northeast Georgia provides free business reliability reports on member and non-member companies alerting buyers to complaint history, law enforcement actions, and advertising practices. Consumer alerts of scams and fraud may be accessed on the website. Compliments about a company may also be submitted, and national charities may also be evaluated (see also: Consumer Protection Unit). Bicycle Facilities www.accgov.com/bicycles ACCGov provides a variety of facilities and services for bicycles and riders in the community including: • Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan • Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safety Coordinator • Bicycle lanes on roadways • Bicycle racks on ACC Transit • Firefly Trail / Rails-to-Trails multiuse paths • Mountain bike trails at Walker Park • Oconee Rivers Greenway multiuse paths ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 23 • Bike racks in the downtown areas and buildings • Bike lockers at the Multimodal Transportation Center & Oconee Street Park and Ride Lot (see also: Athens in Motion; Bicycle Lanes; Bicycle Trails; Oconee Rivers Greenway; Transit; Walker Park; ‘Bicycle Rights, Duties & Sidewalk Riding’ ordinances on pg. 10). Bicycle Lanes [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works – Traffic Engineering Division Bicycle Trails [PHONE REDACTED] (Trails & Open Space Office) (see: Firefly Trail; Oconee Rivers Greenway; Walker Park) Bid Information [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/bids Contact the ACC Purchasing Division to inquire about bids or to be placed on the vendor list for Athens-Clarke County. Bid opportunities are also available online and through ACCGov’s website notification system. Birchmore Trail [PHONE REDACTED] (Memorial Park] www.accgov.com/birchmore The Birchmore Trail is a 1.5-mile natural surface trail located at Memorial Park in the Five Points neighborhood. The trail winds through a mature hardwood ravine, over bridges, near creeks, and along the massive Great Wall of Happy Hollow stone wall built by legendary Athenian Fred Birchmore while he was in his 70’s. The five and a half-year project used 12 train boxcar loads of large rocks and reaches 18’ high. Birth Certificates [PHONE REDACTED] (Vital Records) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Health Department Main Line) www.publichealthathens.com 345 North Harris Street The GA Health Department has birth records for Athens-Clarke County and all other Georgia counties dating back to July 1919. Anyone born prior to 1919 should call GA Archives, [PHONE REDACTED]. Certified copies are available for a fee. Identification is required. Birth certificates can also be requested online or by mail from the GA Department of Community Health, 404- 679-4702, www.health.state.ga.us (see also: Health Department). Birthday Parties (Athens-Clarke County Facilities) A number of Athens-Clarke County Unified Government facilities offer birthday packages. Rental fees and programs vary by facility. Locations include: • Fire Department ◦Fire Station #1 (College Avenue) – [PHONE REDACTED] • Leisure Services Department ◦Bear Hollow Zoo – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Bishop Park (Gymnastics) – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Sandy Creek Nature Center – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Tennis Center – [PHONE REDACTED] Bishop Park [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/bishop 705 Sunset Drive This facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department is named in honor of former City of Athens Mayor Julius Bishop. The 33-acre park features athletic fields, basketball courts, a large gymnasium, a playground, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a pickleball court, a walking trail, and a picnic area. The park offers a range of youth sports during the year, including the area’s premier gymnastics program. Board of Education (see: Clarke County School District) Board of Elections (see: Boards, Authorities & Commissions; Elections Department) Boards, Authorities, and Commissions www.accgov.com/bacs The following Boards, Authorities, and Commissions have positions that are advertised and have applications submitted to the Clerk of Commission for consideration by the Mayor and Commission for appointments. Other advisory boards not listed below follow other appointment processes. The Clerk of Commission releases announcements of board openings to local news media, on ACTV, and on the ACCGov website usually three times a year. For more information, contact the Clerk of Commission at 706- 613-3031 (see also: individual entries for some Boards, Authorities, and Commissions). • Airport Authority • Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) • Athens in Motion Commission (AIMC) • Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities Region 2 Advisory Council, Department of • Board of Elections • Board of Health • Board of Tax Assessors • Classic Center Authority • Construction Board of Appeals • Deferred Compensation Board • Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County • Family and Children Services, Division of • Georgia Innovation Corridor Joint Development Authority ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 24 • Hearings Board • Historic Preservation Commission • Human Relations Commission • Industrial Development Authority • Library Board • Pension Board • Planning Commission • Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board • Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authority • Solid Waste Advisory Commission • Vision Committee Boating www.accgov.com/boating ACC Leisure Services offers opportunities for lake and river boating. The 260-acre Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek Park is open to small watercraft and boats with electric motors only. Boat launches for non- motorized craft only are available at several locations, including access to the Middle Oconee River from Ben Burton Park and access to the North Oconee River from Dudley Park and along the North Oconee River Greenway near MLK Parkway/College Avenue. Bogart, City of [PHONE REDACTED] (City Hall) www.cityofbogart.com 125 Main Street, Bogart, GA 30622 Booting, Vehicle • Private property: Booting on private property can only take place where signage is posted and only by a vehicle immobilization service or operator that is licensed by the ACC Police Department. Additional requirements for signage, fees, payment types, equipment, and other specifics can be found in ACC Code Section 3-3-67 or at www.accgov.com/booting (see also: Ordinances). • Public Property: Vehicles may be booted on public property if they accumulate a certain number of parking violations or amount of unpaid fines for penalties from parking violations. If a vehicle’s owner is determined, written notice will be provided to them prior to the vehicle being subject to booting. Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS) handles most booting at meters and public parking spaces (see also: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS)). Boulevard Woods Park [PHONE REDACTED] (Trails & Open Space Office) www.accgov.com/boulevardwoods 298 Barber Street Boulevard Woods Park is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. The 1.8-acre park is passive in nature and features a small paved walking loop, a 1/2 mile of nature walking trail, a bench, and an open lawn area. Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens www.greatfuturesathens.com • Administrative / Main Office – [PHONE REDACTED] Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, 705 Fourth Street • The Club @ H.T. Edwards – [PHONE REDACTED] 440-4 Dearing Extension Brown Water (Faucet / Tap) (see: Water Quality / Testing) Budget, Athens-Clarke County [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/budget The budget for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government runs for a fiscal year (FY) from July 1 of one year until June 30 of the following year and is adopted by the Mayor and Commission. The ACC Budget and Strategic Analysis Department is responsible for coordinating the development of the budget each year. Full budgets and Budgets in Brief are available on the ACCGov website. Budget and Strategic Analysis Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/bsa 301 College Avenue, Suite 301B The Budget and Strategic Analysis Department - formerly the Geospatial Information Office - develops and oversees ACCGov’s annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan, coordinates data governance and geospatial activities, and oversees ACCGov’s strategic planning process (see also: Budget, Athens-Clarke County). Building Permits and Inspections Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/buildinginspection 120 West Dougherty Street The ACC Building Permits and Inspections Department protects public safety, health, and general welfare with respect to the built environment. The department issues permits for building, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, gas, graphics, demolition, temporary structures, manufactured homes, swimming pools, and building relocations. Bulky Waste Collection [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7 www.accgov.com/bulkywaste ACC Solid Waste Department Service started in fall 2025 to provide residents with a convenient way to dispose of large household items that don’t fit in regular garbage or recycling roll-carts. Provided countywide to residential customers with no added cost. Includes up to four pick-ups a year with ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 25 a maximum of five items each pick-up. Can include furniture, appliances, mattresses, electronics, and more. Schedule pick-ups online or over the phone (see also: Bulky Waste Collection info on p. 12). Burn Permits & Burning [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Fire Department – Fire Marshal Most types of open burning – including the burning of vegetative matter such as leaves, tree stumps, brush, and forest residue – are prohibited in Athens-Clarke County. Additionally, non-containment devices such as backyard fireplaces, open metal drums, burn barrels, or burn pits cannot be used for open burning. There are a few exceptions for such things as cooking food, using open flame devices such as welding torches, and “prescribed burning” permitted by the GA Forestry Commission (see also: Forestry Commission; Burning). Bus Information [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/transit Live bus tracking, schedules, and trip planning are available through the myStop app, the Transit app, and on Google Maps. Bus routes, schedules, videos, and downloadable route flyers are available on the ACC Transit website. Passenger wayfinding kiosks are available at the Multimodal Transportation Center, the Classic Center, ACC Parking Services on College Avenue, and the ACC Library. Business Licenses [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/finance ACC Finance Department Prospective businesses should check their location with the ACC Planning Department before contacting the ACC Finance Department to fill out a Business Occupation Tax Application form. In most cases, a certificate can be issued in approximately 24 hours. Fees are based on the number of people involved in the business. A general information booklet for new businesses and list of existing businesses are available from the Finance Department, the Communications Department, and the ACCGov website. C Cable Television Private cable television companies are provided franchises by either Georgia or Athens-Clarke County to operate and utilize the public rights-of-way. Cable problems should initially be addressed with cable companies directly. Residents with continued service issues after contacting the company may contact the ACC Communications Department at [PHONE REDACTED]. Cadets, Police [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/police Program for high school or college students age 16 to 22 who have an interest in learning more about law enforcement functions, developing job skills and experience, and improving the community. Cafes, Sidewalk [PHONE REDACTED] Sidewalk cafes on public rights-of-way are administered and permitted by the ACC Central Services Department. Call Before You Dig (see: Utilities Protection Services or Utilities Locator) Camera Ready (see: Filming) Camera Registry, Police [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/cameraregistry Residents and business owners can register their home and/or business camera systems with the Police Department. The registry does not allow the Police Department to view camera systems. Instead, it informs officers that a registered camera is nearby. An officer or detective could then contact a registrant if the camera system could provide evidence for a criminal case. Camps, Summer (ACC Leisure Services) www.accgov.com/camps The ACC Leisure Services Department offers more than 50 camps every summer. Camp listings are available online and on ACTV. Candidate Qualification [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Elections Department Career Academy, Athens Community [PHONE REDACTED] www.clarke.k12.ga.us/o/acca 440-1 Dearing Extension The Athens Community Career Academy is operated by the Clarke County School District and available to high school students in the District. The program provides students with opportunitities to learn technical skills and participate in various internships and apprenticeships. CASA (see: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 26 Casa de Amistad [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensamistad.com Casa de Amistad is an organization based in Athens, Georgia, that works to identify and address the needs of the Hispanic community. Cats [PHONE REDACTED] (Adoption Center) www.accgov.com/animalservices 125 Buddy Christian Way The ACC Animal Services Department responds to reports of seriously sick or injured cats, cats trapped within a living space, or cat bites or scratches to persons or other domestic animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Animal Services also investigates reports of animal neglect or animal cruelty involving cats during normal business hours. Animal Services will not set traps for cats or pick up cats in traps. Animal Services also operates the adoption center. Persons who wish to register as a colony caretaker must submit an application to Animal Services, which is available on the website. Animal Services can also issue citations to a cat owner in violation of ordinances. The ACC Fire Department does not remove cats from trees or other places (see also: Animal Services Department; Humane Society, Athens Area). CDBG (see: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)) Central Services Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/centralservices 150 East Hancock Avenue The ACC Central Services Department manages ACCGov buildings, facilities, grounds, vehicles, landscaping, parking, records, and department support services. The department also provides services to the public through special event permitting, sidewalk cafes, sidewalk vending, and publication racks. Certified Blue [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/blue ACC Water Conservation Office The Certified Blue program assists restaurants, bars, and venues in ACC with using less water and promoting water efficiency. Chamber of Commerce, Athens Area [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensga.com 246 West Hancock Avenue The mission of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve its members by developing an environment conducive to business. Visitors may stop by to obtain maps and relocation packages. Charities (see: Better Business Bureau) CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 4 www.accgov.com/charm 1005 College Avenue The CHaRM is a one-stop drop-off location for items that cannot be recycled at the curb or at other Athens- Clarke County recycling drop-off sites. Accepted items, hours of operation, and fees are available online. Charter, Athens-Clarke County www.accgov.com/code The Charter of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County was adopted on August 7, 1990 and details the government’s structure, functions, and organization. Copies of the charter are available from the Clerk of Commission or on the ACCGov website. Checks (Bad) [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 5 The ACC Magistrate Court’s Criminal and Bad Check Division accepts reports from both businesses and individuals who have received a bad check. Chickens [PHONE REDACTED] (ACC Planning Department) Keeping chickens for noncommercial purposes is permitted with some restrictions by ordinance in all zoning districts. Private neighborhood covenants prohibiting or restricting chickens supersede the ordinance. Child Abuse and Neglect [PHONE REDACTED] / 911 (Emergency) dfcs.georgia.gov GA Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) (see also: Family and Children Services, Division of) Child Care Resource & Referral 1-[PHONE REDACTED] families.decal.ga.gov Provides referrals to parents seeking Georgia child care, afterschool programs, Georgia Pre-K, Early/Head Start, and summer camps in Northeast Georgia. Child Support Services [PHONE REDACTED] (GA Hotline) childsupport.georgia.gov GA Department of Human Services 850 Hawthorne Avenue Christmas Parade, Downtown (see: Downtown Athens Parade of Lights) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 27 Citizen Police Academy (see: Community Police Academy) City Hall www.accgov.com/cityhall 301 College Avenue Completed in 1904, City Hall houses ACCGov’s Mayor’s Office, Manager’s Office, Budget and Strategic Analysis Department, Communications Department, ACTV, Operational Analysis Office, Clerk of Commission, and Mayor and Commission Chamber. Clarke County School District [PHONE REDACTED] www.clarke.k12.ga.us 595 Prince Avenue The Clarke County School District is a separate entity from ACCGov and consists of all public elementary, middle, and high schools in the county. The Board of Education is made up of nine members elected by districts to four-year terms. Classic Center [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Ticket Office) www.classiccenter.com 300 North Thomas Street The Classic Center contains meeting and exhibit space, a performing arts theatre, breakout spaces in a series of renovated warehouses, the Akins Ford Arena, and Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau offices (see also: Convention and Visitors Bureau, Athens (CVB)). Clerk of Commission [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/clerkofcommission City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suite 204 The ACC Clerk of Commission directs the activities necessary to prepare for Commission meetings and dispenses information regarding the decisions and actions of the Commission. Agendas and other information can be found on the website. Clerk of Superior and State Courts [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/clerkofcourts ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 450 The Clerk of Superior and State Courts is the Clerk of Superior Court and the Clerk of State Court. The Clerk of Superior and State Courts keeps the official record of all civil and criminal actions filed in each court, Courts’ minutes, notary appointments, and requested filings of DD2-14 forms from US Military Service personnel (certificate of release or discharge from active duty). The Clerk of Superior Court is also the official custodian for all land records and the Appeal Administrator charged with the oversight of the Board of Equalization. Code Enforcement Division [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/codeenforcement 120 West Dougherty Street The ACC Code Enforcement Division is a division of the ACC Building Permits and Inspections Department and responsible for code compliance and enforcement. Code of Ordinances (see: Ordinances) Commission of Athens-Clarke County www.accgov.com/commission The Commission is the governing authority of Athens- Clarke County and consists of 10 members, each representing a geographical district. As a result, each ACC resident has two direct representatives, including the Mayor. Terms last four years and are staggered. The Mayor serves as the Chair of the Commission and can only vote in case of a tie. The Commission normally holds its regular voting session on the first Tuesday of each month, a work session on the second Tuesday of each month, and an agenda-setting session on the third Tuesday of each month, except in the case of holidays or elections. Meetings are generally televised live and rebroadcast on ACTV, as well as streamed live and on-demand online at www.accgov.com/videos and ACCGov’s YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV channels. Committee meeting schedules vary by committee. Among powers conferred by the Charter, the Commission has the power to set tax rates, adopt a budget, and establish policy through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions. For more information, contact the Clerk of Commission at [PHONE REDACTED] or visit the website (see also: Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission on pg. 7; Athens-Clarke County Commission Districts on pg. 6; Clerk of Commission). Commissions (see: Boards, Authorities, and Commissions) Communications Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/comms City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suite 102 The ACC Communications Department, formerly the Public Information Office, provides clear and open communications to residents about ACCGov’s goals, activities, and services. Along with providing other services, the department maintains accgov.com, this guide to services, the main ACCGov social media channels at @accgov, digital content systems for public displays, Roku/Apple TV/Fire TV channels, the ACCGov to You van, and the ACTV government access cable television channel (see also: ACCGov to You; ACTV Government Access Television; Website). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 28 Community Affairs, GA Department of (DCA) [PHONE REDACTED] (Central Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Northern Regional Office – Rental Assistance) www.dca.ga.gov 60 Executive Park S, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 DCA operates a host of state and federal grant programs; serves as the state’s lead agency in housing finance and development; promulgates building codes to be adopted by local governments; provides comprehensive planning, technical, and research assistance to local governments; and serves as the lead agency for the state’s solid waste reduction efforts (see also: Housing Choice Voucher Program). Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/cdbg ACC Housing and Community Development Department CDBG is a federal grant program administered locally that provides direct benefits to low and moderate income families and individuals concerning housing and economic development opportunities. These grants create jobs and job training programs and also fund single-family housing construction and repairs, as well as community infrastructure improvements. Community Forester [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/forester The ACC Community Forester, based in the ACC Central Services Department’s Landscape Management Division, is responsible for implementing the Community Tree Program to support public and private tree conservation and management (see also: Arborist). Community Government Academies www.accgov.com/cga A number of ACCGov departments offer periodic programs designed to give residents opportunities to learn about government functions, services, and activities and to gain a better understanding about how to become involved in local government (see also: Community Police Academy). Community Police Academy [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/police This 13-week course is held twice a year by the ACC Police Department to expose residents to the inner workings of its functional units. Community Protection Division (CPD) (see: Code Enforcement Division) Community Rooms A number of ACC departments offer rooms and meeting spaces for use by the general public and community groups. Rental fees may apply and vary by facility. Community rooms available include: • Airport – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Commercial Terminal Community Room • Athens-Clarke County Extension – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Extension Office Community Room • Central Services – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Courthouse Atrium • Fire Department – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Station #2 (265 Cleveland Road) ◦Station #3 (1198 South Milledge Avenue, Five Points) ◦Station #4 (900 Oglethorpe Avenue) ◦Station #7 (2350 Barnett Shoals Road) ◦Station #8 (3955 Jefferson Road) ◦Station #9 (1650 Danielsville Road) • Leisure Services ◦Bishop Park – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦East Athens Educational Dance Center – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Heard Park and Community Center (formerly East Athens Community Center) – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Howard Park and Community Center (formerly Community Center) – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Lay Park – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Lyndon House Arts Center – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Memorial Park – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Morton Theatre – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Quinn Hall – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Sandy Creek Nature Center – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Sandy Creek Park – [PHONE REDACTED] • Police Department – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦East Precinct / Headquarters Community Room • Public Utilities ◦Customer Service Center / Water Business Office (124 East Hancock Avenue) – [PHONE REDACTED] ◦Water Resource Center Presentation / Training Room (780 Barber Street) – [PHONE REDACTED] Community Tree Council [PHONE REDACTED] (Community Forester) www.accgov.com/ctc The Community Tree Council (CTC) offers programs and events for the local government, the private sector, and resident groups in order to provide resource information, outreach, and education about tree management. The CTC also promotes sustainability and responsible stewardship of community trees. The ACC Community Forester serves on the Council (see also: Community Forester). Community Tree Program (see: Community Forester) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 29 Compost www.accgov.com/compost • Backyard Compost Bins – [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 9 Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful sells compost bins to the public for backyard composting. • Commercial Composting – [PHONE REDACTED] / 706- 613-3501 ext. 8 (Site Tours) Landfill, 5700 Lexington Road The ACC Landfill operates a commercial composting facility designed to handle a high volume of organic material. The compost is produced using bio-solids collected from ACCGov’s Water Reclamation Facilities and leaf and limb debris. Compost can be purchased by the cubic yard or by the bucket at the landfill. • Drop-Off Program The ACC Solid Waste Department offers drop- off for food scraps and compostable products (paper plates, napkins, clamshells) for residential composting at no charge. Locations include the CHaRM, Extension Office, Landfill, and Solid Waste Administration Office (see also CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Food Scraps; Landfill). • Master Composter (see: Master Composter Program) Comprehensive Plan [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/compplan ACC Planning Department ACCGov’s update of its Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Mayor and Commission after approval by the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in June 2023. The document is required by the state and represents ACCGov’s initial step toward implementing the recommendations of the community. The Comprehensive Plan is a main source for identifying agreed upon goals, vision, policies, needs, opportunities, and a work program over the next 10 years (see also: Development Standards; Envision Athens; Future Development Map / Plan; Zoning Code). Computers and Peripherals, Recycling (see: CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Landfill; ‘Disposal of Items in Athens-Clarke County’ on pg. 13) Concealed Weapon Permit (see: Firearms Permit) Conservation Ranger (Game Warden) [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Ranger Hotline) www.georgiawildlife.com 2150 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, GA 30501 GA Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division Consumer Affairs (see: Consumer Protection Unit) Construction Noise (see: ‘Noise Ordinance’ on pg. 10) Construction, Road (see: Road Work Reports) Consumer Protection Division [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] consumer.georgia.gov 40 Capitol Square, SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 The Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit is the consumer protection agency for the State of Georgia. The office helps protect consumers from unfair and deceptive acts and practices in consumer transactions. It investigates consumer problems, monitors the marketplace to promote fair and honest competition, takes enforcement action against violators, and publishes consumer education materials and alert warnings (see also: Better Business Bureau; National Do Not Call List). Convention and Visitors Bureau, Athens (CVB) [PHONE REDACTED] www.visitathensga.com 300 North Thomas Street (Classic Center Firehall) The CVB’s primary goal is to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, group tours, and meetings and conventions to Athens. It publishes and distributes visitor information, maintains a community events calendar, and assists local businesses and associations in bringing meetings and conventions to Athens. Cook’s Trail [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/trails 205 Old Commerce Road Cook’s Trail connects Sandy Creek Park and Sandy Creek Nature Center as part of the Greenway. The one way trail is open from Sandy Creek Park to Oxbow Loop (5 miles). The section of trail from Oxbow Loop to Sandy Creek Nature Center is closed indefinitely (see also: Sandy Creek Park; Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC); North Oconee River Greenway). Cooling Assistance (see: ACTION, Inc.) Cooperative Extension (see: Extension, ACC) Coronavirus (see: COVID-19 Information) Coroner [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/coroner 150 Buddy Christian Way The primary mission of the Coroner’s office is to hold investigations and inquests regarding persons having ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 30 died by unlawful, violent, suicidal, or mysterious means. The Coroner’s Office is located at the Athens-Clarke County morgue. Corrections [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/corrections 2825 County Farm Road The ACC Corrections Department provides a humane and safe environment for offenders, staff, and the community at large through the use of modern correctional management techniques and supervision. The department manages the Correctional Facility and the Diversion Center (see also: Diversion Center). Costa Building www.accgov.com/costa 133 East Washington Street The Costa Building was built by the Costa family in 1910. It was later purchased by ACCGov and renovated as part of the SPLOST program. The building re- opened in August 2025 to house ACCGov’s Economic Development Department, Housing and Community Development Department, and People and Belonging Department (see also: individual department entries). Cottage, The [PHONE REDACTED] (Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] or [PHONE REDACTED] (24-Hour Hotline) www.northgeorgiacottage.org 3019 Lexington Road The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center provides intervention, advocacy, referrals, and support to survivors and families impacted by child abuse and sexual assault, and provides sexual assault prevention education and awareness to the community. Council on Aging, Athens Community [PHONE REDACTED] www.accaging.org 135 Hoyt Street A resource for education, information, referral, counseling, support, and general assistance for older persons, including a Meals on Wheels program, Adult Day Care Center, and Senior Center. Court Administrator [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/courts ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 400 The Court Administrator provides a broad range of management and administrative services to the Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal, Probate, State, Superior, and Treatment and Accountability Courts of Athens-Clarke County. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensoconeecasa.org The CASA program is an organization of volunteers who advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected children, helping them find safe, permanent homes. A trained CASA volunteer assesses the child’s situation and reports to the judge on the child’s best interests. Court, Bankruptcy (see: Bankruptcy Court (Federal Court)) Court, Federal (see: Federal Court (US District Court)) Courthouse (Athens-Clarke County) 325 East Washington Street The ACC Courthouse houses ACC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Clerk of Superior and State Courts, Court Administrator, District Attorney, DUI / Drug Court (State Court), Family Treatment Court, Felony Drug Court, Juvenile Court, Law Library, Magistrate Court, Municipal Court, Parental Accountability Court, Probate Court, Records, Real Estate, Sheriff’s Office, Solicitor General, State Court, Superior Court, Tax Assessor, Tax Commissioner, Treatment and Accountability Court (TAC), and Veterans Court. Courthouse (Federal) (see: Federal Court (US District Court)) Courts, Athens-Clarke County www.accgov.com/courts (see: Accountability Courts; Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); Court Administrator; Drug Courts; Family Treatment Court; Juvenile Court; Magistrate Court; Municipal Court; Parental Accountability Court; Probate Court; State Court; Superior Court; Treatment and Accountability Court (TAC); and Veterans Court entries) COVID-19 Information • ACCGov: www.accgov.com/coronavirus • Region: publichealthathens.com • State: dph.georgia.gov • Federal: cdc.gov Crime Prevention [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department East Substation 385 Fairview Street Crime Reports (see: Police) Crime Stoppers Tip Line [PHONE REDACTED] Callers with information about a crime that has been committed in Athens-Clarke County can speak directly ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 31 to an operator between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays. Callers can leave messages if they call outside of this time frame. To ensure confidentiality, residents calling the tip line do not leave their names, but are assigned a number to guarantee anonymity. Criminal Investigations [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department Criminal Records (see: Background Checks) Crisis Line (GA) [PHONE REDACTED] (24 Hour Hotline) / 988 Mental health, substance abuse, and crisis and emergency services. Cruising Motor vehicles, except for excluded vehicles, cannot pass the same traffic point in a no-cruising zone on any day of the week between midnight and 4:00 AM within any one hour period more than three times. The no-cruising zone is designated as the area enclosed by Broad Street, Pulaski Street, Hancock Avenue, and Foundry Street downtown. Excluded vehicles include vehicles for business purposes and permitted special events, as well as those used by residents of no- cruising zones traveling to a specific destination. Cultural Affairs Commission, Athens www.accgov.com/acac Advises ACCGov on cultural affairs and the aesthetic development of the built environment with public art projects and artwork (see also: Art, Public; Boards, Authorities, and Commissions). Curbs, Yellow (see: Parking, Residential) Curfew, Juvenile [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department By local ordinance, it is unlawful in many instances for unsupervised minors under the age of 18 to loiter, wander, stroll, or play in public places at night between 11:00 PM (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) and 5:00 AM and during school days between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Exceptions are detailed in the Code of Ordinances (see also: Ordinances). D DD2-14 Form (see: Clerk of Superior and State Courts) Dead Animals (see: Animals, Dead Removal) Death Certificates [PHONE REDACTED] (Vital Records) www.publichealthathens.com The GA Health Department maintains a collection of death certificates for those who have died in Athens- Clarke County. There is a fee for the general public for a death certificate (see also: Health Department). Decks, Parking • Behind Classic Center – Managed by the Classic Center ([PHONE REDACTED]) • College Avenue – Managed by the Downtown Athens Parking System ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Courthouse – Managed by the ACC Central Services Department ([PHONE REDACTED] - direct / [PHONE REDACTED] - Internal Support Division) • University of Georgia (8 decks) – Managed by UGA Parking Services ([PHONE REDACTED]) • West Washington Street – Managed by the Downtown Athens Parking System ([PHONE REDACTED]) Deeds [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Clerk of Superior and State Courts Deed records are housed in the Real Estate / Deeds Room (ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 450). Index information from 1998 to within 14 days of current date is available at Defender, Public (see: Public Defender) Definition of Family (see: Family, Definition of) Demonstrations (see: ‘Picketing & Demonstrations’ ordinances on pg. 10) Development Services www.accgov.com/devservices The Site Development Services Coordinator, housed in the ACC Economic Development Department, serves as a point of contact and liaison between the development community, business community, and ACCGov staff and officials to help projects navigate the site development process efficiently. Development Standards [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Planning Department The Development Standards establish guidelines and performance measures for the development of specific site and building design standards, subdivision of property, environmental areas, historic preservation, signage, tree management plans, and parking. The Zoning and Development Standards are collectively called the Development Regulations (see also: Comprehensive Plan; Future Land Use Map / Plan; Zoning Code). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 32 DFCS (see: Family and Children Services, Division of) Diaper Bank, Athens Area [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensareadiaperbank.com Provides diapers to low-income families in the Athens area. Diapers are distributed to families from their partner organizations around the community. A list of current partners can be found on the website. Digging (Private Property) (see: Utilities Protection Services or Utilities Locator) Disability Programs (see: Therapeutic Recreation Programs) Disability Transportation (see: Lift Information) Disabled Person’s Parking Permit [PHONE REDACTED] dor.georgia.gov/documents/forms GA Department of Revenue 3700 Atlanta Highway (inside Georgia Square Mall) A Disabled Person’s Parking Affidavit form from the GA Department of Revenue must be submitted to the ACC Tag Office. Disc Golf www.accgov.com/discgolf Sandy Creek Park’s Disc Golf course currently includes 27 holes and is open to the public during regular park hours. There is a fee of $1 per person to play plus regular park admission (see also: Sandy Creek Park). Discharge Papers (Military – DD2-14 Forms) (see: Clerk of Superior and State Courts) Discrimination The ACCGov local ordinance on unlawful discrimination (Athens-Clarke County Code of Ordinances Chapter 6-21) provides the right of an otherwise qualified person to be free from discrimination because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status (see also: Ordinances). • All Businesses: Businesses, as defined in Code Chapter 6-21, are prohibited from discriminating against a person based on the above categories in employment, public accommodations, service in retail establishments, and housing. • Bars: Bars are prohibited from discriminating by refusing any person admission, service, or products based on any of the protected classes in Athens- Clarke County Code Sections 6-3-6. Bars using a dress code must apply it uniformly to all persons, enforce it consistently on any given day, and post the dress code clearly to all persons seeking admittance. • Filing Complaints: The form for discrimination complaints of either kind is available at www.accgov. com/attorney and can be submitted by email, mail, or in person at the ACC Attorney’s Office. Complaint forms must be notarized, which can be done at the ACC Attorney’s Office (see also: Attorney’s Office). Disorderly Conduct (see: ‘Disorderly Conduct Activities & Behaviors’ ordinances on pg. 10) Dispossessory Warrant (see: Evictions) District Attorney [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/da ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 370 The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting all felony criminal offenses and any associated misdemeanors in a felony case, as well as certain civil actions such as drug, gambling, and bond forfeitures in the Superior Courts of the Western Judicial Circuit. These prosecutions, both civil and criminal, are generated primarily by the police agencies in and around the area. District Court (see: United States District Court) Diversion Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/corrections 2725 Lexington Road The center is operated by the ACC Corrections Department and provides quality cost-effective management of non-violent returning residents whose confinement in traditional incarceration would limit them from more quickly integrating into society. It also helps build skill sets to encourage successful re-entry back into the community. Divorce Filing [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Clerk of Superior and State Courts Divorce records are maintained in the Clerk of Superior and State Courts Office. If residents of Athens-Clarke County are planning to file for divorce, it is suggested they seek an attorney for legal advice prior to contacting the Clerk of Superior and State Courts. The public may call the number listed here with questions about the status of divorces that have already been filed. DMV (see: Driver Services, Georgia Department of) Do Not Call List (see: National Do Not Call List) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 33 Dog Parks www.accgov.com/dogparks Off-leash dog parks can be found at ACC Leisure Services’ Sandy Creek Park, Memorial Park, and Southeast Clarke Park, as well as UGA’s Lake Herrick. Dogs (see: Adoption, Animal; Animal Services Department; Dog Parks; ‘Animal Services’ ordinances on pg. 10) Domestic Partner (see: Municipal Court) Door-to-Door Sales [PHONE REDACTED] (Permits) / [PHONE REDACTED] or [PHONE REDACTED] (Report Violations) Individuals selling items door-to-door must have a vending permit from the ACC Finance Department and display a vendor badge. They may not sell on properties posted with ‘No Solicitation’ signs. Violators may be reported to the ACC Police Department or to the ACC Code Enforcement Division. Dougherty Street Governmental Building 120 West Dougherty Street This building houses an auditorium, as well as the ACC Building Permits and Inspections Department, Code Enforcement Division, Planning Department, and Transportation and Public Works Department. Downtown Athens Parade of Lights [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/parade This annual tradition celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with a parade and lighting of the community Christmas tree downtown. It is held on the first Thursday in December. The parade is coordinated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS) [PHONE REDACTED] www.downtownathensga.org 287 College Avenue (lower level of parking deck) DAPS is a division of the Athens Downtown Development Authority established in 1993. It manages Athens-Clarke County on- and off-street parking facilities including parking meters, off-street lots, and the College Avenue and West Washington Street Parking Decks (see also: Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA); Parking Tickets). Downtown Development Authority (see: Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA)) Drainage, Street [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Streets and Drainage Division Driver Services, Georgia Department of [PHONE REDACTED] (State) dds.georgia.gov 1505 Highway 29 North Open Tuesdays – Saturdays only This office issues driver licenses and Georgia ID cards. Driver’s License (see: Driver Services, Georgia Department of) Drought Information (see: Public Utilities) Drug Courts The ACC Drug Courts provide a non-traditional approach to sentencing criminal offenders who are drug and/or alcohol addicted (see also: Veterans Court). • DUI Treatment Court (State Court) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/duitreatmentcourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 430 • Felony Drug Court (Superior Court) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/courts ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 210 Drug Hotline [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department – Drug Task Force Residents may call this hotline at any time to report illegal drug activity. Calls can be anonymous. Drug Lab, Athens [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 6606 ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 430 The Athens Drug Lab is part of the ACC State Court’s DUI/Drug Court program. It is currently available to the courts for court-ordered drug and alcohol screens. The lab can also provide drug and alcohol screening for government agencies and local businesses. Drugs & Other Addictive Diseases Services (see: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) Dudley Park [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/dudley 100 Dudley Drive This 8.5-acre park is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. It features a connection between the North Oconee River Greenway and the Firefly Trail, a canoe/kayak launch, an amphitheatre, and a basketball court. It is named after former City of Athens Mayor A.J. Dudley. DUI Treatment Court (see: Drug Courts) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 34 Dumping, Illegal [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Code Enforcement Division (see also: ‘Dumping’ ordinances on pg. 10) E Early Voting (see: Advance Voting) East Athens Community Center (see: Heard Park and Community Center) East Athens Community Park (see: Walker Park) East Athens Development Corporation (EADC) [PHONE REDACTED] www.eadcinc.org 410 McKinley Drive, Suite 101 EADC provides neighborhood revitalization, community- based micro-enterprise, job development, and affordable housing initiatives. East Athens Educational Dance Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/dance 390 McKinley Drive This facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department offers year-round dance classes for children and adults and an annual production at the Morton Theatre. Economic Development Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.investathensga.com 133 East Washington Street, 3rd Floor The ACC Economic Development Department is the primary point of contact for industries, large commercial developments, site location consultants, and state economic development organizations interested in developing, expanding, or locating new or expanded businesses in Athens-Clarke County. Education, Board of (see: Clarke County School District) Elderly Services (see: Council on Aging, Athens Community) Elections Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/elections 155 East Washington Street The Elections Department manages all voter registrations and conducts all elections held in Athens- Clarke County. It educates the public on all election dates and laws, is responsible for the certification of election results, handles the qualification process for candidates, and maintains an accurate list of voters for elections, for candidates, and for jury lists. Electricity • Georgia Power – [PHONE REDACTED] • Jackson EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] • Walton EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] • Rayle EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] (see also: Outage, Power; Utilities) Electronics, Recycling (see: CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Landfill; ‘Disposal of Items in Athens-Clarke County’ on pg. 13) Emergencies – 911 For fire, police, animal services, or medical emergencies. Emergency Management Agency (EMA) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/ema 700 College Avenue The ACC Emergency Management Office (EMA) develops and maintains comprehensive strategies to protect life and property and to prevent and/or reduce the negative impact of natural and man-made emergency events in Athens-Clarke County. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 (Emergency) / [PHONE REDACTED] Emergency Medical Services are provided in Athens- Clarke County by National EMS, a private company. Emergency Water or Sewer Service ACC Public Utilities Department • Water & Sewer Division – [PHONE REDACTED] Report an emergency, such as a water main break or sewer blockage. • Meter Management – [PHONE REDACTED] Call to have a water meter shut off due to an emergency. • After-Hours / Weekends – [PHONE REDACTED] Call if an emergency occurs after-hours or on the weekend. Employment, Athens-Clarke County [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/jobs Applicants interested in positions with ACCGov can apply online and Monday – Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at the Human Resoures Department in the Satula Building (375 Satula Avenue). Job listings are also available online and through e-mail/text notifications, as well as on ACTV and social media (see also: ACTV schedule on pg. 16). Employment, Summer (see: Summer Employment (ACC Leisure Services)) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 35 EMS (see: Emergency Medical Services (EMS)) Environmental Health Division (see: Health Department) Envision Athens www.envisionathens.com Envision Athens is a community-wide effort to develop a common vision for the future of Athens-Clarke County. This process resulted in a strategy to guide community and economic development for the next 20 years. Equalization, Board of [PHONE REDACTED] This three-member board is appointed by the Grand Jury to hear appeals on property values and exemptions. Members are appointed for three-year terms and answer to a Superior Court Judge. The independent board sets the date and time for hearings, hears evidence from both the taxpayer and the ACC Tax Assessors Office, and makes a decision on the value of the property/exemption. If either party disagrees with the decision, it may be appealed to the Superior Court. E-SPLOST [PHONE REDACTED] www.clarke.k12.ga.us The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) is a 1% sales tax approved by voters and operated by the Clarke County School District to build facilities and acquire technologies that support the educational process. Estates [PHONE REDACTED] The Estates Division of the Probate Court issues probate wills as required by law and deals with petitions involving estates, guardianship of person and property of minors, and incapacitated adults. Events, Special and/or Outdoor Any organized activity having as its purpose entertainment, recreation, and/or education (such as a festival, celebration, foot/vehicle race, parade, march, rally, or assembly) that takes place on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, or occurs on private property and impacts government services on public rights-of- way, must submit an application to the ACC Central Services Department at least 60 days in advance. All outdoor events with commercial entertainment or amplification must be registered with the ACC Police Department at least 72 hours beforehand. Registration for events falling during Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM, or Saturday and Sunday mornings, midnight – 7:00 AM, will not be accepted. Special event permit applications are available at the ACC website at www. accgov.com/centralservices (see also: Demonstrations; Picketing; ‘Picketing & Demonstrations’ ordinances on pg.10). Evictions www.accgov.com/evictions Owners or agents wishing to evict a tenant must first file a dispossessory warrant affidavit in the Magistrate Court. Dispossessory warrants are then served by the Sheriff’s Office (see also: Magistrate Court; Sheriff’s Office). Expungement (see: Second Chance Desk) Extension, ACC [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/extension 275 Cleveland Road ACC Extension’s mission is to respond to people’s needs and interests in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, landscaping, the environment, families, and 4-H/youth with unbiased, research-based education and information. It is the official educational arm of the University of Georgia and the US Department of Agriculture, but also a part of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (see also: Agriculture & Natural Resources; Food Preservation and Safety; Master Composter Program; Master Gardener Program; Master Naturalist Program; Radon Testing and Education; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)). F Family and Children Services, Division of [PHONE REDACTED] (Region 5: Athens) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Customer Contact Center) dfcs.georgia.gov 284 North Avenue The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) investigates reports of child abuse; finds foster and adoptive homes for abused and neglected children; issues SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and child care assistance to low-income families; helps out-of-work parents get back on their feet; and provides numerous services and programs to help families in need (see also: Medicaid). Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens [PHONE REDACTED] www.fc-cisofathens.org This partnership is designated the planning body for services for children and families in Athens-Clarke County and brings together more than 100 partners to address their needs. The goals are to improve child health, child development, school performance, family functioning, and family economic capacity. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 36 Family, Definition of Single-family dwelling units in Athens-Clarke County cannot have more than a certain number of unrelated individuals residing in them. The number depends upon the zoning classification for the property. For zoning information about a property, contact the ACC Planning Department ([PHONE REDACTED]). To report violations, contact the ACC Code Enforcement Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) (see also: ‘Single Family Housing’ ordinances on pg. 11). Family Treatment Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/ftc ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 115 The Athens-Clarke County Family Treatment Court is a program through Juvenile Court that aims to break the cycle of addiction and resulting neglect through monitored service delivery, limiting foster care stays for affected children, addressing and influencing substance abuse in deprivation cases in order to ensure the safety and well-being of children, and facilitating healthy family reunification (see also: Juvenile Court). Family Protection Center 2795 Lexington Road The Family Protection Center provides a single location/ facility for collaborative services between multiple agencies such as the GA Division of Family and Children Services, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Project Safe, the ACC Police Department, the Cottage, and the District Attorney that work with child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases. FBI (see: Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)) Federal Building (see: Robert G. Stephens Federal Building) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) [PHONE REDACTED] www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta 3000 Flowers Road S, Atlanta, GA 30341 FBI Atlanta covers the entire state of Georgia. Federal Court (US District Court) [PHONE REDACTED] www.gamd.uscourts.gov US Post Office and Federal Courthouse 115 East Hancock Avenue, 2nd Floor Athens is part of Middle District of Georgia, which has its main office in Macon ([PHONE REDACTED]). Federal Government Information (see: United States Government Information) Felony Drug Court (see: Drug Courts) Fences [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/planning Fence installation requires a Zoning Permit from the ACC Planning Department. Feral Cats (see: Cats) Film Office, Athens 706-613-FILM (3456) www.athensgafilmoffice.com The Athens Film Office, a function of the ACC Communications Department, assists productions looking to film in the area, works with local production- related resources and crew, promotes Athens as a filming location, and manages a local location directory. Athens-Clarke County is designated a Camera Ready Community by the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office. Filming (see: Film Office, Athens) Finance Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/finance Satula Building, 375 Satula Avenue The ACC Finance Department directs the financial operations and activities of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. The divisions are Accounting, Financial Services, and Purchasing (see also: Budget, Athens-Clarke County; Purchasing). Fingerprinting The ACC Police Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) and ACC Sheriff’s Office ([PHONE REDACTED]) offer fingerprinting services for a fee to residents applying for jobs. Fire Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/fire The ACC Fire Department is a progressive and responsive department dedicated to the preservation of life and property through prevention, education, mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery programs (see also: Burning; Fire Marshal; Fire Reports). • Administration / Station #1 – 700 College Avenue • Station #2 – 265 Cleveland Road • Station #3 – 1198 South Milledge Avenue • Station #4 – 900 Oglethorpe Avenue • Station #5 – 1090 Whit Davis Road • Station #6 – 580 Athena Drive • Station #7 – 2350 Barnett Shoals Road • Station #8 – 3955 Jefferson Road • Station #9 – 1650 Danielsville Road • Fire Training Center – 155 Paradise Boulevard ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 37 Fire Hydrants [PHONE REDACTED] (Waterline Maintenance) ACC Public Utilities Department Fire Marshal [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/fire The ACC Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office manages fire inspections/investigations; promotes fire safety through code enforcement; reviews and approves building construction plans; issues permits; and directs fire safety education programs. Fire Reports [PHONE REDACTED] Available at the ACC Fire Department Headquarters (700 College Avenue) for a fee. Firearms Permit (see: Weapons Carry License) Firefly Trail [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/firefly The Firefly Trail is a planned 39-mile rail-trail from Athens to Union Point in Northeast Georgia, connecting Athens-Clarke, Oglethorpe, and Greene Counties. In Athens-Clarke County, 3 miles along the historic Georgia Railroad corridor between East Broad Street, Winterville, and the county line have been completed or are under development. In Athens-Clarke County, the Firefly Trail is administered and maintained by the ACC Leisure Services Department. Fires (see: Burning) Fireworks Fireworks are restricted by state law and the local noise ordinance. State law permits fireworks after 10:00 AM for the last Saturday and Sunday in May (Memorial Day weekend), July 3 and 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), and on December 31 (New Year’s Eve) through 1:00 AM on January 1. On all other days, fireworks are prohibited before 10:00 AM by state law and prohibited if they can be heard more than 100 feet from the place or property line between 10:00 AM and 11:59 PM by the local noise ordinance. State law also governs most other fireworks restrictions, including prohibiting their use while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or within 100 yards of certain locations such as health care facilities, gas stations, or hospitals. Fishing (ACC Leisure Services areas) www.accgov.com/fishing Fishing is allowed along the Greenway and at Ben Burton Park, Dudley Park, Memorial Park, and Sandy Creek Park with a valid Georgia fishing license (see also: Fishing and Hunting Licenses). Fishing and Hunting Licenses [PHONE REDACTED] www.georgiawildlife.com The GA Department of Natural Resources administers hunting and fishing licenses and regulations. Licenses are available over the phone, online, and at local retailers (see also: Hunter Education). Fleet Management [PHONE REDACTED] 225 Newton Bridge Road The Fleet Management Division of the ACC Central Services Department maintains ACCGov vehicles. Flooding / Flood Plains • Street flooding – 911 or Streets and Drainage Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Parks / Greenway and Firefly Trail / other trails – ACC Leisure Services Trails & Open Space Office ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Private property – Flood issues are generally the responsibility of the property owners. The Stormwater Management Program (706-613- 3440) may be able to provide some guidance on remedies if stormwater-related. For flooding related to broken water pipes, contact Public Utilities (706- 613-3495) if the break is on the street side of the meter or a private plumber if the break is on the private property side of the meter. For flood map information, visit www.fema.gov/flood-maps. Flu Shots [PHONE REDACTED] GA Health Department Main Office 345 North Harris Street Flu shots are administered to the public by the GA Health Department and private retailers and physicians. Food Banks • Athens Area Emergency Food Bank – [PHONE REDACTED] www.athensfoodbank.org 640 Barber Street • Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – [PHONE REDACTED] (Referral Line) www.foodbanknega.org 890 Newton Bridge Road Food Education (see: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)) Food Preservation and Safety [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension answers questions and provides instructions to residents in food safety and proper preservation of foods through canning, freezing, and dehydration (see also: Extension, ACC). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 38 Food Scraps [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7878 www.accgov.com/foodscraps The ACC Solid Waste Department offers drop-off for food scraps and compostable products (paper plates, napkins, clamshells) for composting at several public locations for Athens-Clarke County residents. The department also offers collection of food scraps for commercial businesses, nonprofits, and organizations in Athens-Clarke County (see also: Compost). Food Stamps (see: Family and Children Services, Division of) Food Trucks [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Central Services Department Food trucks and other mobile food vendors can provide food for sale to the general public in specific areas and at certain times once permitted by the ACC Central Services Department. Applications are available at www.accgov.com/centralservices. Foreclosure Auctions These are conducted by private banks and/or attorneys on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 AM on the steps of the ACC Courthouse. Announcements are placed in the legal organ newspaper prior to auctions (see also: Foreclosures; Tax Sale Auctions). Foreclosures [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 4 The ACC Clerk of Superior and State Courts records documents that pertain to foreclosures, but no information is provided over the phone. Contact a lawyer for information or with questions. A fee is charged for each copy of documents (see also: Foreclosure Auctions). Forester (see: Community Forester) Forestry Commission, Georgia 1-800-GA-TREES / [PHONE REDACTED] (County Chief Ranger – Crawford, GA) / [PHONE REDACTED] [Forester] www.gatrees.org 1055 East Whitehall Road The GA Forestry Commission houses the state’s County Forester office, the Urban and Community Forestry program, the Stewardship and Forestry Help programs, and some state-run forestry programs. The Fire Control office distributes area burn permits for limited burning, as most burning in Athens-Clarke County is prohibited by local ordinance (see also: Burning). Foster Homes / Foster Children www.homein5.net (see also: Family and Children Services, Division of) Freeport Exemption [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Tax Assessors Office Freeport exemptions in Athens-Clarke County allow 100% of the inventory of qualified manufacturers under certain conditions to be exempt from taxation. Future Land Use Map / Plan [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/compplan ACC Planning Department The Future Land Use Map is prepared as part of the Comprehensive Plan. It graphically displays the geographic arrangement of desired land uses for Athens-Clarke County. The Future Land Use Plan serves as a reference for evaluating land use decisions (see also: Comprehensive Plan; Development Standards; Zoning Code). G Gambling Helpline 800-GAMBLER ([PHONE REDACTED]) www.ncpgambling.org National Council on Problem Gambling Game Warden (see: Conservation Ranger (Game Warden)) Garage Sales [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Planning Department Garage sales are considered temporary, non- commercial activity conducted on the premises of a private residence for the purpose of the disposal of goods or belongings of the residents of the dwelling. Garage sales cannot be longer than two days and cannot occur more than twice in any 365-day period. Off-premises garage sale signs are not allowed and all signs should be out of the right-of-way. Garbage Bags, Downtown [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 6 ACC Solid Waste Department Clear garbage bags purchased from Athens-Clarke County are used for commercial and residential garbage collection and recycling in the Downtown Business District. Bags are available at the Athens Downtown Development Authority’s Parking Services Office (287 College Avenue), the ACC Solid Waste Department (725 ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 39 Hancock Industrial Way), and the ACC Water Business Office (124 E. Hancock Avenue). Bulk orders can also be delivered by the ACC Solid Waste Department. Garbage Collection [PHONE REDACTED] The ACC Solid Waste Department provides residential collection and disposal services for garbage and recycling within the Urban Service District. Various private haulers serve outside of this area. Additionally, the ACC Solid Waste Department provides commercial collection county- wide. A list of private haulers is available at www.accgov. com/privatehaulers (see also: Solid Waste). Gardener, Master (see: Master Gardener Program) Gardening Tool Bank (see: Tool Shed) Gardens, Community [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/planning ACC Planning Department Community gardens less than 1 acre in size are permitted in all zoning districts in ACC. To start a community garden on a vacant lot, a permit must be issued by the Planning Department and renewed annually. Community gardens on the same lot as a house, church, or commercial building need only zoning permits for any associated fences and/or sheds. Gas, Natural For gas leaks, call Atlanta Gas Light at [PHONE REDACTED] or call 911. Natural gas in Athens-Clarke County is provided by private companies regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). A list of certified gas marketers is available at the PSC website (www.psc.ga.gov). ACC Extension also provides consumer education for natural gas customers (see also: Extension, ACC; Public Service Commission). GBI (see: Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)) GDOT (see: Transportation, Georgia Department of) Georgia Access georgiaaccess.gov Georgia Access is an online platform that allows Georgia residents to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage from a variety of providers (see also: Medicaid; Medicare; Georgia Pathways to Coverage). Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) [PHONE REDACTED] www.gbi.georgia.gov 1170 U.S. Highway 29 North The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is an independent, statewide agency that provides assistance to the state’s criminal justice system in criminal investigations, forensic laboratory services, and computerized criminal justice information. Georgia Government Information 800-GEORGIA www.georgia.gov Georgia Legal Services Program [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens Regional Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Intake Line) www.glsp.org 1865 West Broad Street, Suite B Provides no-cost legal services for civil matters of those who cannot afford a lawyer. Individuals seeking criminal defense should contact the Public Defender’s Office (see also: Legal Aid and Assistance). Georgia Pathways to Coverage [PHONE REDACTED] pathways.georgia.gov Georgia Pathways offers healthcare coverage to residents who meet program requirements and are not otherwise eligible for traditional Medicaid. The program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (see also: Medicaid). Georgia Power (see: Electricity) Georgia State Patrol [PHONE REDACTED] (Post 32 - Athens) www.dps.georgia.gov 1505 U.S. Highway 29 North The GA State Patrol investigates traffic crashes and enforces traffic and criminal laws on the state’s roads. They do not issue driver’s licenses (see: Driver Services, Georgia Department of). Geospatial Information Office (GIO) (see: Budget and Strategic Analysis Department) GIS (see: Budget and Strategic Analysis Department) Glass Containers (see: Open Containers - Alcoholic) Government Information, Athens-Clarke County (see: Communications Department) Government Information, State (see: Georgia Government Information) Government Information, Federal (see: United States Government Information) Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs (see: Consumer Protection Unit) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 40 Graffiti Reporting / Removal [PHONE REDACTED] The ACC Transportation & Public Works Department handles graffiti removal on bridges, street signs, and some other public rights-of-way materials. Property owners are responsible for removal of graffiti on private property. Report persons who produce graffiti to the ACC Police Department. Grass Cutting, Public (see: Right-of-Way Maintenance) Green Life Awards [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/greenlife ACC Solid Waste Department The Green Life Expo and Awards is a community-wide celebration providing residents with the opportunity to increase their awareness of and interest in improving the environment of their house, yard, business, and community. Green Schools [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/greenschools The Green School Program is a project of the ACC Solid Waste Department’s Recycling Division, ACC Public Utilities Department’s Water Conservation Office, ACC Transportation & Public Works Department’s Stormwater Program, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, and ACC Planning Department’s Arborist. It assists schools with environmental education and improvement efforts that focus on conservation, preservation, and beautification. Greenway (see: Oconee Rivers Greenway) Grills (Multi-Family Housing) Charcoal and gas grills are prohibited on balconies and on ground level within 10 feet of combustible patios in multi-family housing. Contact the ACC Fire Marshal at [PHONE REDACTED] for details (see also: Fire Marshal). Guardian (see: Probate Court) Gun Permit (see: Weapons Carry License) Gymnastics (see: Bishop Park) H Habitat for Humanity, Athens Area [PHONE REDACTED] (Main Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens ReStore East) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens ReStore West) www.athenshabitat.com 532 Barber Street (Main Office / ReStore East) / 4125 Atlanta Highway (ReStore West) Athens Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of substandard housing in Clarke, Oconee, and Oglethorpe counties. The Habitat ReStore takes new and used home furnishings and sells them at up to 90% off retail cost. All funds raised support Athens Habitat in its continuing effort to eliminate poverty housing in the community. Hancock Corridor Development Corporation [PHONE REDACTED] 300 Henderson Extension Handicap Permits (see: Disabled Person’s Parking Permit) Hands on Historic Athens [PHONE REDACTED] historicathens.com/hoha Hands on Historic Athens (HOHA) is a neighborhood revitalization initiative of Historic Athens that assists low- income homeowners with home maintenance projects in homes that are 50 years or older. The goal of Hands On Historic Athens is to keep neighborhoods intact through safe and habitable homes (see also: Historic Athens). HCD (see: Housing and Community Development Department (HCD)) Head Start [PHONE REDACTED] Clarke County School District Office of Early Learning 440-2 Dearing Extension Head Start exists to promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low income families. Health Centers, Athens Neighborhood www.anhc.clinic These private, non-profit health center clinics were established in 1971 to provide low-cost health care. • 675 College Avenue – [PHONE REDACTED] • 402 McKinley Drive (Miriam Moore Community Center) – [PHONE REDACTED] • Hilsman Health Clinic - 870 Gaines School Road (Hilsman Middle School) – [PHONE REDACTED] For students and staff during the school year. When school is on break, it is open to the community. • After-hours (existing patients) – [PHONE REDACTED] Health Department, Clarke County www.publichealthathens.com The county Health Department is funded by the Georgia Department of Public Health and is part of the 10-county Northeast Health District. It provides a range of health services to ACC residents, including women’s health, child health, school health, disabled children’s ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 41 services, communicable disease control, chronic disease services, dental health, environmental health, nutrition services, vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and health education (see also: Babies Can’t Wait; Birth Certificates; Death Certificates; Restaurant Inspections; Teen Matters). • Health Information Line – [PHONE REDACTED] • Main Health Department – [PHONE REDACTED] 345 North Harris Street • Environmental Health Division – [PHONE REDACTED] 183 Paradise Boulevard, Suite 104 • Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Clinic – [PHONE REDACTED] 645 Meigs Street • Vital Records – [PHONE REDACTED] 345 North Harris Street Health Insurance (see: Medicaid, Medicare, Georgia Access, Georgia Pathway to Coverage) Heard Park and Community Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/heardpark 400 McKinley Drive Formerly known as East Athens Community Center, this facility is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. It is equipped with a gymnasium, full-service kitchen, multi-purpose room, resource library, computer lab, game room, sports fields, swimming pool, pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, and playground. It offers year-round programs for children and adults. Hearings Board [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/planning ACC Planning Department The ACC Hearings Board reviews applications for variances that are not subject to the regular staff review process. The board also hears appeals of Planning Department staff decisions or interpretations of zoning- related requirements. Heating Assistance (see: ACTION, Inc.) Hiking (see: Trails) Historic Athens [PHONE REDACTED] www.historicathens.com Firehall No. 2, 489 Prince Avenue Historic Athens, formerly the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, is a non-profit organization concerned with the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage. It also operates the Athens Welcome Center (see also: Welcome Center, Athens). Historic Preservation www.accgov.com/hpc The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is an independent commission that makes recommendations to the Mayor and Commission for the designation of specific places, districts, sites, buildings, structures, objects, or works of art that are determined to be historically significant. The HPC also reviews plans for exterior changes to properties designated under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Historic Preservation Planner at the ACC Planning Department serves as staff to the HPC (see also: Boards, Authorities, and Commissions; Historic Athens; Planning Department). Historical Information (see: Records, Historical) Historical Markers [PHONE REDACTED] (Atlanta Office) www.georgiahistory.com The Georgia Historical Society manages the Historical Marker program for Georgia. Holland Youth Sports Complex [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (After 4:00 PM) www.accgov.com/holland 250 Vincent Drive This facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department opened in 1993 and is named in honor of former Clarke County Commission Chairman Jim Holland. The facility has seven baseball fields and four soccer fields. Home Economist (see: Extension, ACC) HOME Investment Partnerships Program [PHONE REDACTED] HOME funds come from federal grants administered locally by the ACC Housing and Community Development Department and fund single-family housing construction. Homeless Services • Athens Homeless Coalition • Bigger Vision of Athens – [PHONE REDACTED] www.bvoa.org 95 North Avenue • Homeless Day Service Center – [PHONE REDACTED] www.advantagebhs.org/homeless-services.cms 240 North Avenue • Homeless Shelter, Athens Area – [PHONE REDACTED] www.helpathenshomeless.org 620 Barber Street Shelter and housing programs for families with dependent children. • Salvation Army – [PHONE REDACTED] southernusa.salvationarmy.org/athens 490 Hawthorne Avenue ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 42 Homestead Exemptions [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tc The ACC Tax Commissioner’s Office allows for a homestead exemption to be granted to residents who own their homes/land on the first day of each year for tax purposes, as well as a low-income exemption for those who qualify. Each county in Georgia sets its own exemptions. Homeowners may file an application for homestead exemption any time during the year. However, applications must be filed by April 1 for property owned as of January 1 of the taxable year in order to have the exemption apply to the current year’s tax bill (see also: Tax Commissioner). Hospitals (see: Piedmont Athens Regional; Saint Mary’s Hospital) Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/hcd Costa Building, 133 East Washington Street, 2nd Floor The ACC Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) strives to improve and develop viable neighborhoods by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunity for low- to moderate-income individuals. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) [PHONE REDACTED] / 800-CALL-FHA ([PHONE REDACTED]) www.hud.gov Five Points Plaza 15th Floor 40 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Housing Authority, Athens (AHA) [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenshousing.org 300 South Street The AHA is a dependable source of safe and affordable housing for the elderly, disabled individuals, working families, and families in transition. Rents in AHA neighborhoods are income-based. The AHA also provides opportunities for affordable home ownership through ACT I Homes. Housing Choice Voucher Program [PHONE REDACTED] (Application Assistance Hotline) / [PHONE REDACTED] www.dca.ga.gov GA Department of Community Affairs (Northern Office) 60 Executive Park S NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 Sometimes referred to as Section 8 Rental Assistance, this is a tenant-based assistance program that assists low-income individuals and families to rent safe, decent, and sanitary dwelling units in the private rental market (see also: Community Affairs, GA Department of (DCA)). Howard Park and Community Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/howardpark 291 Henderson Extension Formerly known as Park, this 6-acre park is a facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department and includes an athletic field, basketball courts, playground, swimming pool, splash pad, and a community center. The center offers year-round programming, including an afterschool program and summer camp. HUD (see: Housing and Urban Development (HUD)) Human Resources Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/hr Satula Building, 375 Satula Avenue The ACC Human Resources Department provides personnel support services to the various departments and agencies of the Unified Government. Job listings can be viewed on ACTV and browsed online (see also: ACTV schedule on page 16; Employment, Athens-Clarke County). Humane Society, Athens Area [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenshumanesociety.org 1030 Mitchell Bridge Road The Athens Area Humane Society (AAHS) is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and medical treatment for unwanted and abandoned animals of the community while finding them homes. The AAHS also runs the Athens Regional Spay & Neuter Center (see also: Animal Services Department; Adoption, Animal; Cats). Hunter Education [PHONE REDACTED] www.georgiawildlife.com The Hunter Education System is managed by the GA Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Hunting (see: Fishing and Hunting Licenses; Hunter Education) I ICE (see: Immigration) Identification Cards (see: Driver Services, Georgia Department of) Identity Theft consumer.georgia.gov (see also: Police; Consumer Protection Unit) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 43 Immigration • US Citizenship and Immigration Services Atlanta Field Office – [PHONE REDACTED] (Customer Service) www.uscis.gov 2150 Parklake Drive Atlanta, GA 30345 • US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Atlanta Field Office – [PHONE REDACTED] www.ice.gov 180 Ted Turner Drive SW, Suite 522, Atlanta, GA 30303 Incident Reports (see: Accident Reports) Inclusion Office (see: People and Belonging Department) Income Tax (see: Tax, Income) Indigent Defense (see: Public Defender) Information, Athens-Clarke County Government (see: Communications Department) Information, Georgia State Government (see: Georgia Government Information) Information, United States Government (see: United States Government Information) Information Technology Department [IT] [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/it 596 Prince Avenue The ACC Information Technology Department provides high quality computer services, state-of-the-art computer networks and software applications, reliable equipment and system access, proficient technical support, and assistance that encourages the application of technology to improve the efficiency and productivity of Athens-Clarke County operations. Inmates, Jail (see: Jail) Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] www.oci.ga.gov Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [PHONE REDACTED] (Assistance for Individuals) www.irs.gov Internships with Athens-Clarke County www.accgov.com/internships Internship opportunities are available to students with a number of ACCGov departments including the Budget and Strategic Analysis Department, Planning Department, Communications Department, Finance Department, Leisure Services Department, Operational Analysis Office, Manager’s Office, People and Belonging Department, Planning Department, Solid Waste Department, Transportation and Public Works Department, and various Courts (see also: individual department entries). J Jail [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/jail 3015 Lexington Road The ACC Jail is operated by the Sheriff’s Office as a temporary holding facility for persons arrested for criminal offenses or local ordinance violations; persons being held for probation/parole violation, contempt of court, or offenses committed in another county or state; and offenders sentenced to incarceration in the jail or another correctional facility. A list of inmates and recently arrested individuals can be found on the ACC website. The ACC Jail Commander can schedule tours of the jail for groups. Video visitation details: • 9:00-11:00 AM • 1:00-4:00 PM • 6:00-9:00 PM All visitations, except for professional visits (attorneys, judicial needs, etc.) are through internet video. No public visitation services are available through the jail lobby. Inmates must be processed through intake before they may have online visits. This process may be up to 24 hours from the time they are booked in the jail. Jobs, Area (see: Labor, Georgia Department of) Jobs, Summer with Athens-Clarke County (see: Summer Employment (ACC Leisure Services)) Junior Deputy [PHONE REDACTED] The Sheriff’s Office will come to schools or groups to discuss drugs, crime, and how to be a good citizen. Junior Deputy badges are presented to the group. Juneteenth [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/juneteenth Community celebration to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. Junk Vehicles (see: ‘Junk Vehicles’ ordinances on pg. 11) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 44 Jury Call-In [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/jury Superior Court juries only. Jurors may enter the Courthouse parking deck on Hancock Avenue between Jackson Street and Thomas Street. To speak with someone concerning jury duty, call the Clerk of Superior and State Courts at [PHONE REDACTED]. Juvenile Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/juvenilecourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 115 Juvenile Court has original jurisdiction over cases involving deprivation, delinquency, or unruliness concerning children under 17, except certain offenses excluded by statute. The Family Treatment Court and Peer Court are also part of the Juvenile Court (see also: Court Administrator; Family Treatment Court; Peer Court). K Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7879 www.accgov.com/kaccb 725 Hancock Industrial Way The mission of Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is to educate and empower residents and businesses with the resources to take action as environmental stewards of litter prevention, waste reduction, and beautification. Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful administers several community programs such as Adopt Athens, Adopt-A-Highway, the Athens Tool Shed, Christmas Tree Recycling, Green Schools, the Litter Hotline, Loop 10 daffodil plantings, MLK Day of Service, neighborhood clean-up initiatives, Rivers Alive, school gardens, and more (see also: Adopt Athens; Green Schools; Litter; Rivers Alive; Tool Shed). L Labor, Georgia Department of [PHONE REDACTED] dol.georgia.gov 150 Evelyn C. Neely Drive The GA Department of Labor provides services to job seekers and employers, including administering Georgia’s unemployment insurance, employment service, and vocational rehabilitation programs; providing workforce information to the public and private sectors; inspecting boilers, pressure vessels, and amusement park and carnival rides; and overseeing child labor issues. Lake Chapman [PHONE REDACTED] 400 Bob Holman Road This 260-acre lake is located inside of Sandy Creek Park and is managed by the ACC Leisure Services Department. Lake Chapman provides amenities including fishing, a boat ramp, swimming, and seasonal boat rentals. A $2 per person entry fee is charged for all visitors ages 4-64 (see also: Sandy Creek Park). Land Trusts • Athens Land Trust – [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenslandtrust.org 685 N. Pope Street Promotes quality of life through integration of community and the natural environment by preserving land, creating energy-efficient and affordable housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods. • Oconee River Land Trust – [PHONE REDACTED] www.oconeeriverlandtrust.org 675 Pulaski Street, Suite 2300 Conserves natural lands to protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, and enhance quality of life. Landfill [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 8 (Tours) www.accgov.com/landfill 5700 Lexington Road The Municipal Solid Waste Landfill is a division of the ACC Solid Waste Department that accepts waste, scrap metal, scrap tires, leaf and limb materials, and recyclable materials (including electronics, grease, hardback books, and clothing/textiles) from ACC residents. It is open Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, and Saturday, 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM, except for holidays. All garbage must be bagged or covered. The landfill also sells compost (see also: CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Compost; Leaf and Limb Pick-Up; Recycling; Solid Waste). Landlord and Tenant Rights and Issues [PHONE REDACTED] (GA Dept. of Community Affairs) www.dca.ga.gov / www.accgov.com/landlord The GA Department of Community Affairs provides the Landlord Tenant Handbook to answer questions and describe the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 45 Landmark Trees [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Central Services Department – Landscape Management Division Healthy trees meeting certain criteria can be designated as community resources. Landscape Management Division [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/landscape 2555 Lexington Road The Landscape Management Division of the ACC Central Services Department provides landscaping services to public buildings, parks, and rights-of-way in Athens-Clarke County. It is their responsibility to mow all public rights-of-way in Athens-Clarke County, with the exception of some state roads. Law Clinics (see: Legal Aid and Assistance) Law Library [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/lawlibrary ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 333 The ACC Law Library is available for public use and has a collection of state and federal code books, volumes of United States Reports and Supreme Court Reports, Georgia laws, legal digests, and legal It also has online computer research capabilities with resources from other jurisdictions, as well as Georgia. Lawns, Overgrown [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/codeenforcement Report overgrown lawns, yards, and lots to the ACC Code Enforcement Division for investigation. Lay Park and Community Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/lay 297 Hoyt Street This facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department opened in 1975. Lay Park features a gymnasium, full- service kitchen, multi-purpose room, resource library, computer lab, game room, sports fields, swimming pool, picnic shelter, fitness room, pickleball courts, and playground. The park offers year-round programs for children and adults. LEAD Athens [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens Area Chamber of Commerce) www.athensga.com/lead-athens-program LEAD Athens is a year-long program of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce designed to develop effective leaders committed to building a vibrant community. New applications are accepted each spring. Leaf and Limb Pick-Up [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 2 (Schedule Information) www.accgov.com/leaflimb ACC Solid Waste Department This service is provided countywide to all residents at no added cost on a regular cycle. The automated phone system provides current and upcoming pickup locations. Schedules and detailed information is also available online, through electronic subscriptions, and on ACTV (see also: Athens-Clarke County Leaf & Limb Collection on pg. 12; ACTV schedule on pg. 16). Leash Law (see: ‘Animal Services’ ordinances on pg. 10; Animal Services Department; Dog Parks) Legal Aid and Assistance (see: Access to Justice Initiative, Athens; Georgia Legal Services Program; Public Defender; UGA School of Law Clinics) Legal Organ Each county in Georgia has a newspaper designated as the official outlet for legal notices and other information. In Athens-Clarke County, it is the Athens Banner- Herald. Leisure Services Department [PHONE REDACTED] (Administration) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Public Information) www.accgov.com/leisure Administration – Allen House, 205 Old Commerce Road The ACC Leisure Services Department is responsible for the planning, development, and operation of parks, trails, the zoo, recreational and athletic facilities, visual and performing art facilities, natural resource facilities, and other educational and recreational programs at a variety of ACC facilities. These include: Athens Creative Theatre (ACT), Bear Hollow Zoo, Ben Burton Park, Bishop Park, Boulevard Woods Park, Dudley Park, East Athens Educational Dance Center, Firefly Trail, Heard Park and Community Center, Holland Youth Sports Complex, Howard Park and Community Center, Lay Park and Community Center, Lyndon House Arts Center, Memorial Park, Morton Theatre, North Oconee River Greenway, Reese & Pope Park, Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC), Sandy Creek Park, Satterfield Park, Southeast Clarke Park, the Tennis Center, and Walker Park. Library, Athens-Clarke County [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenslibrary.org 2025 Baxter Street Off-site Library Resource Centers are located at the Pinewoods Community Library and Education Center, Lay Park and Community Center, and Heard Park and Community Center. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 46 License, Alcohol (see: Alcohol Licenses) License, Business (see: Business Licenses) License, Driver’s (see: Driver Services, Georgia Department of) License, Fishing / Hunting (see: Fishing and Hunting Licenses) License, Marriage (see: Marriage License (Probate Court)) License, Weapons (see: Weapons Carry License) License Plates / Motor Vehicle Registration [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tagoffice Mitch Schrader Motor Vehicle Office, 3025 Lexington Road Liens [PHONE REDACTED] A lien is a claim or charge for payment of some debt, obligation, or duty. Liens are filed with the Clerk of Superior and State Courts, which is a public record office with all records available for viewing. Some lien index information is available at Lift Information [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/lift The ACC Transit Department provides The Lift for people with a mobility impairment that prevents them from using regular bus service. It is curb-to-curb transportation anywhere within one mile of an ACC Transit fixed bus route. Full details and applications for eligibility are available at ACC Transit or online (see also: Transit). Light Pollution Residents with questions about light pollution should contact the ACC Planning Department (706-613- 3515) first for information about the ordinance and its applicability. If it is determined that a potential violation has occurred, the ACC Code Enforcement Division will be notified. Linnentown www.accgov.com/linnentown Linnentown was an area in Athens bounded by Baxter Street, South Church Street, and South Finley Street displaced by the urban renewal process in the 1960s. In 2021, the Mayor & Commission approved a resolution in support of recognition and redress for Linnentown, its descendants, and local Black communities harmed by urban renewal. In 2023, a portion of South Finley Street was renamed Linnentown Lane. Litter www.accgov.com/reportlittering • Thrown from Vehicle – [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/litterhotline Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Litter Hotline If possible, report date, time, location, persons, item(s), as well as car make, model, color, and tag. • Private Property – [PHONE REDACTED] Code Enforcement Division www.accgov.com/codeenforcement Private property owners must keep lawns free of litter unless it is kept in a garbage can for pick-up. • Right-of-Way (see: Right-of-Way Maintenance) Low Income Homestead Exemption (see: Homestead Exemptions) Lyndon House Arts Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse 211 Hoyt Street This facility, purchased by the City of Athens in 1939, became a government-sponsored community arts center in 1973. As part of the SPLOST IV Program in 1999, the facility expanded to include galleries, artist studios, and a youth education wing. The campus of the Arts Center includes the historic Ware-Lyndon House Museum 1850) and the interpretive Victorian-styled garden. The Lyndon House Arts Center offers rotating art exhibits, youth and adult classes, and an open studio membership. The Lyndon House Arts Center is a facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department. M MACORTS [PHONE REDACTED] www.macorts.org MACORTS (Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Regional Transportation Study) is a cooperative transportation planning body for the urbanized area, which includes Athens-Clarke County and portions of southern Madison County and northern Oconee County. The ACC Planning Department is designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), one of fifteen MPOs in the state (see also: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)). Magistrate Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/magistratecourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 240 The ACC Magistrate Court provides assistance to the general public, police agencies, and attorneys in the ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 47 prosecution of criminal and civil cases in Athens-Clarke County. Official Code of Georgia, Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Section 15-10-2 sets forth jurisdiction of the court, with duties divided between the Civil, Criminal, and Bad Check Divisions. Additionally, marriages can be performed in this court (see also: Checks (Bad); Court Administrator; Evictions; Marriage License (Probate Court)). Managed Forest Project [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/managedforest This multi-generational project at Sandy Creek Nature Center demonstrates natural succession over the years in the Piedmont region of Georgia to help visitors see and experience the living forest first-hand (see also: Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC)). Manager [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/manager City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suites 301 & 303 The ACC Manager’s Office is responsible for the implementation of all policies, programs, contracts, ordinances, and resolutions as approved and directed by the Mayor and Commission. The office includes a Manager, Deputy Manager, and two Assistant Managers and performs the administrative functions of the government, which support the activities of the Mayor and Commission. The authority and responsibilities of the Manager are dictated by the ACC Charter (see also: Charter, Athens-Clarke County). Marriage License (Probate Court) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/marriage The ACC Probate Court provides marriage license applications, which list the requirements. A fee is charged and applicants for marriage must come into the office together. Other courts can perform ceremonies, although availability may be limited. Contact the Court Administrator at [PHONE REDACTED] for options. Marriage records are held in the Records Room of the ACC Courthouse (dated 1800s-1900s) or the Probate Court (see also: Magistrate Court; Probate Court; Weddings). Marshal, Fire (see: Fire Marshal) Master Composter Program [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension Upon completion of the program, volunteers use their knowledge to instruct others in the community on the value of compost and how to compost. Classes are offered annually beginning in February for 10 weeks. This program is a collaboration between ACC Extension and the ACC Solid Waste Department. Master Gardener Program [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension After completion of the program, participants lend their knowledge in the community through volunteer opportunities to educate others in horticultural topics including vegetable gardening, turfgrass, soils, fruits, and more. Classes run for three months and are offered annually beginning in January by ACC Extension. Master Naturalist Program [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension This adult environmental education program explores habitats, ecosystems, and the natural environments of Georgia through a combination of lectures and hands- on field studies. Classes are offered annually beginning in April for nine weeks by ACC Extension. Mayor [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/mayor City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suite 300 The Mayor is elected countywide for four-year terms for a maximum of two consecutive terms to serve as the head of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Chair of the Commission. The Mayor’s duties include setting the agenda for Commission meetings; recommending candidates for the ACC positions of Manager, Attorney, Municipal Court Judge, and Internal Auditor; and presenting the budget (see also: Athens- Clarke County Mayor & Commission on pg. 7; Budget, Athens-Clarke County). Meals on Wheels (see: Council on Aging, Athens Community) Medicaid [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Georgia Department of Community Health) medicaid.georgia.gov / www.medicaid.gov Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps many people who can’t afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills. It is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (see also: Georgia Pathways to Coverage). Medicare [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 4 (State Health Insurance Assistance Program - SHIP) / [PHONE REDACTED] (800-MEDICARE) aging.georgia.gov/georgia-ship / www.medicare.gov Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 48 Medication Disposal [PHONE REDACTED] Police Department East Precinct, 3035 Lexington Road A prescription medication drop box is located outside of the ACC Police East Precinct / Headquarters. Sharps and liquids are not accepted. Memorial Park [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/memorial 293 Gran Ellen Drive This 72-acre facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department houses Bear Hollow Zoo, Athens Creative Theatre’s Quinn Hall, and 1.5 miles of trail including the Fred Birchmore Trail. Other facilities include a lake, playground, swimming pool, dog park, and operations center (see also: Athens Creative Theatre (ACT); Bear Hollow Zoo). Mental Health Court (see: Treatment and Accountability Court (TAC); Veterans Court) Mental Health Services (see: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) Mentor Program [PHONE REDACTED] www.clarkecountymentorprogram.org A partnership between the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and the Clarke County School District pairing trained community volunteers with local public school children. Mercy Health Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.mercyhealthcenter.net 700 Oglethorpe Avenue, Suite C7 Mercy Health Center provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for low-income uninsured people in the Athens area. Metal, Scrap (see: Landfill; Recyclable Items in Athens- Clarke County) Meters, Parking (see: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS)) Meters, Water [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Public Utilities – Meter Management Millage Rate [PHONE REDACTED] The Commission sets the millage rate for the Athens- Clarke County Unified Government annually. Other entities such as the State of Georgia and Clarke County Board of Education set additional millage rates. The millage rates are fractional multipliers that help determine the tax rate of property. A tax rate of one mill represents a tax liability of $1.00 per $1,000.00 of assessed value. The ACC Tax Assessor’s Office performs all tax assessments, while the ACC Tax Commissioner’s Office calculates the tax bill and collects it (see also: Homestead Exemption; Tax Assessor; Tax Commissioner). Miriam Moore Community Service Center [PHONE REDACTED] (East Athens Development Corp.) 410 McKinley Drive This neighborhood facility is located adjacent to the Heard Park and Community Center and houses facilities for the Athens Tutorial Program, the Athens- Clarke County Health Department, the East Athens Neighborhood Health Center, and the East Athens Development Corporation (EADC). Mold Individuals with mold or suspected mold problems should visit www.epa.gov/mold or www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/ housing or contact ACC Extension ([PHONE REDACTED]) for information about remedies and removal. Some private companies also work with mold remediation. Morgue (see: Coroner) Morton Theatre [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Box Office) www.accgov.com/morton 195 West Washington Street The Morton Building was built in 1910 and houses the oldest surviving African-American built, owned, and operated vaudeville theatre in the United States. The building was saved by the nonprofit Morton Theatre Corporation in the late 1980’s and is still supported by them to this day. The 1987 voter-approved SPLOST program helped renovate the building for community use. The Morton is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a unit of the Arts Division of the ACC Leisure Services Department. Today, the Morton operates as a rental facility with multiple spaces including the 480-seat auditorium. The theatre has state-of-the-art theatrical equipment and box office capabilities allowing it to host events including live theatre, weddings, music concerts, worship services, dance performances, receptions, awards shows, pageants, community events, and more. Mosquito Control Program www.accgov.com/mosquito The Mosquito Control Program encourages residents to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water, picking up litter around property, and cleaning up excess vegetation overgrowth. Larvacide ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 49 briquets can be purchased at home improvement stores. More tips and contacts for specific areas are available online or by calling the ACC Communications Department ([PHONE REDACTED]). Motor Vehicle Registration (see: License Plates / Motor Vehicle Registration) Mountain Biking (see: Bicycle Facilities) Moving (to Athens) (see: Relocation Packet) Mowing (see: Landscape Management Division) MRF (see: Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF)) Multimodal Transportation Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/transit 775 East Broad Street / Hickory Street Connector The Multimodal Center is designed to connect people with a variety of transportation modes, including buses, pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. It also houses the ACC Transit Department’s administrative offices (see also: Transit). Municipal Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/municipalcourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 170 The ACC Municipal Court has jurisdiction in most misdemeanor traffic offenses. The court also has jurisdiction (with certain statutory exceptions) in misdemeanor offenses of underage possession of alcohol, possession of marijuana, and theft by shoplifting. The court handles local ordinance violations, including parking violations. N Name Change [PHONE REDACTED] Documents are filed with the Clerk of Superior and State Courts. An attorney’s services may be needed. National Do Not Call Registry [PHONE REDACTED] www.donotcall.gov This federal program allows residents to register home or mobile phones in order to limit telemarketing calls. Registration by phone requires calling the above number from the phone number being registered. National EMS (see: Emergency Medical Services) Nature Center (see: Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC)) Neighborhood Health Centers (see: Health Centers, Athens Neighborhood; Health Department) Neighborhood Notification Initiative (NNI) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/nni The Neighborhood Notification Initiative facilitates communication between neighborhood residents and developers regarding construction projects proposed in or adjacent to a neighborhood’s boundaries. One component of the NNI is an electronic mailing list that members of the public may sign up for to receive planning and development-related information for various geographic areas within the county, including commission districts, registered neighborhoods, and special interest overlays. Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (see: Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP)) Neighborhood Watch Program [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department – Crime Prevention Unit This program is designed to prevent crime in residential areas and is governed by residents being vigilant for persons, vehicles, or occurrences in their neighborhood that do not fit into the ordinary ebb and flow of the area. Neutering / Spaying Animals (see: Humane Society, Athens Area or call private veterinarians) NNI (see: Neighborhood Notification Initiative (NNI)) No Call List (see: National Do Not Call List) Noise (see: ‘Noise Ordinance’ on pg. 10) North Oconee River Greenway (see: Oconee Rivers Greenway) North Oconee River Park [PHONE REDACTED] (Trails & Open Space Office) Between Martin Luther King Boulevard & Willow Street This 20-acre park is a facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department. Northeast Georgia Regional Commission [PHONE REDACTED] www.negrc.org 305 Research Drive This agency, formerly the Regional Development Center (RDC), serves 12 counties and 54 municipal governments as a focal point for regional issues and as a resource for those governments in a variety of specialized areas. These include local government ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 50 planning, economic development, grant preparation and administration, job training, and aging services. Notary Public [PHONE REDACTED] (Notary Applications) The ACC Clerk of Superior and State Courts provides applications for potential applicants for Notary Public. A fee, notarized application, and two residents’ character witness statements are required. The ACC Clerk of Superior and State Courts does not notarize documents. Documents may be notarized by some banks, private companies, or individuals. NTMP (see: Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP)) Nurses’ Clinic (see Athens Wellness Clinic) Nutrition (see: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)) O Oconee Rivers Greenway [PHONE REDACTED] (Trails & Open Space Office) www.accgov.com/greenway The Oconee Rivers Greenway is a network of natural areas with the floodplains of the North Oconee River, Middle Oconee River, and Oconee River and their major tributaries as its core. The network includes a 7-mile system of river-oriented trails that connect the river corridors with adjacent parks and green spaces and natural and cultural resources in Athens-Clarke County. The greenway trail system has multi-use trails, street-based trails, canoe/kayak launches, and foot trails. The Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission provides oversight for project construction, program management, and the development of the countywide greenway master plan (see: North Oconee River Park; Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission). Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission www.accgov.com/orgc This independent commission is charged with developing the plan for a river-oriented greenway system within the county for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents. It is composed of 15 residents appointed by the ACC Mayor and Commission, five of whom are recommended by the President of the University of Georgia (see also: Boards, Authorities, and Commissions; Oconee Rivers Greenway). Open Containers (see: ‘Open Containers’ ordinances on pg. 11) Open Data Portal www.accgov.com/opendata The ACC Open Data Portal is a collection of publicly available datasets that are compiled and updated by departments in ACCGov. The Open Data Portal improves data sharing, data discovery, and downloading data. Open Records Request www.accgov.com/openrecords Records related to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government may be requested through an online form or by contacting the appropriate open records officer. Individual departments can also provide information about their open records officer and request process. Operational Analysis Office [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/oa City Hall, 301 College Avenue, Suite 202 The ACC Operational Analysis Office, previously known as the Auditor’s Office, conducts internal audits of the fiscal affairs and operations of departments, offices, and agencies of ACCGov. The office provides strategic planning, organizational analysis, feasibility and program evaluations, staffing reviews, and other services all with the intent of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations for the benefit of Athens-Clarke County. Ordinances www.accgov.com/code The ACC Commission approves all ordinances and changes to existing ordinances. Ordinances are contained in the Code of Athens-Clarke County, which is available for public viewing at the Athens-Clarke County Library and the ACC Clerk of Commission Office. Searchable ordinances and recently approved ordinances are available online (see also: Selected Ordinances on pp. 10-11). Organizational Development Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/od Satula Building, 375 Satula Avenue Organizational Development creates meaningful programs and learning experiences for ACCGov employees that promote strategic relationships across departments and supports the mission and goals of the organization. Outage, Power (see also: Utilities) • Georgia Power – [PHONE REDACTED] www.georgiapower.com • Jackson EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] www.jacksonemc.com • Rayle EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 51 www.rayleemc.com • Walton EMC – [PHONE REDACTED] www.waltonemc.com Outdoor Events (see: Events, Special and/or Outdoor) Outdoor Watering [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/publicutilities ACC Public Utilities Outdoor watering using a public water system is restricted year round in Athens-Clarke County by certain types of watering, as well as days and/or hours. These restrictions are consistent with Georgia’s Outdoor Water Use Rules. During times of drought, the schedule is updated as required by the GA Environmental Protection Division and local ordinances. Overgrown Yards / Lots (see Lawns, Overgrown) Overview Commission As mandated by the Charter, this Commission reviews the operation of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government every 10 years unless scheduled sooner by the Mayor and Commission. Members are appointed by a Grand Jury of the Superior Court. The next overview commission is scheduled for 2030. The ACC Operational Analysis Office provides staff support (see also: Charter, Athens-Clarke County; Operational Analysis Office). P Panhandling (see: Soliciting) Parade of Lights (see: Downtown Athens Parade of Lights) Pardons and Parole, Georgia Board of [PHONE REDACTED] (Parole Call Center) pap.georgia.gov The board is constitutionally authorized to grant paroles, pardons, reprieves, remissions, and commutations and to restore civil and political rights. Parental Accountability Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/pac The program is a joint effort of the GA Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services and Superior Court judges to offer an alternative to incarceration and to help chronic nonpayers of child support make regular payments. It uses community resources and judicial oversight to address barriers that keep parents from meeting their support obligations. Parking Decks (see: Decks, Parking) Parking, Metered (see: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS); Parking Tickets) Parking, Residential (see also: ‘Parking’ ordinances on pg. 11) • On-street residential parking permits: ACC Transportation and Public Works Department (706- 613-3440) • Residential parking on non-prepared surfaces in front or side yards adjacent to the public right-of-way: Report violations to the ACC Code Enforcement Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Acceptable parking surfaces: ACC Planning Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) Parking, Street • Metered spaces (see: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS); Parking Tickets) • On-street residential parking permits (see: Parking, Residential) • Ordinances (see: ‘Parking’ ordinances on pg. 11) • Yellow curb & signs (evaluation / maintenance): ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Traffic Engineering Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Yellow curb & signs (enforcement): ACC Police Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) Parking Tickets Parking tickets are either issued by Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS) or the ACC Police Department (see also: Downtown Athens Parking System (DAPS); Municipal Court). • DAPS-issued tickets can be paid: ◦In the DAPS offices (287 College Avenue) ◦By mail ◦Online through www.downtownathensga.org ◦Drop box outside DAPS office • ACC Police-issued tickets can be paid: ◦In Municipal Court ◦By mail ◦Online through www.accgov.com/municipalcourt except for certain citations that require a court appearance Parks (see: Leisure Services Department) Parole (see: Pardons and Parole, Georgia Board of) Passports [PHONE REDACTED] www.travel.state.gov Forms are available at the Athens Main Post Office (575 Olympic Drive), UGA Passport Services (45 Baxter Street), and the Athens-Clarke County Library (2025 Baxter Street). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 52 Pauper’s Grave [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Central Services Department Pavement Maintenance Program [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/paving This program of the ACC Transportation and Public Works Department addresses the maintenance needs of the ACC public roadway system. Specific roadways are determined by assessed pavement conditions and the final list for each year’s project is determined by available funding. Roadways and/or treatments may be revised during construction if funding and/or other circumstances dictate. People and Belonging Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/belonging The People and Belonging Department, formerly the Inclusion Office, focuses on the value of differences, makes room for more voices, and aims to close the gaps as ACCGov delivers services, administers programs, and stewards public resources. Permits • Building (see: Building Permits and Inspections Department) • Film (see: Filming) • Parking (see: Parking, Residential) • Road Closure and Right of Way Encroachment (see: Traffic Engineering) • Special Events (see: Events, Special and/or Outdoor) • Vendors (see: Vending) Personal Property [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Tax Assessors Office Business personal property includes furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, and inventory of a business that may be taxable. Personal property also includes boats and aircraft (see also: Freeport Exemption). Personnel (see: Human Resources Department) Pétanque www.accgov.com/sports Pétanque (pay-tonk) is an international French sport related to Italian bocce ball for teams of two or three, played by rolling or throwing metal balls at a smaller wooden target ball. Courts are available at Lay Park. Picketing (see: ‘Picketing & Demonstrations’ ordinances on pg. 11) Pickleball www.accgov.com/sports Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The ACC Leisure Services Department maintains pickleball courts or combined tennis/pickleball courts at Bishop Park, Heard Park and Community Center, Lay Park and Community Center, Satterfield Park, and Southeast Clarke Park. Picnic Shelters (Parks) www.accgov.com/picnic Picnic shelters are available for use and/or rental at a number of ACC public parks. Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.piedmont.org/athens 1199 Prince Avenue Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is a 427-bed non-profit hospital and regional referral center serving a 17-county service area in Athens and northeast Georgia. It offers a Level 2 Trauma Center, Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and urgent care centers. Pinewoods Community Library & Education Center [PHONE REDACTED] 1465 Highway 29 North Lot F-14 Part of the Athens Regional Library System (see also: Library, Athens-Clarke County). Planning Commission www.accgov.com/planning This independent commission makes recommendations to the Mayor and Commission related to zoning, land use regulations, subdivision regulations, and public improvements necessary to implement plans. The commission meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Dougherty Street Governmental Building and schedules work sessions as needed (see also: Boards, Authorities, and Commissions). Planning Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/planning 120 West Dougherty Street The ACC Planning Department effectively manages community change in both the short and long term with regard to land use, transportation, historic preservation, and overall community development in order to ensure that the natural and built environment of Athens-Clarke County are of the highest quality. The tools used in achieving this mission are the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood protection ordinance, street numbering ordinance, historic preservation ordinance, graphics ordinance, the Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Transportation Study ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 53 (MACORTS) area, and GIS (Geospatial Information Services) (see also: Comprehensive Plan; Development Standards; Future Land Use Map / Plan; MACORTS; Zoning Code). Plats [PHONE REDACTED] Property plat information is available through the Real Estate Division of the Clerk of Superior and State Courts (see also: Clerk of Superior and State Courts). Playgrounds (ACC Leisure Services) [PHONE REDACTED] (Report Maintenance Issues) www.accgov.com/playgrounds Playgrounds are available at these ACC public parks: • Bishop Park: Open daily • Heard Park and Community Center: Open daily • Lay Park: Open daily • Memorial Park: Open daily • Reese & Pope Park: Open daily • Howard Park: Open daily • Sandy Creek Park: Open Tuesday-Sunday • Satterfield Park: Open daily • Southeast Clarke Park: Open daily • Walker Park: Open daily • World of Wonder (WoW) Park at Southeast Clarke Park: Open daily Poison Control [PHONE REDACTED] www.poison.org For poison emergencies or questions requiring expert assistance. Call 911 if the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened. Police Department [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Non-Emergency After Hours) www.accgov.com/police The ACC Police Department strives to eliminate crime, fear of crime, and general disorder, while respecting the dignity and worth of all people and establishing an ethically based, problem solving partnership with the community. • East Precinct / Headquarters – [PHONE REDACTED] 3035 Lexington Road • West Precinct – [PHONE REDACTED] 3700 Atlanta Highway (Georgia Square Mall) • Downtown Substation – [PHONE REDACTED] 265 College Avenue • East Substation – [PHONE REDACTED] 385 Fairview Street • West Substation – [PHONE REDACTED] 1060 Baxter Street Police Academy, Community (see: Community Police Academy) Police Academy, Northeast Georgia (see: Public Safety Training Center Regional Police Academy) Police, UGA [PHONE REDACTED] police.uga.edu The University of Georgia Police Department is responsible for providing public safety services to the university community. UGA Police officers have jurisdiction on campus and can, if necessary, enforce state laws within 500 yards of campus. Pools, Permitting and Testing The ACC Building Inspections Department (706-613- 3520) issues building permits for pools, while the GA Health Department’s Environmental Health Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) handles public pool testing. Pools, Public www.accgov.com/aquatics The ACC Leisure Services Department owns and operates five pools located at Bishop Park, Heard Park and Community Center, Howard Park, Lay Park Community Center, and Memorial Park during the summer months. See individual park and community center entries for addresses and phone numbers (see also: Splash Pads). Posting Handbills / Notices / Posters (see: ‘Posting Handbills / Notices / Posters’ ordinances on pg. 10) Post Office [PHONE REDACTED] (Metro Area Main Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] (800-ASK-USPS) www.usps.com 575 Olympic Drive (Metro Area Main Office) Potholes • Locally-Maintained Roads – [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation & Public Works • State-Maintained Roads – [PHONE REDACTED] GA Department of Transportation Power Outage (see Outage, Power) Pre-Trial Diversion [PHONE REDACTED] 265 East Hancock Avenue Program for first time offenders in Municipal and State Court (see also: Probation). Prison (see: Corrections Department) Probate Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/probatecourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 200 The Probate Court assists the public with the business ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 54 affairs of those who have died, or in dealing with family members who are mentally ill, alcoholic, drug- dependent, or otherwise incapacitated, while protecting people who are unable to protect themselves or their property. The court also conducts emergency evaluations for the mentally ill, issues marriage licenses, issues weapons carry permits, and provides a host of related services (see also: Court Administrator; Weapons Carry License; Marriage License (Probate Court)). Probation • Adult (Felony) – [PHONE REDACTED] GA Dept. of Community Supervision, 171 Old Epps Bridge Road • Adult (Misdemeanor) – [PHONE REDACTED] Athens-Clarke County Probation, 110 Bray Street • Juvenile (Class A & B) – [PHONE REDACTED] GA Dept. of Community Supervision, 171 Old Epps Bridge Road • Juvenile – [PHONE REDACTED] GA Dept. of Juvenile Justice, 550 Hawthorne Avenue • Pre-Trial Diversion – [PHONE REDACTED] Athens-Clarke County Probation, 110 Bray Street Proclamations [PHONE REDACTED] Individuals or groups seeking proclamations should contact the Mayor’s Office for details. Project Safe [PHONE REDACTED] (24-Hour Hotline) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Teen Text Line) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Business Line) www.project-safe.org Project Safe is non-profit organization working to end domestic violence through prevention and educational programs, crisis intervention, ongoing support services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, and advocacy/systems change work in the community. Project SHARE [PHONE REDACTED] (Salvation Army) www.accgov.com/projectshare The program helps those in the community who might experience days without water due to financial hardship. Customers can make donations through their water bill to assist their neighbors in need. Water customers in need of assistance apply to the local Salvation Army, which determines eligibility requirements and program recipients (see also: Salvation Army). Property Information (see: Property Values) Property Lines / Plats / Records (see: Deeds; Plats) Property Maintenance (Private Property) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/codeenforcement The ACC Code Enforcement Division enforces private property maintenance ordinances. Property Subdivision (see: Subdivision of Property) Property Surveys (see: Surveys, Land) Property Taxes The ACC Tax Commissioner’s Office ([PHONE REDACTED]) is responsible for billing and collecting property taxes. Property taxes are based on assessments from the ACC Tax Assessor’s Office ([PHONE REDACTED]) and calculated using millage rates. Both offices are located on the second floor of the ACC Courthouse at 325 East Washington Street (see also: Millage Rate). Property Values [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/taxassessor The ACC Tax Assessor’s Office appraises all property located in Athens-Clarke County at its fair market value to ensure taxpayers pay no more than their fair share of property taxes. Property appraisal values and other property information is available online or through public access computer terminals at the ACC Tax Assessor’s Office, Clerk of Superior and State Courts, and ACC Planning Department (see also: Tax Assessor’s Office). Protective Orders (see: Temporary Protective Orders / Temporary Restraining Orders) Protests (see: ‘Picketing & Demonstrations’ ordinances on pg. 11) Public Defender [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenspublicdefender.com 440 College Avenue, Suite 220 The Public Defender Office of the Western Judicial Circuit offers services to residents of Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties who need legal services but cannot afford to pay for the services of a private criminal attorney. Individuals seeking no-cost civil legal services should contact Georgia Legal Services (see also: Georgia Legal Services Program; Legal Aid and Assistance). Public Housing (see: Housing Authority, Athens (AHA); Housing Choice Voucher Program) Public Information Office (see: Communications Department) Public Interest Practicum (see: UGA School of Law Clinics) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 55 Public Library (see: Library, Athens-Clarke County) Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board (PSCOB) www.accgov.com/pscob PSCOB is a permanent oversight board of residents appointed by the Mayor and Commission that is charged with reviewing complaints and examining the policies/procedures of the ACCGov Corrections Department, Police Department, Probation Services, and Sheriff’s Office. Public Safety Training Center Regional Police Academy, Georgia [PHONE REDACTED] 155 Buddy Christian Way Public Service Commission [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Atlanta Office) www.psc.state.ga.us The Public Service Commission is responsible for gas, electric, telecommunications, household goods moving company, non-consensual towing, bus, motor carrier, and luxury limosine carrier issues throughout Georgia (see also: Gas, Natural; Utilities). Public Transportation (see: Bus Information; Lift Information; Multimodal Transportation Center; Transit) Public Utilities Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/publicutilities 124 East Hancock Avenue The ACC Public Utilities Department provides water distribution and collection services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers (see also: Bear Creek Reservoir; Project SHARE; Snipes Water Resources Center; Water Business Office (Billing)). Public Works (see: Transportation and Public Works) Publication Racks [PHONE REDACTED] The ACC Central Services Department manages publication racks in the downtown public areas. Purchasing [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/purchasing Satula Building, 375 Satula Avenue The ACC Purchasing Division of the Finance Department coordinates the procurement of goods and services for ACCGov. Purchasing also handles all bid information. Bid opportunities are also available online (see also: Bid Information). Q Quinn Hall (see: Athens Creative Theatre (ACT); Memorial Park) R Radon Testing and Education [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Extension Radon in homes can lead to lung cancer. Test kits are available at the ACC Extension office (see also: Extension, ACC). Raffles, Licenses for [PHONE REDACTED] Organizations wishing to hold a raffle must first contact the Sheriff’s Office to obtain a license. Rain Barrels [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 6717 The Stormwater Management Program provides rain barrel workshops to assist residents with building their own rain barrels. Rallies (see: ‘Picketing & Demonstrations’ ordinances on pg. 11) RDC (see: Northeast Georgia Regional Commission) Real Estate Records [PHONE REDACTED] Clerk of Superior and State Courts, ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 450 Some information such as ownership is also available online through the ACC Tax Assessor’s website at www.accgov.com/taxassessor. Record Restriction www.accgov.com/recordrestriction Formerly known as expungement, arrest record restriction allows certain records in some cases to be only viewed by those inside the judicial branch. Record restriction can be done at any time. In addition, the Solicitor General’s Office coordinates periodic no-cost record restriction events for Athens-Clarke County residents (see also: Second Chance Desk; Solicitor General). Records, Historical [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 150 The ACC Records Room houses historical information ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 56 Reese & Pope Park [PHONE REDACTED] [Recreation Administration] www.accgov.com/reeseandpope 375 Reese Street This 1.5-acre park is a facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department. It features a playground, basketball court, and pavilion with picnic tables. Regional Development Center (see: Northeast Georgia Regional Commission) Regional Youth Detention Center (Gainesville) [PHONE REDACTED] www.djj.georgia.gov 450 Crescent Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501 This GA Department of Juvenile Justice facility provides temporary, secure care and supervision to youths in Athens-Clarke County and other Northeast Georgia counties who are charged with crimes or who have been found guilty of crimes and are awaiting disposition of their cases by Juvenile Court. Relocation Packet [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenswelcomecenter.com The Athens Welcome Center provides a packet for pickup only that includes information for people who are considering moving to Athens-Clarke County. Rental Assistance (see: 211; United Way of Northeast Georgia) Rentals, Short Term (STR) www.accgov.com/str Short term rentals or short term vacation rentals – such as homes listed on websites such as Airbnb or VRBO – have restrictions based on their location and other factors. Additionally, they require Business Occupation Tax Certificates and local hotel motel excise tax fee payments. Contact the ACC Finance Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) for questions about tax certificates or payments or the ACC Planning Department (706-613- 3515) for questions about restrictions based on location. Renters Rights (see: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Issues) Reports, Accident and Incident (see: Accident Reports) Residency New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days and register with the ACC Elections & Voter Registration Department within 30 days of the next election to be considered a resident. Residency requirements for University of Georgia- related issues should be addressed with the appropriate University office. such as marriage licenses and wills from 1800 to the early 1900’s. Other information of interest to the public housed in the Records Room includes probate records such as estate and tax digests dating to 1801. Records, Open (see: Open Records Requests) Records, Real Estate (see: Real Estate Records) Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF) [PHONE REDACTED] 699 Hancock Industrial Way The RMPF opened in 1995 as the first public-private partnership facility of its kind in Georgia to process recyclable materials collected. The facility is owned by ACCGov and operated by a private partner. Recycling [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 8 www.accgov.com/recycling ACC Solid Waste Department – Recycling Division 725 Hancock Industrial Way Athens-Clarke County became Georgia’s first municipally operated curbside recycling program when it began in 1988. All private carriers are also required to offer recycling services. Free recycling drop-off centers are located throughout Athens-Clarke County as listed below (see also: CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF); ‘Disposal of Items in Athens-Clarke County’ on pg. 13; Solid Waste; Zero Waste Kits). Public Drop-Off Facilities • ACC CHaRM Facility 1005 College Avenue - limited hours • ACC Fleet Management 225 Newton Bridge Road • ACC Landfill 5700 Lexington Road - limited hours • ACC Recycling Facility 699 Hancock Industrial Way - limited hours • City of Winterville Public Works Corner of Church and Parkview • Fire Station #2 265 Cleveland Road • Fire Station #8 3955 Jefferson Road • Fire Station #9 1626 Danielsville Road • Jail Road and Lexington Road Behind ACC Tag Office lot Recycling Center (see: Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF)) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 57 Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP) [PHONE REDACTED] (Traffic Engineering) www.accgov.com/rtmp The purpose of the RTMP is to reduce accidents, traffic volumes, and/or speeds; thereby improving pedestrian safety and creating more pleasant neighborhoods for the residents of Athens-Clarke County. It considers a wide range of potential solutions to address specific concerns of a neighborhood. Restaurant Inspections [PHONE REDACTED] www.publichealthathens.com 183 Paradise Blvd., Suite 104 Inspections are performed by the GA Health Department’s Office of Environmental Health. Restraining Orders (see: Temporary Protective Orders / Temporary Restraining Orders) Revenue, GA Department of [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens Regional Office) / [PHONE REDACTED] 1047 Summit Grove Drive, Building 100, Suite 101, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Right-of-Way Maintenance The ACC Landscape Management Division (706-613- 3561) handles all litter pickup and maintenance of right- of-way areas belonging to Athens-Clarke County or some state routes by agreement. The GA Department of Transportation ([PHONE REDACTED]) maintains all other state routes. Right-of-Way Use [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Generally speaking, the right of way is considered area that allows legal use by the public and government for some activities. It is often referred to for areas along roadways, sidewalks, and other transportation corridors. The amount of right of way along these areas can vary greatly, even onto privately-owned property. Private property owners are encouraged to refer to their recorded property maps to see where any right of way extends and ends along their property. In some cases, rights of way may extend to the inner edge of sidewalks or even 10’ or more onto land adjacent to a street. There are regulations for use of right of way adjacent to their property. Permits are required for: • Potential threats to public safety • Obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic • Altering the roadway infrastructure • Excavation • Placing construction material, objects, structures or debris, other than leaf and limb materials for Solid Waste pickup Permits are not required for: • Grass and plantings, although ACC Landscape Management ([PHONE REDACTED]) should be contacted before installation. Plants selected must remain below a height of 2 1/2’ and fire hydrants must have 3’ radius of clearance. • Mailboxes • Leaf & Limb materials for Solid Waste pickup no more than 10 days before Monday of pickup week Items not allowed in the right of way: • Irrigation systems • Dumpsters, except for limited restricted areas by permit • Fences and walls • Basketball goals • Private signs • Storage units • Vending • Debris/materials in street gutters • Items that restrict stormwater. Some non- permanent options that channel stormwater through them may be allowed. Call for details. Rivers Alive www.accgov.com/riversalive Rivers Alive is an annual effort of Athens area volunteers and organizations to clean local rivers, lakes, and streams each fall as part of the continuing statewide campaign to clean and preserve Georgia’s rivers and streams. This event is part of the annual Georgia Waterway Cleanup, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Division Outreach Education Programs and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. Riverside Parks (see: North Oconee River Greenway) Road Work Reports Weekly notifications of road and lane closures from the ACC Transportation and Public Works Department’s Traffic Engineering Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) are listed at www.accgov.com/roadclosures. Some closures are also shown on ACTV (see also: ACTV schedule on pg. 16). Robert G. Stephens Federal Building 355 East Hancock Avenue The Federal Building contains federal government offices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture, US Army Recruiting, and GA Agricultural Statistics. Park (see: Howard Park and Community Center) RYDC (see: Regional Youth Detention Center (Gainesville)) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 58 S Saint Mary’s Hospital/Health Care System [PHONE REDACTED] www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org 1230 Baxter Street St. Mary’s Health Care System is a not-for-profit Catholic health care system that includes three hospitals, numerous physician practices, a medical residency program, home health care/hospice services, a retirement community, and outpatient services. Salvation Army [PHONE REDACTED] (Service Center / Lodge / Thrift Store) www.salvationarmygeorgia.org/athens 484 Hawthorne Avenue (see also: Homeless Services) Sandy Creek Nature Center (SCNC) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/scnc 205 Old Commerce Road This facility opened in 1977 and currently houses the Education & Visitor Center, Walker Hall, and over four miles of trails. It serves as the northern end of the greenway system. Programming and events are offered year-round, including summer camps and family programs. It is supported by Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., a non-profit support organization. This facility was built using recycled, recyclable, or energy efficient materials. The site features live animal and natural science exhibits and the Nature Playscape, an outdoor discovery area for children. The facility is operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department (see also: Managed Forest Project). Sandy Creek Park [PHONE REDACTED] 400 Bob Holman Road This 782-acre facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department provides year-round amenities including picnic shelters, large facility rentals, dog parks, disc golf, 16.7 miles of trails, playgrounds, and basketball courts. The 260-acre Lake Chapman provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. A $2 per person entry fee is charged for visitors ages 4-64 (see also: Lake Chapman). Satterfield Park [PHONE REDACTED] (Tennis Center) www.accgov.com/satterfield 2950 Cherokee Road This 13-acre facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department is named for the late Dr. Wayne Satterfield, a founding member of the Little League program in Athens. The park has five athletic fields, three tennis/ pickleball courts, a batting cage, and a playground. Satula Building 375 Satula Avenue This building houses ACCGov’s Finance Department, Human Resources Department, and Organizational Development Department. Schools (see: Clarke County School District) Second Chance Desk [PHONE REDACTED] (Georgia Justice Project) www.accgov.com/secondchancedesk Provides free legal advice and self-help assistance to residents of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties regarding criminal history for the purpose of restricting and sealing eligible criminal records. The Second Chance Desk is a partnership between the Georgia Justice Project, the Solicitor General’s Office of Athens- Clarke County, and the District Attorney’s Office for the Western Judicial Circuit (see also: Record Restriction). Section 8 Rental Assistance (see: Housing Choice Voucher Program) Septic Systems / Tanks Basic information about septic systems is available at www.accgov.com/septic or by calling the ACC Communications Department at [PHONE REDACTED]. For septic system inspections, plan reviews, maps, locations, service provider complaints, installation permits, and more detailed information, contact the GA Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at [PHONE REDACTED] or through dph.georgia.gov. Sewer Services (ACC System Broken Lines / Leaks) (see: Emergency Water or Sewer Service) Sex Offender Registry [PHONE REDACTED] The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is the central repository for Georgia’s Violent Sexual Offender Registry. A searchable online database for the state is available at www.gbi.georgia.gov and a listing of Athens-Clarke County offenders is available at www.accgov.com/sheriff. Sexual Assault Center (see: Cottage, The) Sheriff’s Office [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/sheriff ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 125 The Sheriff is responsible for the health and welfare ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 59 of jail inmates and the management of their property and money. The office serves criminal warrants, civil papers, and subpoenas; executes evictions; transports prisoners to court; extradites prisoners from other states to court; and provides security for the Athens-Clarke County jail and courthouse (see also: Courthouse (Athens-Clarke County); Courts, Athens-Clarke County; Evictions; Jail; Sex Offender Registry; Warrants). Short Term Rentals (see: Rentals, Short Term) Sidewalk Cafes (see: Cafes, Sidewalk) Sidewalks [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Streets and Drainage Division Sign Installation (Traffic) (see: Traffic Signal / Sign Installation / Repair) Sign Permits (Private Property) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/planning ACC Planning Department Signals, Traffic (see: Traffic Signal / Sign Installation / Repair) Sirens, Tornado [PHONE REDACTED] (ACC Emergency Management Agency) These 12 outdoor sirens located around the community are sounded only to alert the public when a tornado warning has been issued for Athens-Clarke County and during testing each year in February as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week or during other testing times. The sirens are designed to alert people outdoors at the time to seek immediate shelter and are not designed for notifying people already indoors. Skate Park (see: Southeast Clarke Park) Small Business Development Center (UGA) [PHONE REDACTED] www.georgiasbdc.org 382 East Broad Street Small Claims Court (see: Magistrate Court) Smoking Smoking, which also includes using electronic smoking and vaping devices, is prohibited in most enclosed public places and enclosed places of employment in Athens-Clarke County, with a few exemptions. Smoking is also prohibited in any park, youth sports complex, or recreation area owned, leased, or operated by Athens- Clarke County. Report any violations to the ACC Police Department at [PHONE REDACTED]. SNAP-Ed (see: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)) Snipes Water Resources Center [PHONE REDACTED] 780 Barber Street The Bobby M. Snipes Water Resources Center houses ACC’s water treatment and water reclamation laboratories, along with a public meeting room. Social Media Accounts (ACCGov) www.accgov.com/socialmedia ACCGov has a wide variety of social media accounts to keep residents and visitors informed. Social Security Administration [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Federal) www.socialsecurity.gov 1650 Prince Avenue Soil Testing (see: Extension, ACC) Soliciting Begging, panhandling, or soliciting for money or things of value is legal on most public property unless a person accosts another, forces themselves upon another, or acts in a boisterous, turbulent, or agitated manner. Report violations to the Police Department at 911 or [PHONE REDACTED]. Soliciting door-to-door requires a permit (see also: Door-to-Door Sales). Solicitor General [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/solicitor ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 550 The Solicitor General’s Office is the prosecuting attorney in State Court and the Athens-Clarke County and Winterville Municipal Courts. The Solicitor General decides on prosecution of all misdemeanor offenses occurring within Athens-Clarke County. Solid Waste Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/solidwaste 725 Hancock Industrial Way The ACC Solid Waste Department provides collection and disposal services that meet or exceed state standards and are responsive to the community’s health and sanitary needs. Solid Waste collects trash and recycling for residents and small- and large- sized community businesses (see also: Bulky Waste Collection; CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials); Garbage Collection; Landfill; Leaf and Limb Pick-Up; Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF); ‘Disposal of Items in Athens-Clarke County’ on pg. 13; Recycling; Selected Ordinances on pp. 10-11; Zero Waste Kits). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 60 Southeast Clarke Park [PHONE REDACTED] (Tennis Center) www.accgov.com/southeast 4460 Lexington Road This facility is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. It houses baseball and softball fields, a 1-mile walking track, soccer fields, 1.5 miles of nature trails, an off-leash dog park, the World of Wonder Park, a skate park, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and other amenities. Spanish Language / Translation Assistance (see: 211) Spaying / Neutering Animals (see: Humane Society, Athens Area, or call private veterinarians) Speakers’ Bureau (ACCGov) [PHONE REDACTED] Contact the ACC Communications Department to request a speaker from the Unified Government. Special Events Permits (see: Events, Special and/or Outdoor) Speed Humps (see: Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP)) Splash Pads www.accgov.com/splashpads Splash pads are outdoor water playgrounds located at Walker Park and Howard Park open in summer months. Each splash pad includes multiple elements that shoot water from the flooring as well as drop water from buckets from above. Water is recycled and reused through a filtering system (see also: Pools, Public). SPLOST [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/splost 125 West Washington Street, Suite 775 The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a 1-cent sales tax approved by voters that funds a variety of capital projects. An advisory committee oversees projects, which are managed by a private company contracted by Athens-Clarke County. Progress reports and other information is available online (see also: SPLOST & TSPLOST projects on pp. 14-15). Sports, Youth and Adult www.accgov.com/sports The ACC Leisure Services Department offers a variety of sports leagues and facilities. St. Mary’s Hospital (see: Saint Mary’s Hospital) State Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/statecourt ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 425 State Court has concurrent jurisdiction with Superior Court in civil actions except where exclusive jurisdiction is given to the Superior Court by the Georgia Constitution. State Court handles appeals from the Magistrate’s Court and has criminal jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases. The DUI Treatment Court is also part of State Court (see also: Clerk of Superior and State Courts; Court Administrator; Drug Courts). State Government Information (see: Georgia Government Information) State Patrol (see: Georgia State Patrol) Stormwater Management Program [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Billing Questions) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Hotline to Report Issues & Violations) www.accgov.com/stormwater The ACC Transportation and Public Works Department’s Stormwater Management Program goals are to alleviate flooding, reduce the discharge of harmful pollutants associated with stormwater runoff, and to protect the water quality of streams and rivers (see also: Rain Barrels). Stream Monitoring & Clean-Ups (see: Adopt-a-Stream) Street Addresses [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Planning Department Street Lights www.accgov.com/streetlights Most street lights are maintained by the company that provides electricity to them, except for some areas of downtown on East Clayton Street that are managed by ACCGov. For issues related to street lights, residents may contact the utility directly (see also: Outage, Power). Street Repair [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Streets and Drainage Division Subdivision of Property [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Planning Department Substance Abuse (see: Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) Summer Camps (see: Camps, Summer (ACC Leisure Services)) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 61 Summer Employment (ACC Leisure Services) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/jobs The ACC Leisure Services Department offers summer employment opportunities in athletics, natural resources, and recreation. Positions include summer camp management, camp counselors, and aquatics staff. Applications are usually accepted from mid- January until May or later, depending on the position. Superior Court [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Clerk of Superior Court) www.accgov.com/courts ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Third Floor The Superior Court has jurisdiction in divorce, felony, land-title, equity, adoption, and certain civil suits. Most Accountability Courts are also part of the Superior Court. The Western Judicial Circuit is comprised of Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County. This court also handles appeals from the Probate Court (see also: Accountability Courts; Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); Clerk of Superior and State Courts; Court Administrator; Drug Courts). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) [PHONE REDACTED] SNAP-Ed is a federally-funded program that helps families and individuals learn how to eat healthier meals and snacks, stretch food dollars, and reduce the risk of food- borne illness. Contact ACC Extension to arrange a class, obtain educational materials, or for more information. Surplus Items, ACCGov www.govdeals.com Surveys, Land Surveys can be provided by private companies. Athens- Clarke County does not provide survey services. Sustainability Department [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/sustainability 110 Bray Street The ACC Sustainability Department fosters stewardship of public resources and promotes innovative policies and practices to reduce ACCGov’s environmental footprint, grow the local economy, and protect ecosystem services by managing, protecting, and conserving natural resources. Swimming (see: Pools, Public; Splash Pads) T Tags, Vehicle (see: License Plates / Motor Vehicle Registration) TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (see: Family and Children Services, Division of) Tax Assessor [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/taxassessor ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 280 The ACC Tax Assessor’s Office appraises all property located in Athens-Clarke County at its fair market value to ensure taxpayers pay no more than their fair share of property taxes (see also: Property Values). Tax Commissioner [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] (Tag Office) www.accgov.com/tc • Main Office – ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 250 • Tag Office – 3025 Lexington Road The ACC Tax Commissioner’s Office is involved in the preparation of the digest, collection of ad valorem tax on real and personal property, disbursements of these collections to the levying authorities, and final audit of these transactions. The office also works with delinquent ad valorem taxpayers. For motor vehicles, the office registers and titles vehicles; collects and disburses related taxes and fees; advises taxpayers of legal means of transferring vehicle ownership and proper registration and titling procedures; and assists law enforcement in identifying vehicle ownership (see also: License Plates / Motor Vehicle Registration). Tax, Income • Federal (see: Internal Revenue Service) • State (see: Revenue, GA Department of) Forms may also be available at the Athens Regional Library or post offices (see also: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)). Tax, Property (Filing) [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Tax Commissioner Tax Sale Auctions [PHONE REDACTED] Tax sale auctions conducted by the ACC Tax Commissioner’s Office are held on the steps of the ACC Courthouse at 10:00 AM on the first Tuesday of each month. Listings of available properties are placed in the Athens Banner-Herald four weeks prior to the sale. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 62 Taxi Driver Permits [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Police Department Taylor-Grady House [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/taylorgrady 634 Prince Avenue This Greek revival home built in the mid-1840s was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It is owned by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and operated by an outside contracted organization for events and activities. Television (see: ACTV; Cable Television) Teen Matters www.teenmattersathens.com • 168 South Court – [PHONE REDACTED] • 1275 Cedar Shoals Drive – [PHONE REDACTED] A GA Health Department program for teenagers ages 11-19 that offers a variety of medical services, as well as health education programs, guidance counseling, and community involvement opportunities. Temporary Protective Orders / Temporary Restraining Orders [PHONE REDACTED] Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) and Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) are both filed through the Clerk of Superior and State Court. These two different types of orders are issued by a court restraining the conduct of a person and protecting a victim from the activities of an abusive person (see also: Clerk of Superior and State Courts). Tenant Rights (see: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Issues) Tennis Center [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tennis 4460 Lexington Road The facility accommodates year-round usage for open play, leagues, instructional programs, clinics, and tournaments. The center includes 12 lighted, hard-surface courts with viewing and staging areas, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and meeting space facilities. The center is a component of Southeast Clarke Park and maintained by ACC Leisure Services. Theatre, Public (see: Athens Creative Theatre (ACT); Morton Theatre) Therapeutic Recreation Programs [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tr ACC Leisure Services offers Therapeutic Recreation programs, services, and activities that are accessible to all individuals with disabilities. Leisure Services supports and encourages opportunities for inclusion in all programs. In addition, adaptive programs are available to provide individuals with disabilities a modified experience for recreational success. Thomas N. Lay Park (see: Lay Park and Community Center) Think at the Sink (see: Water Conservation Office) Tickets, Parking (see: Parking Tickets) Tickets, Traffic (see: Traffic Offenses; Municipal Court) Tip Line, Crime (see: Crime Reports) Tires, Scrap (see: Landfill) Titles, Mobile Home [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Tax Commissioner Titles, Vehicle [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Tax Commissioner Tool Shed [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 7872 www.accgov.com/toolshed ACC Solid Waste Department – Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful The Athens Area Tool Shed program offers a large inventory of tools ranging from gardening tools to renovation tools that can be borrowed for community improvement projects including school and community garden work, cleanups, invasive removal, and litter removal and beautification. Tornado Sirens (see: Sirens, Tornado) Tours • ACCGov Facility / Department Tours Tours can be arranged for groups at some ACCGov facilities and/or departments based on availability. See individual entries for contact info. • Historic Athens Heritage Tours – [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenswelcomecenter.com 290 E. Dougherty Street The Athens Welcome Center offers several different guided bus and walking tours. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 63 Towing For questions related to towing from public property, contact the Police Department. Non-consensual towing from private property is governed by state and local ordinances and overseen by the Public Service Commission (see also: Booting, Vehicle; Public Service Commission). Traffic Engineering [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Traffic Engineering Division Traffic Offenses [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Municipal Court Traffic Signal / Sign Installation / Repair [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Traffic Engineering Division Trail Ambassadors [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/trailambassadors Volunteer program centered on the trails and multi-use paths operated by ACCGov. Trail Ambassadors assist trail users through information, directions, and basic first aid, as well as helping Leisure Services staff monitor trail conditions and pick up litter. After attending an orientation with Trails and Open Space staff, volunteers are provided with an identifying green vest and a backpack with supplies. They are expected to maintain a presence on the trail of their choosing for at least four hours per month (see also: Volunteering; Trails). Trail Creek Park (see: Walker Park) Trails www.accgov.com/trails The ACC Leisure Services Department offers several choices of varying difficulties, including both paved paths and natural surface trails. Transit [PHONE REDACTED] (Bus Information) / [PHONE REDACTED] (Department Administration) www.accgov.com/transit Multimodal Transportation Center 775 East Broad Street / Hickory Street Connector The ACC Transit Department provides fare-free transportation service in Athens-Clarke County through fixed-route bus service and the Lift paratransit service (see also: Bus Information; Lift Information; Multimodal Transportation Center). Transition Center (see: Diversion Center) Translation, Spanish (see: 211) Transportation and Public Works Department www.accgov.com/publicworks • Main Office / Stormwater Management / Engineering – [PHONE REDACTED] 120 West Dougherty Street • Streets and Drainage Division – [PHONE REDACTED] 605 Spring Valley Road • Traffic Engineering Division – [PHONE REDACTED] 2795 Lexington Road The ACC Transportation and Public Works Department provides technical service for traffic operations systems, construction and maintenance of road systems, engineering inspection of public roads, sidewalks, and drainage facilities, and support services to other ACC projects involving public improvements (see also: Animal, Dead Removal; Drainage, Street; Graffiti Reporting / Removal; Parking, Residential; Parking, Street; Residential Traffic Management Program; Road Work Reports; Sidewalks; Stormwater Management Program; Street Lights; Street Repair; Traffic Signal / Sign Installation / Repair). Transportation, Georgia Department of [PHONE REDACTED] (Athens Area Office) / 511 (GA Travel Info) www.dot.ga.gov The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) plans, constructs, maintains, and improves the state’s roads and bridges; provides planning and financial support for other modes of transportation such as mass transit and airports; provides airport and air safety planning; and provides air travel to state departments. GDOT also provides administrative support to the State Tollway Authority, the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority, and the Georgia Southwest Rail Excursion Authority. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) [PHONE REDACTED] (ACC Planning Department] www.macorts.org The TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) is an annually-updated document that details funded transportation projects to be undertaken in the Athens Urbanized Area. The role of the TIP is to document the implementation of the short-range (four-year) elements of the Long Range (20-year) Transportation Plan. Although only federally-funded projects located within the urbanized area are required to be included in the TIP, all transportation projects are included for informational purposes (see also: MACORTS). Trash (see: Dumping, Illegal; Litter; Solid Waste) ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 64 Treatment and Accountability Court (TAC) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tac ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 580 The ACC Treatment & Accountability Court (TAC) targets individuals who are or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense stemming from their mental illness or mental disability. Many of these individuals have a co-occurring addictive disease. The Treatment & Accountability Court is administered by the Superior Court with assistance from the Probate Court (see also: Accountability Courts). Trees Best Management Practices for Community Trees is a 134-page technical guide to selecting, placing, conserving, protecting, maintaining, establishing, removing, and replacing trees in Athens-Clarke County. It is available from the ACC Community Forester and online at www.accgov.com/forester (see also: Arborist; Community Forester; Community Tree Council; Landmark Trees; Landscape Management Division; Trees, Fallen). Trees, Fallen / Leaning / Hanging • Blocking roadways due to storms: ◦ During business hours (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM) - 911 or the ACC Landscape Management Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) ◦ After 3:30 PM - 911 • Leaning or hanging trees (not yet fallen) - ACC Community Forester ([PHONE REDACTED]) • On public property or right-of-way - ACC Landscape Management Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) • On trail systems - ACC Leisure Services Trails & Open Space Office ([PHONE REDACTED]) TSPLOST [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/tsplost A Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) is a 1-cent sales tax approved by voters specifically for transportation purposes, including roads, bridges, public transit, rails, airports, buses, and all accompanying infrastructure and services necessary to provide access to these facilities (see also: SPLOST & TSPLOST Projects on pp. 14-15). U UGA (see: University of Georgia) UGA School of Law Clinics • Business Law Clinic – [PHONE REDACTED] This clinic offers free transactional legal services for small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. • Jane W. Wilson Family Justice Clinic – [PHONE REDACTED] This clinic provides free legal representation to victims of domestic violence and stalking in protective order cases in Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties. The clinic also represents its protective order clients in their related domestic relations cases such as divorces, legitimations, and name changes. • Public Interest Practicum – [PHONE REDACTED] The practicum provides general legal information, research, referrals, and guidance for self- representation in civil legal matters including eviction, repair problems with rental property, debt, consumer complaints, simple probate, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives, arrest record restriction, and public benefits. • Veterans Legal Clinic – [PHONE REDACTED] The clinic represents veterans and their dependents with claims for benefits from the Veterans Administration and the military. It focuses on low- income, homeless, and other vulnerable veterans and accepts cases from around Georgia, particularly veterans living in a 15 county region around Athens. Unemployment [PHONE REDACTED] GA Department of Labor Unification The former City of Athens and Clarke County governments were officially unified into one governing body on January 14, 1991 as a result of a voter referendum in August of 1990. United States District Court (see: Federal Court (US District Court)) United States Government Information [PHONE REDACTED] (844-USA-GOV1) www.info.gov / www.usa.gov United Way of Northeast Georgia [PHONE REDACTED] / 211 www.unitedwaynega.org The mission of the United Way of Northeast Georgia is to increase the ability of people to care for one another through the combined efforts of volunteers and service providers, and to be an effective catalyst in a community-wide effort to provide a quality of life for all. The United Way also operates the 211 resource and information helpline (see also: 211). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 65 health services, including mental health services, nutrition counseling, blood pressure management programs, women’s health services, and more. Veterans Court [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/courts ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 210 The Western Judicial Circuit Veterans Court targets veterans in Athens-Clarke or Oconee County who are or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense stemming from mental illness or substance abuse problems associated with service. It is administered by the Superior Court with supplementary services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (see also: Veterans Affair Clinic; Veterans Service, Georgia Department of). Veterans Service, Georgia Department of [PHONE REDACTED] veterans.georgia.gov 9249 US Highway 29 South, Suite D The Georgia Department of Veterans Service advises, counsels, and assists Georgia veterans and their families in receiving benefits available under veterans’ laws. Discharged veterans with questions about DD2- 14 forms should contact the Clerk of Superior and State Courts (see also: Clerk of Superior and State Courts). Veterinary Services – Emergency [PHONE REDACTED] (24/7) UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital 2200 College Station Road Animal owners can also contact their private veterinarians for emergency options. Victim Assistance Program • Solicitor-General (State Court) – [PHONE REDACTED] Handles misdemeanor crimes and serves as an advocate for victims. • District Attorney (Superior Court) – [PHONE REDACTED] Handles felony crimes and serves as an advocate for victims. Notification of court dates, hearings, and explanation of legal terms is provided by this office. Victim Impact Panel [PHONE REDACTED] Solicitor General’s Office Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the State Courtroom on the fifth floor of the ACC Courthouse, 325 East Washington Street. University of Georgia [PHONE REDACTED] (Directory Assistance) www.uga.edu Utilities Private companies provide natural gas, electricity, and phone service to Athens-Clarke County. For problems or complaints with these regulated utilities, contact the Georgia Public Service Commission in Atlanta (800- 282-5813 / www.psc.state.ga.us). Water distribution and collection services are provided to most of the county by the ACC Public Utilities Department (see also: Outage, Power; Public Utilities Department). Utilities Protection Services or Utilities Locator 811 / [PHONE REDACTED] (Call Before You Dig) This service will help residents determine if areas on their property are safe locations for digging (see inside cover for underground utility line marking codes). Utility Poles [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 6716 ACC Transportation and Public Works Department – Engineering Division V Vaccinations Vaccinations can be administered by public or private providers (see also: Health Centers, Athens Neighborhood; Health Department). Vehicle Registration (see: License Plates / Motor Vehicle Registration) Vaping (see: Smoking) Vending • Door-to-Door (see: Door-to-Door Sales) • Downtown – [PHONE REDACTED] Downtown street vendors are permitted by the ACC Central Services Department and display an identification badge. Only select areas in downtown are available for vending. • Private Property – [PHONE REDACTED] Vendors on commercial private property, such as a parking lot, are permitted by the ACC Finance Department. Veterans Affairs Clinic (Athens) [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 45511 (Main) / [PHONE REDACTED] ext. 5512 (Mental Health Clinic) www.va.gov 9249 US Highway 29 South Outpatient clinic providing primary care and specialty ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 66 Victim Notification • Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) – [PHONE REDACTED] / [PHONE REDACTED] www.vinelink.com Automated system through the Sheriff’s Office that allows victims of crimes to check on the status of offenders and also receive notification when an arrested offender is transferred or released. • Victim Information Program (VIP) – [PHONE REDACTED] Twenty-four hour automated information system used by the GA Department of Corrections with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to provide victims of crime and/or their family with information regarding custody and status of an inmate. Individuals registered with the Office of Victim Services can also automatically receive notification of the release of an offender from custody. Visitor Centers • Athens Welcome Center (see: Welcome Center, Athens) • UGA Visitors Center – [PHONE REDACTED] visit.uga.edu 405 College Station Road Vital Records (see: Birth Certificates; Death Certificates, Health Department) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) • East Athens Development Corporation – [PHONE REDACTED] www.eadcinc.org • UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences – [PHONE REDACTED] www.fcs.uga.edu/fhce/vita Volunteering • ACC Leisure Services – [PHONE REDACTED] Volunteer opportunities exist throughout the ACC Leisure Services Department. Examples of opportunities include trail guides, coaching, after school program helpers, trail ambassadors, animal caretakers, and Morton Theatre and Athens Creative Theatre ushers. Listings are available at www.accgov.com/volunteer. • Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) – [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/kaccb • ACC Police – [PHONE REDACTED] Voter Registration / Voting [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/elections To register to vote in Athens-Clarke County, someone must: • Be a citizen of the United States • Be a legal resident of Athens-Clarke County • Be at least 17 1/2 years old • Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude • Not been found mentally incompetent by a judge A driver’s license or Georgia ID number or the last four digits of a Social Security number, along with the date of birth, proof of residency in Georgia, and a signature are required. Voter ID cards can be made at the ACC Elections Department for voters who do not have a photo ID that is required for voting (see also: Absentee Voting; Advance Voting; Elections Department). Voter ID Card (see: Voter Registration / Voting) W Walker Park [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/walker 200 Trail Creek Street Walker Park is a 113-acre park facility of the ACC Leisure Services Department. Formerly Trail Creek Park, it was renamed in 2020 for Virginia Callaway-Cofer Walker, a community leader in East Athens where the park is located. The park includes two lighted football/soccer fields, an outdoor fitness zone, a playground, a practice baseball field, a splash pad, two picnic shelters, and 6.3 miles of trails including a walking trail, mountain bike trails, and a connection to the Oconee Rivers Greenway. Warden (see: Corrections) Warden, Game (see: Conservation Ranger (Game Warden)) Ware-Lyndon Historic House Museum [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/warelyndonhouse 211 Hoyt Street The Ware-Lyndon House (c.1856) is the only surviving building from the Lickskillet neighborhood of Athens. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The house features an architectural style that is a blend of 19th century Italianate and Greek Revival and showcases furniture and historical artifacts from the Victorian period in Georgia. Adjacent to the Ware- Lyndon House is an interpretive Victorian-style Parterre garden. The facility is owned and operated by the ACC Leisure Services Department. Warrants [PHONE REDACTED] Warrants are issued by the ACC Magistrate Court and served by the ACC Sheriff’s Office. ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 67 Waste (see: Solid Waste; Litter) Water, Brown (see: Water Quality / Testing) Water Business Office (Billing) [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/wbo 124 East Hancock Avenue The ACC Water Business Office issues and collects bills for water distribution and collection services by the ACC Public Utilities Department. The office also handles water and sewer service (see also: Project SHARE; Public Utilities; Stormwater Management Program). Water Conservation Office [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/thinkatthesink 124 East Hancock Avenue The ACC Public Utilities Department Water Conservation Office offers educational tours of Public Utilities facilities and provides free residential water audits, tips, and tools to help residents conserve and become more water efficient. Water Meters [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Public Utilities Meter Management Water Quality / Testing • Public Water (Non-Well) – [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Public Utilities Department Contact the ACC Public Utilities Department for questions regarding discolored water from the faucet/tap or to obtain information on the Water Quality Report or Quarterly Tap Water Analysis. • Private Wells The GA Health Department’s Environmental Health Division ([PHONE REDACTED]) or ACC Extension (706- 613-3640) provides well water testing. Water Resources Center (see: Snipes Water Resources Center) Water Services (ACC System Broken Lines / Leaks) (see: Emergency Water or Sewer Service) Water Wasting [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/code Certain water wasting activities are prohibited by ordinance Section 5-3-123. Watering Restrictions (Outdoor) (see: Outdoor Watering) Weapons Carry License [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/weaponscarry The Probate Court issues weapons carry licenses to Athens-Clarke County residents 21 years or older. Background checks are required for each applicant, including fingerprinting for new applications. Application forms are available online or in the Probate Court. Fees required by law are collected by the Probate Court and the Sheriff’s Office. Website www.accgov.com Official website for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. Weddings A number of ACCGov indoor and outdoor facilities and parks may be reserved or rented for marriage ceremonies including City Hall, the Lyndon House Arts Center, and others (see also: Leisure Services Department for facility listings; Marriage License). Welcome Center, Athens [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenswelcomecenter.com 280 East Dougherty Street The Athens Welcome Center offers visitor and newcomer information, a gift shop, and community tours. It is housed in the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, built circa 1820 and believed to be the oldest house in Athens. The house is owned by Athens-Clarke County and administered by Historic Athens as a house museum and welcome center. Welfare (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (see: Family and Children Services, Division of) Well Water Testing (see: Water Quality / Testing) Wellness Clinic (see: Athens Wellness Clinic) WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Supplemental Nutrition Program (see: Health Deparment) Wildlife The ACC Animal Services Department ([PHONE REDACTED]) will respond to seriously sick, injured, or trapped wildlife, as well as any threat to public safety. If wild animals have nested, exist in large numbers, or are within a wall or other structure that would be damaged in order to gain access to the animal, contact a licensed wildlife removal company. Wills [PHONE REDACTED] Probate Court The court does not notarize wills (see also: Notary Public). ---PAGE BREAK--- ACC from A to Z 68 Winterville [PHONE REDACTED] (City Hall) www.cityofwinterville.com 125 North Church Street, Winterville, GA, 30683 Since unification in 1991, Winterville has been the only municipality located wholly within Athens-Clarke County. The City of Winterville receives some services from Athens- Clarke County and has its own mayor and city council. Women’s Shelter (see: Homeless Services; Project Safe) Work Release (see: Diversion Center) World of Wonder Park (see: Playgrounds (ACC Leisure Services); Southeast Clarke Park) X Y Yellow Curbs (see: Parking, Street) Yard Sales (see: Garage Sales) Young Urban Builders [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenslandtrust.org Athens Land Trust The Young Urban Builders program is designed to provide job training and experience while working on community projects and aiding in neighborhood revitalization. The program began in 2018 with funding through the ACC Housing and Community Development Department as a way to address youth unemployment and perform owner-occupied rehabilitation in the West Broad Neighborhood (see also: Land Trusts). Young Urban Farmers [PHONE REDACTED] www.athenslandtrust.org Athens Land Trust The Young Urban Farmers Program is a work-based learning youth development program for high school students to learn technical gardening and farming skills, gain exposure to new foods through culinary arts, and explore entrepreneurial endeavors (see also: Land Trusts). Youth Leadership Athens www.youthleadershipathens.com Since 1990, Youth Leadership Athens (YLA) has served as a leadership development and civic education program for area high school students. Youth Arrest (see: Regional Youth Detention Center (Gainesville)) Youth Sports (see: Holland Youth Sports Complex; Satterfield Park) Z Zero Waste Kits [PHONE REDACTED] www.accgov.com/zerowaste The ACC Solid Waste Department offers event recycling bins, compost bins, reusable plates, wares, cups, napkins, and more for residents to borrow for events in order to reduce the need for disposables and send fewer items to the landfill. Details and a request form are available online. Zoning Code [PHONE REDACTED] ACC Planning Department The Zoning Code includes ordinances detailing categorical use zones, definitions, overlay districts, conditional uses, variance procedures, and other specialized development standards. The Zoning Code and Development Standards are collectively called the Development Regulations (see also: Comprehensive Plan; Development Standards; Future Land Use Map / Plan). Zoo (see: Bear Hollow Zoo) ---PAGE BREAK--- 2025 Artist: Sam Watson Digital art 2024 Artist: Juana Gnecco Ceramics ACC from A to Z Produced by the Athens-Clarke County Public Information Office Revised & Updated Version 2017 2017 Artist: Jamie Calkin Watercolor Revised & Updated Version ACC from A to Z 2016 Unification 25th Anniversary Special Edition ACC from A to Z 2018 Edition 2018 Artist: Randy Sanders Mosaic A Guide to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Community Services ACC from A to Z 2019 Edition 2019 Artist: Rachel Winters Embroidery 2021 Edition A Guide to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Community Services ACC from A to Z 2021 Artist: Ashley King Baked cookie and icing A Guide to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Community Services 2020 Edition ACC from A to Z 2020 Artist: Marvella Castaneda Chalk on hardboard 2022 Artist: Jared Brown Digital art 2023 Artist: Abigail West Block print, digital art Since 2017, the annual Athens Artist Cover Series has showcased local artists’ renditions of the City Hall dome in a variety of media and styles. Athens Artist Series ---PAGE BREAK--- About the Cover (10th in the Athens Artist Cover Series): The Cotton Patch Quilters have been part of the Athens community since 1985. The guild was organized to promote an interest in quilting among its members and the broader community, to preserve and ensure the continuation of the quilting art, and to contribute to the community through charitable and service projects. Over the past 40 years, their members have provided a variety of quilts to local service and non-profit organizations, hosted biennial quilt shows open to the public, and participated in numerous regional events. Learn more about the Cotton Patch Quilters at www.cpquilters.org.