Sandy Springs is changing the inspection process for apartment communities.
A new code of ordinances is requiring apartment complexes to hire a third party to inspect units annually. Before updating regulations, only 20% of apartment units were required to be inspected each year.
The new policy will help the city better address water and structural damage, mold, fire hazards and other issues — particularly in older complexes that don’t have sprinkler systems for apartment fires, a statement said.
There are 98 apartment complexes in Sandy Springs and two more are under construction. The existing properties collectively have 25,000 units. Only 28% of the apartment building structures have sprinkler systems, according to Sandy Springs officials.