GA HB1025

When authorized by local law, citations or accusations for violations of county ordinances concerning the condition of real property may be served by posting on the door of the premises, mailing by registered/certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the property owner, and filing with the clerk of magistrate court — rather than requiring personal service.

At least one attempt at personal service must be made at the accused's address of record (maintained by the tax commissioner) or at the registered agent's address (maintained by the Secretary of State) before alternative service methods may be used, but only if the accused resides or has a registered agent in Georgia.

When alternative service is perfected and the accused fails to appear for trial, the exclusive penalty shall be an in rem judgment and lien against the real property, rather than arrest on a magistrate's warrant.

Amends Code Section 15-10-63 to create an exception to the requirement that citations be personally served, consistent with the new alternative service provisions for real property ordinance violations.

Amends Code Section 50-13-19 (judicial review of contested administrative cases) by replacing the word "action" with "appeal" throughout subsections (b) and (c).