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Augusta, Georgia September 29 - October 2, 2026 View full conference

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I wanted to share a free, upcoming webinar that may be of interest to you and your network. Collaborative Code Enforcement: Strategies for Strengthening Local Compliance and Resilience Tuesday, March 10 | 12-1 pm ET Christylla Miles, Assistant Director of Code Compliance for the City of Dallas, shares how to bridge the gap between departments and build a more resilient community. Learn how to: Align departments and clarify roles. Shift from "reactive fixing" to "resident protection." Cover practical steps to optimize your enforcement cycle. Highlight real-world strategies from a major metro jurisdiction. Participants will earn .10 ICC CEU and 1 ASFPM CEC. Register

First thing is to know what is the current zoning of this downtown property (probably is C-1, C-2, or C-3). Check your ordinance and determine whether or not residential uses are allowed as a "permitted" or "conditional-use". If not- rezoning may be a route to take BUT ask yourself a question-- "...does your city want to go donw the road of "spot-zoning" to apease certain citizens"-- spot zoning can create an unnecessary headach and is discouraged by most planning professionals.

Clint, It may be that you all consider an overlay district that provides design guidelines and agree with Keith to consider the Zoning Districts for permitted uses.

Dear Fellow Members, I am writing to inform you that I have submitted a request for information to the Board of Directors regarding the policies and procedures governing GACE-owned assets. Angel Gray has confirmed receipt of this request and noted that it has been added to the agenda for our upcoming board meeting in Savannah. I believe it is vital to share this inquiry with the general membership to encourage a collective review of the facts. Currently, I have been unable to locate any officially adopted procedures or policies regarding these assets. This lack of accessibility is concerning; as our organization grows, so does our financial responsibility. It is our collective duty as members to ensure fiscal transparency and the prudent management of association funds. Having been a member of GACE for over twenty years, I have observed a trend of increasing costs alongside a perceived decrease in membership benefits. To ensure the long-term health of our association, I urge each of you to stay informed, ask questions, and verify the information provided by our leadership. Attached below is the formal inquiry I submitted to the Board. I welcome any questions or discussions you may have regarding these concerns. Respectfully, Jery Pitman To the GACE Board of Directors: I am writing to formally inquire about the written policies and procedures governing GACE-owned property (specifically the organization’s trailer and merchandise). As our inventory grows, it is vital for the protection of the organization and its leadership that clear, documented standards are accessible to the membership. To ensure transparency and ethical stewardship, I am requesting information on the following: 1. Oversight of Fixed Assets (e.g., GACE Trailer) Responsibility: Who is officially designated as the custodian of the GACE trailer? Is this responsibility tied to a specific board position by bylaws, or is it an ad hoc arrangement? Usage Policy: What is the protocol for members in good standing to request use of the trailer for GACE-sanctioned events? Maintenance & Liability: Where is the written policy detailing the requirements for towing, insurance, and maintenance? (I ask this to clarify recent suggestions that these physical tasks are a mandatory condition of specific board roles, which may impact the accessibility of those positions to the general membership.) 2. Mercantile Operations and Inventory Control Sales Procedures: What are the documented procedures for conducting mercantile sales on behalf of GACE? Accountability Measures: What system of inventory control is currently in place? Please provide details on how merchandise is tracked, who holds keys to storage, and how sales are reconciled with the Treasurer’s reports. Audit Schedule: When was the last internal or external audit of GACE merchandise and physical assets conducted? 3. Governance and Membership Empowerment There is a growing concern among the membership regarding the "appearance and optics" of how authority is exercised. When physical assets and inventory are controlled without documented procedures, it creates unnecessary risk and the potential for a "gatekeeping" culture. As GACE continues to evolve, it is essential that the membership is empowered by clear rules rather than being dependent on the informal authority of a few individuals. I look forward to receiving copies of these policies or a timeline for when they will be drafted and presented to the membership for review.

GACE encourages members and attendees to take opportunity to visit with our Vendors. We welcome: Deckard Technologies Sages Networks Forerunner Cloudpermit Maxson Associates ComCate

Chris, My apologies for a late response. What you have in consideration sounds like you may be considering implementation of a Code Enforcement Board : Title 36 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 36-1-1 — 36-93-1) PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COUNTIES AND MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS (§§ 36-60-1 — 36-76-11) Chapter 74 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARDS (§§ 36-74-1 — 36-74-50) Article 2 - BOARDS CREATED ON OR AFTER JAN. 1, 2003 (§§ 36-74-20 — 36-74-30) Section 36-74-22 - Membership of boards; requirements of members; chairperson; attorney's role Are you already using administrative fines? On vegetation issues, the process is to enter property clean it up and send bill with an admin fee attached. How are you recovering abatement costs? Through the lien foreclosure process, it is outlined in most city/county ordinances and they follow state law. What’s actually worked with absentee or out-of-state owners? Keeping in mind, it is about the property and follow through- Due Process as outlined in state law. When pursuing abatement there is a great need to ensure your legal team does their due diligence in conducting Title Search, and follow the ordinances for proper posting. Anything you tried that you wouldn’t do again? Waste department funds on legal team doing research my team can do. The cost of an attorney doing what you as a code official can do is triple the costs. Limit phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings on one property. Costs of one 30 min phone call is more than one officer makes in an 8 hr day. You are not gaurenteed to recoup your expenses so find ways to reduce your cost. what you are kicking around: An administrative civil penalty process that starts only after notice, a compliance deadline, and an opportunity to request a hearing: (who would be requesting the hearing?) This is what leads me to think you are considering a Code Enforcement Board. Graduated daily fines if violations keep dragging on (kept well under the statutory max): (Most ordinances already have this. I do caution, there is hard call for legislators to remove the abiltiy for daily fines) Treating abatement costs strictly as cost recovery, not punishment: (This can be handled by what is called a Consent Order. Developed by your City/County Attorney it is a Court Order but it is one that is agreed on by Owner and Jurisdiction.) Using utility billing to recover abatement costs on occupied properties with active service: (This is something most Cities have in their ordinances where they control utility services, however, caution to recognize anyone who qualifies as Disabled American cutting their utilities would take a court order, and I don't know if any Court would agree to cut utilities) For vacant or unoccupied properties with no utilities, recording abatement liens and issuing tax executions (fi.fa.) so costs can be collected through the county when owners pay taxes, sell, or refinance: (Again, most local ordinances follow the state law on this, typically called the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance) Keeping it civil and administrative, with court still available but not the automatic next step: (Court should always be the final step, that ensures due process and that the owner has had proper notice and ample time to correct) No matter what choose consistancy and follow Due Process.

Signed up

Clint, To me, the zoning classification of the property will dictate whether or not they can use the retail space as residential. If your jurisdiction wants to allow this then there needs to me some sort of mixed use classification that the store front can be rezoned to. Hope this helps.

GACE VENDOR MEET N GREET GACE will be hosting a Vendor Meet-n-Greet on March 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM The Meet-n-Greet will be held in Ballroom B Come spend time with our vendors and enjoy the refreshments This will be a 1-hour networking opportunity for conference attendees and our vendors. We are excited for this opportunity; it is the first time we've had this type of networking experience. File Information Submitter Angel Gray Submitted 02/17/2026 Category Miscellaneous View File

Thank you very much, I will reach out and see if they can assist us with a much needed update.

Ben, We are using GMC Networks for our Comp Plan update. They also do ordinance review and revision. kalanos.johnson@gmcnetwork.com Kalanos Johnson is our contact.

Hello, We have recently encountered situations where business owners are seeking to convert downtown storefront properties into residential apartments. We are evaluating how to address this matter and would like to know if any municipalities have an ordinance in place that restricts or regulates this type of conversion. If so, we would appreciate any information or examples you would be willing to share.

Greetings, Team, We have the updated version of HB 483, which has had movement and revision. This is just an update for you all to be aware of and to keep informed of how it is favorable in this format. 20252026-240496.pdf

Good day!! My City has tasked me with updating our Ordinances, can yall give me some references on companies to assist with the ordinance update?

The City of Rincon is seeking a full-time Code Enforcement Officer to join our organization. This position is responsible for performing a variety of technical duties in support of the City’s local code enforcement program; monitor and enforce all applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to zoning, land use, signs, trees, nuisance conditions, other matters of public concern and all other ordinances adopted and/or enforced by the City. Serve as a resource to provide information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the public and other City departments. Duties and Responsibilities · Enforces compliance with City regulations and ordinances pertaining to zoning, land use, and nuisance conditions. · Proactively patrols the City to identify and evaluate problem areas and/or ordinance violations; conducts property inspections, including City property, and determines the proper method to resolve violations; conducts field investigations to include contacting and interviewing alleged violators, complainants, and witnesses. · Receives and responds to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of municipal codes and ordinances as well as State regulations. · Schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; prepares requests for legal action. · Issues and posts notices of violation, and/or stop work notices, prepares related documentation, and assists all parties involved in achieving compliance. · Issues citations and compiles evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appears in court as needed; and testifies in court proceedings as required. · Prepares a variety of written reports, memos and correspondence related to code enforcement activities. · Ensures that all code enforcement case files are completed in a timely manner with proper follow through for all commenced violations. · Attends enforcement training, meetings and workshops as directed. · Performs related work as assigned. Minimum Education and Experience · High school diploma or equivalent. · Supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college. · Supplemented by five (5) years previous experience in general office operations, any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Required Certifications, Licenses, and/or Skills · Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. · Must pass drug screening and background check. · GACE Level 1 Certified or willing to obtain GACE Level 1 certification within two years of employment. Potential applicants please email cover letter and resume to our Human Resources Officer: Tiffany Herbert at Therbert@rinconga.gov

GACE Members: I am sharing an email on a training opportunity: I wanted to share a free, upcoming webinar focused on the development and adoption of building codes that may be of interest to you and your team. This session provides a practical roadmap for navigating the International Code Council and offers continuing education credits. The Role of Codes and Standards in Supporting Safe and Resilient Communities Wednesday, February 25 | 12-1 pm ET Shirley Ellis, CBO, Director at Large for the International Code Council, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the lifecycle of building code development. She’ll cover: The differences between codes, standards, and guidelines, and how to ensure proper application in the field. How to navigate the consensus-based ICC development process, from committee roles and public participation to final voting. How to facilitate code adoption across different jurisdictions to maintain public safety. Ways to influence the future of building codes by engaging directly in the development cycle. Participants will earn .10 ICC CEU and 1 ASFPM CEC. Register Please feel free to share it with your team or network as well. Hope you can join us!