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Augusta Marriott

In today's dynamic work environment, effective communication isn't just a buzzword—it's the backbone of productivity and innovation. Yet, traditional channels like meetings and emails often fall short, either bogged down by scheduling conflicts or flooded inboxes. Enter forums: the unsung heroes poised to revolutionize how we connect and perform at work.Unlocking Collective IntelligenceImagine tapping into the collective brainpower of your entire organization with just a few clicks. Forums create a space where ideas flow freely, questions find answers, and solutions emerge from collaborative discussion. They're like a digital hive mind, where every worker bee contributes to the strength of the colony.Democratizing the ConversationNot everyone feels comfortable speaking up in a crowded conference room or sending a company-wide email. Forums level the playing field, giving voice to diverse perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. It's a platform where the shy genius and the outspoken innovator stand on equal footing, enriching the dialogue with varied insights.Breaking Down SilosDepartments often operate in bubbles, unaware of the valuable knowledge just a few steps away. Forums burst these bubbles, fostering cross-functional collaboration that can lead to groundbreaking advancements. When a marketer's insight complements an engineer's project, magic happens—and forums make that connection possible.Enhancing Transparency and TrustOpen conversations build trust. When information is accessible and discussions are transparent, employees feel more engaged and aligned with the company's mission. Forums act as a visible thread weaving together different parts of the organization, ensuring everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.Fueling Continuous LearningIn the ever-evolving landscape of work, staying static isn't an option. Forums serve as living libraries, cataloging solutions, best practices, and lessons learned. They enable continuous learning, where employees can quickly catch up on developments, revisit past discussions, and build upon existing knowledge without starting from scratch.Boosting Efficiency and PerformanceTime wasted searching for information or waiting for email responses is productivity lost. Forums streamline communication by centralizing information and enabling asynchronous discussions. This means employees can engage in conversations on their own time, keeping projects moving forward without unnecessary delays.Encouraging Proactive Problem-SolvingWhen challenges arise, forums become incubators for creative solutions. Instead of hitting roadblocks, teams can crowdsource ideas, getting input from a wide array of colleagues who bring different experiences to the table. This proactive approach not only solves problems faster but often leads to more innovative outcomes.Strengthening Company CultureA strong company culture thrives on connection and shared values. Forums nurture this by providing spaces for not just work-related discussions but also for sharing successes, celebrating milestones, and fostering community. It's like the digital water cooler where relationships are built, and company spirit is strengthened.Harnessing the power of forums isn't just about adopting a new tool—it's about embracing a mindset that values open communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By integrating forums into the workplace, companies unlock potential that's been hiding in plain sight: the untapped ideas, the unasked questions, the unshared solutions that can propel performance to new heights.Have you thought about how initiating a forum in your workplace could ignite this kind of transformative communication? It might be the key to unlocking a new level of efficiency and innovation within your team.If you're curious about the best ways to implement forums or want to explore other strategies to enhance workplace communication, let's dive deeper. There's a whole world of possibilities waiting to be discovered, and it all starts with that first conversation.*This article was AI generated

The demand for qualified and competent Code Enforcement and Building Inspection personnel, inclusive of Supervisory/Management personnel has increasingly been a necessity for most agencies throughout Georgia. That has often been stated but not always demonstrated when salaries and recognition where compared to other government personnel. That appears to be changing rapidly as a quick review of almost any government entity shows a dramatic increase in the recent months as compared to previous years. Many agencies, government and private, have posted job positions in the last ninety (90) days that show a significant increase in salary ranges from previous years. The positive impact this is having on attracting better educated and capable individuals is dramatic and necessary. The above referenced individuals are being tasked with ever increasing responsibilities and task, many of which increasingly involve or possibly involve ones participation within the judicial system.

All of that is said to place emphasis on the importance and value of proper and exhaustive training such as that offered and presented via the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (G.A.C.E.). The value of this organization and the ever increasing demand by employers for certification in the G.A.C.E. Level I and II curriculums has been dramatically increasing as evidenced by recent job postings and desired or required training requirements. G.A.C.E. Level III certification is the achievement of all offered training levels and grabs the attention of interested employers as they are ever increasingly becoming aware of the time and effort involved in achieving these accomplishments. 

This enforcement field is gaining recognition and being acknowledged as a necessary part of any regulatory agency as demonstrated by significantly increased salaries and the demand for highly trained and proficient individuals to administer the responsibilities of these positions. Embrace the opportunities to attend and support the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (G.A.C.E.) as it has played and will continue to play a major role in the advancement of this profession. Stay safe and GOD bless. Each and every one of you that serve are valued and appreciated!

Thank you for the opportunity to come to you and provide you with an update from the Board of Directors. I’ll start with a follow up to the Board of Directors Meeting held today, October 17, 2023, at 10:00 AM. The meeting was to discuss the 2024 Fall Conference location.  The attending board members voted to return to the Augusta Marriott Conference Center. The dates of the conference will be officially announced at the Spring 2024, Conference that will be held in Savannah, Georgia, March 5th through 8th. This choice was made to allow the Board of Directors to better investigate other locations to hold our fall conferences at. Since 1998, the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE), has expanded curriculum to meet the training needs of code enforcement officials throughout Georgia. Our membership has increased to more than 400 members. With that, our obligation to our membership is to host trainings in locations that will best accommodate your continuing education experience.    We want to hear from you all. You may recall at the Fall 2023, conference we asked for location ideas that may accommodate our organization. We need to consider all venues that will hold our growing membership. Please share your ideas of future conference locations, specifically for our Fall Conferences. There will be two ways to post your location ideas; the website forum “Future Fall Conference Location Ideas” or email a Board Member. We need to hear from you. Our Board of Directors can only be effective and efficient when we have communication with our membership.   Thank you for your dedication to your profession and trusting the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, as your organization. Respectfully in Service, M. Angel Gray GACE President

gace-required-courses.pdf (uga.edu)   Code Enforcement Certificate Program Required Courses REQUIRED CURRICULUM (Not required to be taken in specific order, but participant should enroll in same module all days of the conference) • Level I: participant must complete 45 hours of course work and pass a written exam after each course with a grade of 70 or better. Time frame invested in earning a Level I Certificate is three conferences. • Level II: participants must complete an additional 45 hours of course work with the same requirement of successfully passing a written exam for each course with a grade of 70 or better. Time frame invested in earning a Level II Certificate is three conferences after completing Level I. Module One: Basics of Code Enforcement (15 hours): Politics in Code Enforcement (3 hours) The word “politics” often carries a negative connotation. Further, some people feel that politics interfere with their work. This course will help code officers understand the unique perspective of elected officials. Also, the course will explore how code officers can work productively with elected officials. Community Support for Code Enforcement (3 hours) Building Citizen Support for Code Enforcement Programs will focus on strategies for engaging citizens, agencies, and organizations to support and promote local code enforcement initiatives. The course will include a look at how to use personal and professional attributes to foster relationships and to create a proactive code enforcement department. Best practices for proactive code enforcement programs will be reviewed. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze their current department and consider new strategies. Managing the Daily Operations of a Code Enforcement Officer (6 hours) Code enforcement officers must use their time, energy, and resources to maximize their daily production. Organizational skills can assist officers with maintaining records, prioritizing tasks, and planning for the future. While managing time and workplace demands, officers may feel the negative effects of stress. This course will address specific organizational skills and stress management techniques to help officers be successful in the workplace. Inspecting, Permitting, and Planning Duties of the Code Enforcement Officer (3 hours) While knowing laws and code ordinances is a must for CEOs, much of the officer’s job takes place in the field. This class will focus on learning how to look for zoning and property maintenance code violations. Additionally basic processes and guidelines for permitting will be introduced. This course will also tie fundamental planning concepts and code enforcement work together to coordinate planning and zoning within a jurisdiction. Module Two: Working in the Public Sector for Code Enforcement Officers (15 hours): Cultural Differences in Code Enforcement (6 hours) Georgia has a very diverse population, many segments of which are unfamiliar with the property maintenance expectations of the local governments where they live. The work of the code enforcement officer can be significantly enhanced by knowing more about the languages and cultures of diverse groups. This session will give participants tools and insights to interact with greater cultural sensitivity, and to do so in a manner that is more likely to result in cooperation with code officers and compliance with their requests. Safety Tactics in Code Enforcement (6 hours) A code enforcer’s interactions with community members can turn hostile. Learn how to spot the early warning signs of hostility and how to deal with hostile situations when you find yourself in the midst of them. Also, field inspections can go bad. Learn about preparing for inspections with an emphasis on code officer safety. Learn to anticipate danger and develop steps to enhance the safety of inspection sites such as overgrown fields, dilapidated buildings, derelict trailers, and old industrial sites. Dealing with Difficult Situations/Anger Management (3 hours) Code enforcement officers are faced with difficult situations with co-workers, citizens, and others. These situations can be upsetting to all those involved. In this course, officers will learn different methods, strategies, and communication tactics for managing and diffusing difficult situations. Staying calm, diffusing conflict, and maintaining dignity will be the central concepts in this course.   Module Three: Communication for the Code Enforcement Officer (15 hours): Public Service Ethics (6 hours) Public service ethics are driven by a set of values that are distinct from ethics practiced in everyday private life. Participants will examine the importance of ethical conduct in the administration of their public duties in this essential course. Also, they will gain knowledge about ethical practices that apply to public employees and will analyze ethical dilemmas that code officers might face during the discharge of their duties. Differences between compliance with law and ethical practice will also be explored. Communication (6 hours) Each week, code officers encounter and communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and members of the public. This course demonstrates how to communicate in a way that enhances workplace effectiveness. Participants will learn skills for communicating better in the workplace, and they will engage in exercises to access their present skills and practice new ones. Customer Service (3 hours) In this course, participants will learn that providing high-quality service to external customers begins with effective internal processes. They will learn how to examine the needs of internal customers within their places of work in order to achieve better working relationships and more efficient processes, all of which will enhance the services provided to their external customers. In addition, techniques for handling difficult customers will be addressed. Module Four: Implementation of the Codes in Code Enforcement (15 hours): Enforcement Techniques and Investigation (6 hours) Code officers must use the most effective enforcement techniques possible to bring property owners into compliance with code ordinances and proper investigative processes when property owners refuse to comply. In this class, participants will learn methods for making and resolving enforcement cases including standard procedures, proper documentation, public education concerning code issues, non-regulatory enforcement techniques for accomplishing code enforcement policy goals, and ways to create opportunities for compliance. Participants will also learn fundamentals of building a defensible case based on properly executed investigation processes. Topics will include investigation, evidence, search warrants and inspection warrants, statements, Subpoenas Duces Tecum, and legal processes. Housing and the ICC Property Maintenance Code (6 hours) This course provides an overview of the housing rehabilitation process. Topics include identifying and estimating deterioration, providing notification to owners and tenants, coordinating work between agencies, and working with owners and tenants to obtain compliance. Signage and Right of Way Encroachments (3 hours) Right-of-way encroachments come in many forms including signs, trailers, landscaping, vehicles, drainage structures, and more. In addition, adjoining property owners often do not realize where their property ends and where public property begins. They consider the public right-of-way to be theirs to use as they please. Regardless of the types of ordinances cities and counties may adopt to regulate public rights-of-way, local governments have liability for what goes on in these areas. Consequently, encroachment and right-of-way issues must be addressed. This course will focus on how to treat these issues fairly, uniformly, and in a manner that complies with current statutes and case law. Module Five: The Law and Code Enforcement (15 hours): Preparing a Case for Court (6 hours) In some cases, code officers are unable to get code violators to come into compliance with ordinances without taking their cases to court. In such situations, code officers must do their jobs in such a way as to aid in preparing these cases for court. In this course, code officers will learn key information that will assist them in preparing a case for court, including important factors to consider, case strategy, tips for drafting citations, legal options, and using sentencing or other remedies available to obtain compliance. Legal Aspects in Code Enforcement (9 hours) This class will provide an understanding of the legal foundation upon which code enforcement rests. Participants will learn many of the legal parameters in which they must work, including the history of ordinances and their enforcement, the hierarchy of laws and courts, the structure of local government, constitutional provisions relating to enforcement cases, “home rule,” state laws relevant to enforcement cases, common ordinance provisions, types of court proceedings and the courts in which they are brought, and legal procedures. Module Six: The Environment and Code Enforcement (15 hours): Environmental Protection and Environmental Nuisance Abatement (6 hours) This course examines various environmental issues including how to protect the ecosystems and natural processes that must remain balanced for our communities to sustain a high quality of life. This course also covers recycling, air and water pollution, insects, noxious weeds, erosion and sedimentation, and other environmentally based nuisances. Handling Special and Hazardous Materials (9 hours) This course will outline how a code enforcement officer should deal with asbestos, demolition waste, paint, chemicals, and other barrels containing unknown substances. All of these present problems for the code enforcement officer, especially where there is not a readily available responsible party. Representatives from Georgia EPD will discuss current laws and practices relevant to every code officer who must deal with these enforcement issues. Level III (Leadership and Management) Level III certificate program requires the completion of 75 hours in a separate curriculum consisting of technical and leadership/management courses. Upon successful completion of course work, participants must complete a final assignment. Time frame invested in earning a Level III certificate is five conferences and completing a final assignment. Budgeting (6 hours) Each year code enforcement officers serving as department heads are required to prepare, submit, and administer their departmental budgets. The successful development and presentation of a code enforcement budget will have much to do with the success of the code enforcement office from which it originates. In this course, participants will develop goals, objectives, and performance measures for departmental budgets. The course will also include a discussion of best practices for budget building, budget terms, financially mandated requirements, and processes for preparing and managing budgets. Business Writing II (9 hours) This course will review the foundations of writing from Business Writing I including grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. In addition, the class will focus on drafting documents such as letters, emails, memoranda, and short reports. Coaching and Positive Discipline (9 hours) As a manager, the ability to effectively coach employees is both a responsibility and a critical skill. This course will focus on the basics of supportive communication, the difference between coaching and counseling, and strategies to decrease unproductive behavior and maximize performance. Participants will practice coaching and positive discipline methods that have proven to be effective. Conflict Management and Resolution (6 hours) In this course, participants will identify sources of conflict and consider their implications. Conflict resolution strategies will be described, compared, and practiced. In this way, the code enforcement manager will be better equipped to resolve or diffuse commonplace workplace conflict by enacting the most appropriate resolution strategy. Continuous Improvement (6 hours) Continuous improvement is a path to more efficient and effective operational processes. This course will introduce concepts of learning organizations and systems thinking, and basic quality tools will be presented and practiced. In addition, practical possibilities for continuous improvement in code enforcement work will be identified. Effective Communication (6 hours) The ability to communicate effectively is a core management competency. Although communication may seem like a simple concept, miscommunication creates confusion, conflict, and frustration and can diminish a code enforcer’s capacity for effective leadership. Course participants will focus on enhancing workplace communication skills through practice, exercises, and an increased understanding of the components of effective communication. Ethical Use of Power (9 hours) This course provides an overview of governmental ethics by highlighting the principles and issues most relevant to local governments. Participants will increase their understanding of public sector ethics and recognize the need to continuously clarify and reinforce organizational values. Ethical decision-making and power and its sources will be addressed, along with the potential for abuse of power. Participants will analyze some ethical dilemmas that code enforcement and other local government managers might encounter. In addition, transforming power into influence, selecting an appropriate influence strategy, and acting assertively will be discussed. ICC Legal Management (15 hours) This course provides an overview of the material covered on the 2012 ICC Legal/Management Module Certification Examination. The following materials will be reviewed: 2012 International Building Code, 2012 International Fire Code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 International Residential Code, 2002 Legal Aspects of Code Administration, 2007 Building Department Administration Manual, 3d Ed., Basic Code Enforcement manual (2002 or newer ed.), Human Resource Management: An Essential Guide, 3d Ed., and A Budgeting Guide for Local Government, 2d Ed. ICC Property Maintenance (15 hours) This course provides an overview of the material covered on the ICC Property Maintenance Certification Examination. The class will review and provide a greater understanding of the Legal Aspects of Code Enforcement as well as basic 2012 Property Maintenance Code. Also, it will include a brief review of material found in the 2012 International Residential Code that impacts the ICC Property Maintenance Code. ICC Zoning (9 hours) The ICC Zoning Code promotes uniformity and consistency in zoning for city planners, code officials, and developers. This course provides an overview of the material covered on the ICC Zoning Certification Examination, including legal aspects of zoning, use districts, the duties of Zoning officials and planning commissions, and how the zoning process works. Leading Teams and Group Dynamics (9 hours) One requirement of an effective team leader is to possess a fundamental understanding of group dynamics. This course will explore the notion that diversity in team member experience, talent, and personality preference is a key determinant of productive, effective workplace teams. It will also examine the appropriate use of teams in the workplace, the challenges that many face, and ways to overcome those challenges. Course participants will gain an understanding of the team leader’s facilitation responsibilities and how successful, productive teams develop and promote organizational success. Managing Performance (9 hours) Effectively managing the performance of an entire work unit or an individual employee requires multiple competencies but is significantly enhanced through the use of objective measurement. In other words, quantitative measures, qualitative measures, and productivity measures as well as understanding financial and human resources help determine the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization or department. In this course, performance management as an ongoing effort and important tool of effective managers will be explored. Performance evaluations and appraisals will be considered as one component of performance management. Motivation and Delegation (6 hours) Cultivating a motivating work environment is but one of a manager’s many responsibilities. Yet successfully fulfilling this single responsibility yields many organizational benefits in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and reduced costs. Understanding job satisfaction and assessing the workplace environment to determine the factors that might motivate and demotivate employees will be considered. In this course, participants will explore the Situational Leadership® Model and acquire knowledge about how to apply it, its relevance to delegation, and the benefits that can be accrued through its application. Code enforcement managers will gain additional tools and strategies for increasing employee motivation, thereby enhancing performance. Navigating Change (9 hours) This course will provide an overview of the changes that code officers may face in local government currently and into the future. Participants will learn about a model for navigating change effectively that may be used whether responding to changing conditions or leading positive change efforts. Classroom activities will include the opportunity to put this model to action, using its steps on actual examples and considering how it could be applied in various situations. Although the effects of change cannot be predicted, applying these steps can help one prepare to effectively and positively navigate change. Negotiation and Mediation (6 hours) From interpersonal relationships with co-workers and employees to working with citizen groups, managers are negotiating either informally or formally, to some degree, on a daily basis. During this course, negotiation and mediation will be defined and compared. The factors that enable and hinder effective negotiation will be explored. Recommended alternatives to resolving complex and difficult issues will be presented. The steps to a successful negotiation process will be outlined and practiced with common code enforcement manager situations considered. Ordinances (6 hours) This course will provide an overview of topics that should be addressed in the ordinances that make up a local government code with emphasis on differences between various jurisdictions—rural, suburban, and metropolitan—as well as jurisdictions with different needs based on things such as topography and land features. Specifically, the course will address the following: (a) zoning and how it works; (b) the requirements of minimum standard codes; (c) subdivision regulations; (d) considerations that arise in drafting ordinances regulating certain specific, unique uses such as signs, adult businesses, landfills, churches and religious institutions, etc.; (e) statutory rules of construction and interpretation and their effect on the creation of ordinances; and (f) code enforcement. In addition, participants will examine sample ordinances to see how they are written. Powerful Presentations (9 hours) While interpersonal communication is a critical managerial skill, managers must also present ideas, concepts, projects, recommendations, and reports to groups. Through practice activities, participants will gain skills in developing presentation content and delivering highly effective presentations to various audiences encountered in the workplace. Tips for addressing the media will also be addressed. Public Sector Leadership (6 hours) While some characteristics are shared, leading in the public sector is different from leading in the private sector. Code enforcers become public leaders by virtue of their employment; therefore, a broad understanding of public sector leadership is critical to the code enforcement manager’s organizational success and effectiveness. This course will explore foundational public service values in the context of the fundamental challenges experienced when leading in the public sector. Managing and leading in today’s code enforcement environment will be considered. Role of the Manager (9 hours) Occupying an organizational place between employees and executive leadership, managers can be found at various organizational levels. While specific manager duties may differ by organization, any local government manager fills a broad range of roles in their day-to-day activities. Using a competing values framework, the course outlines and explores managerial roles that are shared by most managers—though exercised to varying degrees. Course activities will highlight the skills and abilities needed for effective management and clarify the responsibilities of the code enforcement manager. Strategic Planning (6 hours) Strategic planning is a disciplined effort to determine where you are, where you need or want to be, and how to get there. This course will teach code enforcers how to exercise appropriate discretion in the areas under their control to ensure responsiveness to citizens and stakeholders, to develop good strategies to deal with changed and changing circumstances, and to develop a basis for decisionmaking. During this interactive course, participants will explore the key components and processes of sound strategic planning. Elective Curriculum/Continuing Education (36 hours every three years from receipt of last certificate achieved) Airborne Viruses, Mold, and Bacteria (3 hours) The scope of local enforcement activity as it pertains to airborne viruses, mold, and bacteria continues to expand as more and more information about these human hazards becomes known. Although the responsibility for enforcement matters relating to these hazards may be shared with environmental, public health, and other government offices, the science, enforcement tenets, and practices are similar. This course provides information on airborne viruses, mold, and bacteria for the code officer who is called upon to monitor situations involving these substances. Basic Supervisory Skills (3 hours) Many code officers are responsible for supervising and directing others. As such, proper supervision is important. In fact, some studies show that many resignations occur because the person leaving his/her position is dissatisfied with the quality of supervision he/she receives. This course discusses some of the most important aspects of good supervision, including motivation, delegation, task alignment, and teamwork. Change Management (6 hours) In this course, the realities of a rapidly changing work environment will be discussed. The dynamics of change and why people tend to resist change will be considered along with appropriate responses to change. Using actual examples, code enforcers will prepare a personal mission statement as a way to address their response to current, evolving, or probable changes in their work environment. Code Enforcement and Mobile Homes (6 hours) This course will provide an overview of the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 as well as Georgia laws regulating the installation of homes without installation manuals. Also, it will cover manufacturers’ installation instructions, regulations pertaining to siding and roofing installation and completion, and laws pertaining to demolition and disposal. Codes and Fire Suppression (3 hours) Code officers are required to deal with a wide range of enforcement issues. Some concern fire hazards. This course will address rules, procedures, and practices relevant to burning, fire prevention and suppression, and NFPA resources available to code officers. Disaster Recovery and Debris Removal (6 hours) Learn best practices for preparing and planning for the code officer’s role in these situations. In the aftermath of natural disasters or when simply dealing with the removal of debris, code enforcement officers must work closely with public works employees and, sometimes, with state and federal officials to ensure safe and efficient clean-up and recovery. Drugs, Chemicals, and Other Contraband (3 hours) Persons who may, coincidentally, be in possession of illegal substances may receive an unrelated visit from a local code officer or be the subject of a citizen complaint. This course will help code enforcement officers learn more of the signs and evidences of illegal activity that can be turned over to sheriff/police officers—possibly resulting in help obtaining compliance regarding the violations originally investigated. The session will offer strategies for enhancing interdepartmental cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Hoarding (6 hours) In this course, participants will learn what hoarding is and why some people become hoarders. The class will also explore the dangers of hoarding and how to work with hoarders to resolve dangerous situations. Homeland Security in Code Enforcement (3 hours) The course will address the topic of Homeland Security. It will focus on how federal, state, and local security issues impact the work of code enforcement. Participants will learn how to stay vigilant and alert in order to spot the warning signs of a potential security breach as well as which federal, state, and local organizations or agencies to contact in the face of an actual or suspected security-related situation. Human Resource Issues in the Workplace (6 hours) While the human resources department is responsible for the benefits, salary administration, recruitment, selection, and overall training of employees, the code enforcement officer manages direct-reports and works with a variety of employees in the organization. This course, designed specifically for code enforcement officers, provides a solid understanding of the interview and hiring processes, employee performance appraisals, and basic legal issues related to government employment. New Technologies in Code Enforcement (3 hours) Technology can make the job of code enforcement more effective and efficient if it is understood and compatible with other technology already in place. The course will review technologies currently being used by code enforcement officers, new technologies available for use, how to justify the acquisition of technology for code enforcement, and how to use technology for the maximum benefit of your local jurisdiction. Principles of Leadership (3 hours) Code officers occupy positions of leadership, perhaps because of the staff they supervise, but also because they enforce policies that bring about change in communities. Understanding the role of the code officer as a local leader places the job of code enforcement and the value of the service provided by code officers in a larger context. This course will help code enforcers better understand the impact of the service they provide to local government and its citizens, and it will encourage a new commitment to the ideals of public service. Self Defense for the Code Enforcement Officer (3 hours) Code Enforcement Officers face a wide variety of dangers in the field each day. The course provides an opportunity to learn a system of practical, proven self-defense techniques and educate the participants in the strategies of personal safety and awareness. During class, participants will learn how to use appropriate maneuvers to counter an immediate threat of violence from armed and unarmed individuals, how to use and break free of basic holds, how to safely subdue an attacker, learn the vulnerable parts of the body, and learn to de—escalate or escape potentially violent situations through assertiveness, confrontation and self-defense techniques.  

Gifts to attendees of 2023 Fall Conference

Are you tired of looking at the same screen view every time you log onto the GACE Forums?  Well, you can change it up a bit. All you need do is click the "View Select' button on your screen. View Select Button:  The button has 3 separate options.   View #1 (Traditional Forum Index) View #2 (Cards in a Grid) View #3 (Fluid)

About This File The Georgia Association of Code Enforcement is pleased to award two college academic scholarships in the amount of $500 to an entering freshman or upperclassman student who demonstrates superior academic achievements and has financial need. The scholarships are awarded in memory of Kathy Cox, who lost her life in the line of duty in 2008. Kathy is the first GACE member to die in the line of duty. The scholarships can only be awarded to the child or grandchild of an active, retired, or deceased member of GACE. The scholarships will be awarded based on the information included in the application.  Application for this year’s submittals much be postmarked by February 10, 2025, by 5:00 pm. To our fallen but not forgotten: Your efforts were not in vain but of valor. Your time was not a waste but of want. The span between us is a fleeting moment. We do not know the hour of our setting sun, and do not control what the cause may bring us to our end. The one thing we can know, and control is the “Dash” in the middle. For it is our “Dash” from our beginning to our end that people will remember us for.  Kathy Cox, Gordon County, 2008 Charles “Chip” Case, City of Augusta, 2020

Revised GACE By-Laws as adopted March 9, 2023

If are not receiving emails from the GACE mailing list, and wish to do so, go to the link below to add your email to the list.  You can also change the information associated with your email.  If you change jurisdictions, you will also need to change or add your new email from this link.   http://link.gaceonline.com

The Forums software has the ability to show birthdays on the calendar.  At present, only the Admin and the user with the birthday is shown.  I'm setting up a poll to see if everyone wants to display all the birthdays on the calendar. Poll expires October 31 @ 9:00pm  

In the event you cannot locate the direct email to one of the Directors, use the email below.  These emails are forwarded to the Directors personal email account. Ex-officio: exofficio@gaceonline.com  President: president@gaceonline.com Secretary: secretary@gaceonline.com  Sgt-at-Arms: sgt-at-arms@gaceonline.com Treasurer: treasurer@gaceonline.com 1st Vice-president: vp1@gaceonline.com  2nd Vice-president: vp2@gaceonline.com 3rd Vice-president: vp3@gaceonline.com  Webmaster: webmaster@gaceonline.com

GACE is 20 years old in 2018.  In commemoration of this birthday, GACE has issued a 20-year anniversary pin.  The pin is being given to all attendees of the 2018 Spring Conference in Savannah.    

The Plain View Doctrine     This past conference at Brasstown Valley Resort I was talking to a couple of people and the subject of the plain view doctrine came up. It was suggested that as Sergeant at Arms I should look this up and make this information available to the general membership. I thought this was a great idea! It has taken me a little longer than I wanted but never the less here it is. This information is available in the ICC Legal Aspects of Code Administration manual on pages 65 – 66. This information is good for everyone to brush up on to be sure you cover yourself while on the job and to ensure you do not get caught in a legal loop-hole in court. I hope that you each benefit from this and please above all else be safe out there every day!!!     The Plain View Doctrine:   “The plain view doctrine is another exception to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement. While consent is required to inspect a building or property, this doctrine holds that if an inspector observes a violation while at a location where he or she is legally entitled to be, no violation of the Fourth Amendment results. In other words, if the alleged violation is observable from a place where any member of the public may be, the privacy interest of the owner must be considered insubstantial. Therefore, no warrant is required.   This exception is vitally important to the building official. Many violations are visible from the exterior of a building. An official may discover a number of code violations merely by standing on the sidewalk or other public right-of-way and observing the exterior of a structure. This exception also allows the building official to look through windows to discover violations which may be present “within plain view”. Naturally, if the occupant objects to a further inspection, the building official should immediately depart. An inspector should not attempt to inspect the rear of any property under the exception unless it backs up on a public alley.   Frequently, someone who is upset about a problem on his or her neighbor’s property will allow the building official to view it from his or her home. Anything the inspector sees may be used as evidence, even if the building official stands at a secondary window or in the backyard. Using a ladder to peer over a fence, however, is not permissible. The area surrounding a house, the curtilage, is an area in which a defendant has a reasonable expectation of privacy and is not subject to a general search.   The rules for commercial property are somewhat different. Those portions of a business open to the public are considered public area and are open to visual inspection without consent of the owner. Anything observed from an airplane flying over this type of land may be used in court.   An inspector who finds a violation under the plain view exception must still get a warrant in order to search other areas which are not in plain view and for which the occupant has refused consent. Citing one violation is not grounds to undertake a more thorough inspection, at least not without a warrant. In a case involving a health inspector, the failure of the inspector to secure a warrant before entering a number of units in an apartment complex led the court to reverse a dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit by a lower court. The inspector argued that the units were open and completely unsecured and therefore not reasonably within the owner’s expectation of privacy. The court disagreed. Merely because the units were open and unsecured did not necessarily mean that the owner had no privacy interest in them:   The fact that members of the public could have discovered these alleged violations by affirmatively trespassing upon {the} properties, of course, fails to legitimize an otherwise invalid search, and the fact that portions of the interiors may have been visible to tenants and their guests  and invitees does not mean that {the owner} necessarily “threw open” the interiors of his premise to general public scrutiny.   In short, the inspector’s failure to recognize and respect the owner’s Fourth Amendment rights gave rise to a valid cause of action against the inspector for a violation of the owner’s civil rights. Out in the field, the building official must guard against the temptation of carrying an inspection further than the law will allow. Code violations that are “in plain view” do not give the building official any authority to explore the premises searching for other violations.”     I hope this is a help to all of you, especially you who are new to the field of code enforcement. As I stated earlier, be safe out there!!!   Keith Colquitt GACE Sergeant at Arms   The Plain View Doctrine.pdf  

ESTABLISHED 1998; G.A.C.E. Dedication to training the Code Enforcement Officer throughout Georgia. The first training conference held by GACE was in the Fall of 1998 at the  UGA Center for Continuing Education located in Athens Georgia. GACE Training is facilitated through the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government  and is in participation and supported by  ACCG and GMA. The membership count for  GACE in 1998 was totaled at 50 today; GACE Celebrates an increase of over 800% at 409 members, all due to dedication of  GACE Members and Local Jurisdictional Support for the Code Enforcement Field. From 1998 to 2008 GACE has revised the training from One Level to Two Levels and has began an assertive approach to seek State recognition. The 2008 produced a good year and 09 will be to continue our two main goals  1. LJR Committee presenting state legislation to incorporate the code enforcement profession to Georgia Law, and 2. Certification Committee to present a streamline training schedule to produce a  Certified Program sealed by the STATE of GEORGIA. GACE celebrated its Ten Years where it all began at the UGA Center for Continuing Education in Athens Georgia September 30 thru October 3, 2008 Purpose of the Organization… The purpose of GACE shall be to study and advance the science and practice of Code enforcement, to further the interests of the profession, and to promote professionalism, fellowship, education, and communication among its members.

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