This is an open thought that I need to get off my chest. Lately, I’ve noticed a growing expectation. Sometimes direct, sometimes implied, that I handle code violations differently based on who the property owner is, what neighborhood it’s in, or how the situation might be perceived politically. I want to be clear: I didn’t take this job to play politics. I took it to enforce the law fairly, objectively, and by the book. I also like to build a positive relationship with the community, but playing politics undermines day to day operations.

Our city has adopted ordinances rooted in the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) for a reason, to protect property values, safeguard health and safety, and ensure a consistent standard for everyone. The Georgia Association of Code Enforcement emphasizes impartiality and professionalism in all enforcement actions, regardless of external pressure. That’s what builds real trust between the public and city government.

When political influence starts creeping into how we apply the code, it creates real problems. If city council members, or anyone in leadership, start making decisions based on personal connections or political agendas instead of ordinance and due process, it sends a message to the public that the rules don’t apply equally. It also sends the message that some people get special treatment, while others get overlooked or targeted. Over time, this erodes community trust and leads to resentment, especially in neighborhoods that already feel ignored or underserved.

If we start enforcing the law inconsistently, what exactly are we telling the next officer, the next department head, or the next resident who asks why their complaint wasn’t handled the same way? It undermines the credibility of not just our department, but the city as a whole. And worse, it opens the city up to claims of selective enforcement, discrimination, or even lawsuits. All because we didn’t follow our own rules.

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 36-74-30) is clear: code enforcement is to be handled fairly and without bias. Political agendas don’t change the ordinance. They don’t dictate due process, and they shouldn’t steer how we do our jobs. When that line gets blurred, it’s not just bad policy, it’s a disservice to the entire community.

I bring this forward not to stir the pot, but because I believe in the work we do and want to see it done right. If there’s a change in how we’re expected to operate, or if political concerns are going to take priority over consistent enforcement, I think that’s a conversation that needs to happen openly. I’m committed to doing my job with integrity, and I just want to make sure I’m not being asked to compromise that for the sake of politics.

I agree with your entire statement. Far to many politicians get involved and question why we are enforcing a certain code or ordinance. More times than not it is an ordinance they have approved and did not know what they are putting their name on. I strongly believe all county or city politicians should have to work or spend some time in the building code or Ordinance enforcement before they get to vote on them.

Well said Chris!!

Chris,

I agree with you, there is no place in this profession for any type of political interference, with the exception of the creation of laws and ordinances. I leave the politics to my director and continue to do the job, I was hire to do IAW city ordinances and the applicable ICC codes as required.

Well said. Politics should have no place in either Law or Code Enforcement other than the creation, amending, or adoption of laws or codes. I've unfortunately seen this exact thing happen even in a jail setting. It shows a "rules for thee, not for me" mindset by the powers at be when this type of behavior happens. Our biggest asset is often the rapport we are able to build within the communities we serve, not the politics the heads would prefer us to play. Again, well said.

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It's not just Georgia. I started out as a building inspector in my home county (Johnston County, North Carolina). About 5 years in, I had to place a stop work order on one of our county commissioners for building a huge structure without a building permit and a zoning permit from the town. he had been contacted previously and refused to get the permits. He even said in an open commissioner meeting that it was easier to beg forgiveness than it was to get a permit. He never applied for a permit so, he really had no idea how hard it would be to get a permit.

After the Stop Work Order, I was forced to leave my job and move to a job in a neighboring county.

All I told them when I left was, "Look in the code book and show me the word 'politics'".

My supervisor was also forced out and retired. I told my new supervisor, "You may fire me for doing my job but, you'll never fire me for not doing my job."

Edited May 18, 2025 at 12:50 PMMay 18, 2025 by Dennis Maidon
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I believe anyone in any type of enforcement career be it law enforcement or code enforcement has been faced with this challenge. If you treat EVERYONE fairly, regardless of their "status" then you are doing the community right. I've told my supervisor I refuse to allow anyone to "Weaponize Code Enforcement". ;-)