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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.

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.

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.

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!

Signed up

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

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?

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

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

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

CODE ENFORCEMENT The code enforcement profession balances the community’s quality of life by using professional skills and techniques tailored to the community's factors for sustainable living. An effective Code Enforcement Division strives to prevent repeat offenses through education, effective communication, and enforcement. The divisions’ priority is to identify and abate violations of all applicable laws and code of ordinances related to: General Nuisance Property Maintenance Issues Solid Waste Hoarding Behaviors Abandoned Properties and Neglect Zoning Violations Soil and Erosion Building Regulations and Permitting Requirements Officers and Inspectors methodically use professional skill sets with deliberate intent to serve the community better in the areas of: Customer Service Complainant Listening to the complainant's concerns Gaining clarity of complaint Respond promptly Violator Communicate effectively to gain willful compliance. Assess the ability to comply. Correspond with positive solutions and explain the consequences. Co-Workers Teamwork Collaborate with other departments to better serve customers. Recognize each team member's strengths and abilities to serve the community effectively. Investigation Inspection Validating the complaint/ identifying violation(s) Communication and Compliance Written Communication Notice of Violation Layout is key Keep to one page if possible. Communicate the importance of compliance. Request-response Give timeframes Emails Keep Brief Keep Professional Maintain focus on the importance of compliance. Copy and Blind Copy important personnel as needed Verbal Communication In Person Speak Clearly Maintain eye contact Respond with clarity Stay on topic of Code Issues. LISTEN Respect Phone Calls Speak Clearly Stay on topic Be Brief Remain, Professional, A proactive code enforcement division recognizes the need for efficiency and time management. The division serves the community by meeting the need of ACCESSIBILITY: To the public Approachable department Convenient to public access Customer Service Area Education and Meeting Room Coordinating Compliance with other departments to serve the customer better To other departments Planning and Zoning Land Use Violations Zoning Conditions Commercial Vehicle Livestock Issues Sign Ordinance Revitalization Plan Parking Ordinance Historic Preservation Ordinance Building and Permitting Stop Work Orders Building and Housing Code Violations Fire Department Personnel Fire Burns Fire Safety Issues (Rental Properties) Environmental Health Department Environmental Waste Issues Septic Systems Overcrowding Bedbugs Mosquito and Larva Solutions Engineering Soil and Erosion Illicit Discharge Tree Ordinance Public Property Assessments The Right of Way Tax Assessors/Commissioners Office Property Records Ownership Issues Business and Licensing Commercial Property Issues Curb Stoning Rehabilitation and Developing Businesses Legal, Judicial Systems Court Cases Inspection Warrant Abatement Procedures To the leadership and other community-based organizations Special Projects and Community Outreach Projects Redevelopment Rehabilitation Revitalization Plan Disaster Relief and Recovery Effort A division with skilled personnel is dedicated and responsive to community improvement. Inspectors and officers work cooperatively with the public to ensure neighborhoods are educated and feel comfortable relying on code enforcement. The department proves to be a diversified group of subject matter experts who team up to make a difference. Educated and Experienced in: Management and Public Education Professionals who provide experience in code enforcement as it relates to and benefits the efforts of community improvement, sustainable living, and economic development. Needs for affordable housing and an improved standard of living. Ability to target subject matter to the needs of individual neighborhoods. Code enforcement experts recognize not all customers have the same needs or are on the same educational level. Trained Officers, inspectors, and specialists provide communication and educational needs to any target audience. Public Administration, Business, and Economic Development Provides the public with alternative solutions and effectively holds the subject of compliance as a must, Communicates effectively through written and verbal means, Recognizing the customer's ability to understand and adapt, Recognizes the potential for growth, Criminal Justice, Police Techniques, and Court Procedures Provides the community with a sense of security and assurance of active code enforcement Officers recognize that customer concerns are important and handled effectively. Code enforcement officers provide security for the non-POST inspectors to effectively gain entrance to open and often vagrant-filled houses. Officers and Inspectors provide effective, clear testimony bearing facts of a case before the Judicial Powers. Officers and inspectors of an effective division are well-versed and knowledgeable of the City and County Code of Ordinances. A team of experienced code enforcement professionals has a willingness to improve. Meeting the following needs will improve the division's performance. Employee Training Increase professional training opportunities for officers and inspectors. Verbal Judo Code Enforcement (GACE) Zoning (GAZA) Property Maintenance (IPMC) Community Development Internal Training Due Process Communication Techniques Networking Weekly partner ride-along (cross-training) Public Education Improve community relationships with the department. Target community/neighborhood meetings Specific to code enforcement Media Access Monthly educational topics Focused on improving customers' knowledge of ordinances relating to sustaining a healthy, safe, and clean community. Flyers, information packages, and message boards Equip officers and inspectors with handouts that educate and promote community pride. Improve enforcement methods by adding educational instruments to explain compliance processes and requirements. Target area informational notices and advisements Division evaluates violations. Sends education and advice literature. Documents progress and implements abatement procedure. Policy and Procedure update Improve policy and procedures for the division. Identify and chart the chain of command. Department/division Professional Meetings Implement by-weekly department communication meetings. Coordinate with co-workers to discuss cases presenting difficulty. Update and inform Court presentations. Develop strategic plans to have uniform code enforcement policies and procedures. Improve Monthly Reports Implement data relative to compliance activities. Report community involvement activities Implement quarterly summarized reports. Collective information Open and closed case stats Willful compliance stats Court action cases Chart violations Data by jurisdiction Improve and provide adequate equipment. Vehicles Replace those with high miles and high maintenance issues. Adequately equipped. Safety lights on all vehicles Improved radio communications Cameras Flashlights Phones and IPADS Update computer programs For code enforcement, one of the most important skill sets acquired through employee training opportunities is customer service. This skill set should be performed professionally and efficiently every day. Code enforcement professionals can strategically apply their skill sets with deliberate intent to serve the community better in all areas of Customer Service. Effective customer service provided to the three most valuable players in the code enforcement field will only improve a community's attitude. As a team-oriented staff, each member acknowledges, “Together, Everyone Achieves More.” As Teammates, they recognize each other’s strengths and abilities. Most, if not all, tasks can be achieved successfully when the team applies a more uniform approach. Complainants are treated as concerned citizens, and a professional staff serves citizens effectively by listening to their concerns, gaining clarity on the issues, and responding in a strategic effort to educate the citizens on how the division will proceed by assessing the situation and validating the need for action to be taken promptly and professionally. Most importantly, it is important to communicate effectively with the responsible party. Code enforcement professionals understand and practice customer service strategies to proactively engage customers who may or may not understand that they have violated an ordinance that negatively impacts community values. It is a priority of each team member to communicate with such efficiency as to gain willful compliance by assessing the customers’ ability to comply and correspond with positive solutions while being direct and confirming consequences for non-compliance. Those who take the Enforcement Techniques class receive this from me. I wanted to share. It is my hope it helps in some professional and personal way to grow your already super code enforcement department.

Informative and concise