Leaderboard

A very grateful Thank You! to all individuals that are willing to run for and dedicate the time and effort into this G.A.C.E. organization to ensure its success! 🏆 Each and every individual running for open positions are appreciated for all that they are doing and have done in the past for this organization, but more importantly, what they will do as we move forward. A big thank you also goes to those that have served or are currently serving! All participation throughout our history is appreciated and valued forever. G.A.C.E. always relies upon dedicated and knowledgeable leadership that must be supported by all involved! Please take the time to participate in this election after review and reflection by casting your vote, in person or by absentee ballot, in what will be a significant event in determining the future goals and path of this organization over the coming years. No matter how you vote, your vote is imperative! Please exercise this right and opportunity to shape our future. Looking forward to seeing all in Savannah for the upcoming G.A.C.E. conference and ever so important vote. GOD bless. Thank you again to all members and especially those willing to step up and lead this organization into an ever brighter future! 👏

Big Thank you to Dennis Maidon! 🏆 My brother, you have made a contribution few others could have and few if any have been willing to attempt! You have been a beneficial and active participant in developing, maintaining, and improving this website for all G.A.C.E. members and users to enjoy. 🎯 We all appreciate you and what you do for us all. Thank you Sir, you have earned our respect and appreciation! On behalf of all members, thank you again! You are the best!!! 😎

HB 483 and any legislative language that provides greater protections to Code Enforcement officials in the field is greatly needed and long overdue! Code Enforcement officials face many perils, many encountered are the same or similar to our law enforcement brothers and sisters, but without the protections provided to law enforcement personnel to ensure their protection before, during, and after such encounters. Serious consequences and accountability are needed for the welfare of both the Code Enforcement Official and their families. Be supportive as requested and please get involved in any action that helps promote the well being and advancement of the Code Enforcement profession. Thanks to all, you are appreciated and valued for what each of you do daily!

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!

Well said! Cannot agree more.

Hello all, I wanted to take a moment and say Thank You to the GACE board members for all they do. They lead, they serve, and they sacrifice on behalf of every GACE member who is part of this organization. They safeguard the members welfare and make decisions that are always intended to nurture and protect. The GACE board had to make such a decision this date when cancellation of the Fall 2024 GACE conference was deemed necessary due to anticipated dangerous weather approaching. The board acted to protect every attendees safety and welfare. Better safe than sorry! This board takes their roles and responsibilities very seriously. I am grateful we have such a board to rely upon. Thank You all for all you do! There will be other conferences and opportunities to participate in future GACE conferences. Until then, take the opportunity to support and thank each and every member of the GACE board. Thank You to each and every board member! You all are valued and appreciated! Praying that all of GACE stay safe and well. Until we meet again, GOD bless! Ron

Voting is a way to make your voice heard. Please review the candidates and make an informed choice based on your vision of where you want this organization to go.

Great to see our members keeping up with what is going on with our organization!!

Could not have said it better, fully agree. Please participate.

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.

Excellent example of individuals who truly strive for proficiency through efficient communication and coordinated cooperation via multiple departments and agencies working together to better serve the community in which they serve. Such actions exemplify what most involved in public service strive to accomplish daily. Good example of what occurs daily throughout this country to inspire others who often believe what they do daily goes unappreciated or recognized. Each and every public servant is appreciated for what they do even though most do not garner the attention or recognition as demonstrated in this incident. Never give up and be inspired to do your best each and every day. You are appreciated and valued! 👍

Please take a moment to honor and remember a fallen hero who bravely served as a Police Officer with the City of Roswell, GA. Officer Jeremy Labonte lost his life in the line of duty this past Friday (2-7-2025) while serving the citizens of the City of Roswell Georgia. He leaves behind a beloved wife and family that mourn his loss as does his department and many others across this nation. He served on the front lines and sacrificed all. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. GOD bless the men and women across this nation who serve and have served in any capacity placing the welfare and safety of others before their own. "Blessed are the peacemakers..."

Thank you to each and every person who has commented and every individual that participates in this field. The comments provided by all are beneficial and encouraging. We are the beneficiaries and very thankful for this G.A.C.E. organization, those that comprise it, and especially those that provide leadership for all of us involved which has enabled the growth and increasingly positive recognition discussed within. Thanks to all!

Ghosts with a bedtime? Savannah puts curfew on iconic haunted tours! 👻 See the story and details via provided link. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/ghosts-with-bedtime-ga-city-puts-curfew-iconic-haunted-tours/XKD7FP7TENEG5PPT27W3VU7MDY/ Information provided so you can plan accordingly if Ghosts were part of your plans during the Savannah conference. City leaders hope the curfews will provide a better balance for tourism and quality of life for Savannah residents. 👍

Thanks Linda! Everyone please make sure your membership dues are up to date prior to the conference so you can vote on Thursday at the conference.

Welcome to all of the new members that are now part of the G.A.C.E. family! 🙂 Have been watching the consistent stream of new members that are joining this organization. Watching it grow over the years and continuing to see the direction we are headed in is truly gratifying. A big shout out to our past, current, and future members who have all played a role in where we are today and where we will be in the future. A big Thank You to our current leadership and what each of you do daily regarding this organization and every member you represent. Job well done! 🏆 In this season of Thanksgiving, we all have much to be thankful for. Lets support one another and strive to live each day in a positive manner, encouraging each to be better than the day before. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all. GOD bless and prayers to all as we prepare to transition into the new year. Happy Holidays.

Every day there are millions of dedicated and talented individuals who proudly without remorse serve the citizens and local authorities with the enforcement of codes to protect the lives and safety of our communities.I Just want to say Thanks for that service and the support of everyone when we are in the field .Officer safety is very important and very real.Lets continue to reach out in our community and advocate for the protection when we are preforming our duties

HB 483 is in the HOUSE!!! Georgia-2025-HB483-Introduced.pdfLegislative Support GA HB 483 (1).pdf To amend Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to assault and battery, so as to provide for protections for inspectors of code enforcement; to provide for definitions; to provide for enhanced penalties for simple assault, aggravated assault, simple battery, battery, and aggravated battery committed upon inspectors of code enforcement in certain circumstances; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. MEMBERS!!! You are being called to action! Let's get the word out!!! WE Support HB 483!

On February 5, 2025, in San Bernardino County, California an article entitled "Code Enforcement recovered stolen Colton school fence" highlighted Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Gonzalez. This article illustrates a prime example of dedication to duty and inter-departmental cooperation between Code Enforcement and other agencies within a community. "Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Gonzalez recently resolved a complex code enforcement case in Bloomington involving a vacant property owned by the Colton Joint Unified School District. The site had been plagued by illegal dumping and encampments established by unhoused individuals. Through diligent efforts, Gonzalez successfully addressed these challenges, restoring the property to compliance. The property, located in a residential neighborhood, had become a focal point for community concerns due to ongoing nuisance activity. Gonzalez informed the school district of the escalating issues and collaborated with them to enhance security measures. This partnership resulted in the completion of trespass forms, empowering the Sheriff’s Department to take enforcement action against trespassers. Additionally, the school district installed fencing around the property’s perimeter to prevent unauthorized access. Despite the efforts made, several fence panels were stolen shortly after installation, jeopardizing the progress achieved. Gonzalez conducted a thorough investigation during a routine inspection on Dec. 4, discovering a neighboring property where stacks of fencing material matching the missing panels were visible in the front yard. The fencing was easily identifiable by its unique bright orange paint markings. Gonzalez documented the evidence and worked closely with the Sheriff’s Department, as well as school district representatives, including the superintendent and head of security, to confirm ownership of the materials. The stolen panels were quickly recovered by the Sheriff and returned that same day to the school district. Although no charges were filed as the property owner claimed a relative had brought the fencing to their home, the coordinated efforts of Code Enforcement, the Sheriff’s Department and the school district successfully restored security to the school district’s property. “This case highlights the importance of community partnerships to address local issues,” Gonzalez said. “By working together, we can protect neighborhoods and properties more effectively.” The school district is now reinforcing security measures to prevent future incidents and remains committed to collaborating with local authorities to maintain community safety. “Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Gonzalez’s exceptional attention to detail and investigative efforts were instrumental in recovering valuable fencing stolen from the school district,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Ramirez. “His actions not only safeguarded thousands of dollars’ worth of property but also demonstrated the critical role Code Enforcement plays in protecting community resources and ensuring public safety.” This successful resolution emphasizes the vital contributions of San Bernardino County Code Enforcement officers in protecting public resources, fostering community trust and ensuring compliance across San Bernardino County."

Dennis Maidon, You have absolutely outdone yourself! What a great job you have done on this project! Looks and functions absolutely fantastic. Congratulations my friend. Job well done and another Thank You for your service. Thank you again, Ron

Code Enforcement is a much bigger and more complex profession than others outside the field can imagine. Having a strong state organization like GACE and its' ties to The Carl Vinson Institute for Government and UGA is essential to promote overall changes for the better in the field. Just as we, as individual people, communicate with and educate citizens to work with us for voluntary compliance to the ordinances we enforce. The state organization of GACE can help the different governments we work for to understand the complex nature of code enforcement and encourage them to support and appreciate the hard work of Code Enforcement personal. There is always a new challenge, new information to learn, a new approach to try, and sometimes just knowing that other places have the same Karen's or grumps is helpful. That is what GACE and the conferences allow us to do.

This profession is sometimes frowned upon by the general public. We are looked upon as a necessary evil. However, the recent increase of salaries has attracted individuals that want to be identified as professionals and G.A.C.E provides the necessary training to accomplish this goal! Even after achieving Levels I, II, and III, you have the opportunity to take continuing educational courses and improve yourself, your municipality and this profession!

Agreed. Great write up and expressed points of the value and need for Code Enforcement.

Agreed. It's clear that the demand for Code Enforcement and Building Inspection personnel is growing rapidly, and the increased recognition and compensation are crucial for attracting the right talent.

Clyde Kiess, former Code Enforcement Senior Inspector for the City of Marietta, retired June 30, 2023 after 20 years of service. Clyde has been retired for eighteen months now but still on our minds. We continue to wish him a very happy future with many days of fishing and traveling with friends and family. He earned it! Thank you Clyde for the years of service that you provided! *While he did not want others to make a big deal of it at the time, we did not wish to let his retirement go unrecognized on this site any longer. Best wishes, City of Marietta Code Enforcement Team

Hello Jacob, The lack of responses may speak for itself. The high liability of allowing non-P.O.S.T. Certified Officers, aka Code Enforcement Officers, to carry any form of a weapon (O.C., A.S.P., Knives, Firearms, etc.) has always been a huge concern for any governmental agency. Most agencies, inclusive of my agency have reviewed the possibility and found the option too risky and highly problematic because of the litigious society we are currently in. P.O.S.T. Certification helps to mitigate the high liability of employees having and using such devices but even then cannot guarantee protection from litigation. Non-P.O.S.T. Certified individuals lack the training or field experience to utilize such devices and then be able to articulate in judicial proceedings why they acted in the manner in which they did as supported by case law. Years of law enforcement training accompanied by field experience provide that expertise and knowledge helping to minimize the fallout and consequences when such an event occurs. Even when such devices are properly used as supported by law, litigation usually follows even when such litigation is unjust. Even the use of O.C. has had cases where the outcome was fatal to certain individuals due to underlying causes such as allergens or pre-existing medical conditions which resulted in costly judicial proceedings to all involved parties and the serious injury or death of at least one individual involved. Regardless, the decision rest with your employing agency as guided by their legal representative, whether that is a State, County, or City Attorney. As a current Code Enforcement Officer/Inspector/Manager and former Georgia Certified Police Officer with P.O.S.T. certification still valid and in good standing, I understand your inquiry and desire to obtain additional information on this matter; however, the likelihood of obtaining favorable results regarding this matter without obtaining and maintaining P.O.S.T. Certification is unlikely. I wish you the best of luck as you move forward in researching this matter on behalf of your employing agency. Stay safe and GOD bless you. Happy New Years!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to each and every member of the G.A.C.E. family. A big Thank You! to our current leadership and what each of you do daily regarding this organization. In this special season, we have much to be thankful for! Lets continue to support one another and strive to live each day in a positive manner, encouraging each to be better than the day before. Stay safe. Merry Christmas to all. GOD bless and prayers to all as we prepare to transition into the new year. Happy Holidays.

Welcome to our new members. As always thank you to the leadership and volunteers that make this organization work. Everyone enjoy the Holidays.

October is National Code Enforcement Appreciation Month! Thank you to all the Code Enforcement Officers for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts are essential to ensuring our communities remain a safe and healthy place to live. Your professionalism and commitment to public service is greatly appreciated! This is YOUR month and it is well deserved and earned!

I look forward to being able to attend this conference! Hope to see old friends and make some new ones!

When can attendees of the upcoming conference expect class materials to be available for download? The conference is rapidly approaching, and I have been unable to find mention of when the materials will be provided.

Training Materials are currently being disseminated via email to G.A.C.E. attendees. Emails started last date, 2-19-2025 and will continue until all have received. If you encounter a problem, remember to reach out to the spectacular Mrs. Anna Lawrence via her email, but please allow time for her to get everyone's information out as we have a lot of attendees. Everyone stay safe on the drive to the conference and lets hope the weather is spectacular! See you soon and best wishes.

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on noise ordinances that incorporate decibel levels as the guide as to what is allowable or not. For anyone that has this type of regulation, is it a useful tool to have or more trouble than it's worth?

A big shout out and Thank You to Mr. Dennis Maidon for his never ending work to create, maintain, and improve this G.A.C.E. website that we all utilize as G.A.C.E. members. His commitment to this site and this organization is remarkable. I would like to publicly commend and recognize Dennis as a crucial member of this organization and what he contributes daily. You sir are valued and appreciated far more than you will ever know. Thank you again and GOD bless you and your precious family. 🏆

Thank you for your service to the Roswell Community. RIP Officer Labonte and my prayers are with your family and loved ones.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the new members for the month of January 2025. It is in my humble opinion you have become members of an excellent organization. As members, you will receive some of the best training pertaining to Code Enforcement, at our conferences which is held twice a year (spring and fall); also, each of you will have the opportunity to meet a group awesome people from all parts of the State of Georgia. Additionally, our Board of Directors is composed of some of the best leaders I had the pleasure of meeting. They are always there to guide you and answer practically every question that you may have. Again, Welcome to GACE...

Thank you to everyone running for positions and all who have supported G.A.C.E. — your dedication is truly appreciated. Vote! Your participation will help shape the future of our organization.

First off, I hope everyone has made it through this winter storm unscathe. If you must be out on the roads please be extremely careful, especially on back roads where black ice is most likely to be. Stay safe and warm. Remember, this conference we have elections for four (4) Board of Directors positions. There are a group of fantastic candidates that are running for President, 2nd Vice, Sgt at Arms, and Secretary. I wish all the candidates the best of luck. I hope to see everyone in Savannah in March.

Couldn't agree more, Thank you for everything that you have done for the Code Enforcement Community.

Thanks, and I'm just happy to be a part of the GACE family.

I would like to welcome all of our new members to GACE. Each of you will experience some great training to help you through your new career path in Code Enforcement, as well as meeting some fantastic people along the way. Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Hope to see everyone at the Spring Conference in Savannah.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all! Welcome to all new members. Thank you to all current members and GACE leadership!

Please be aware of some legal changes that will go into effect July 1 of this year. HB 461 HB 461.pdf This bill revises how city's must calculate regulatory fees, specifically building inspection fees. The bill eliminates the ability to calculate fees for renovation and other construction projects based on the cost of the project, but expands the ability to use square footage in the fee calculation for extensive renovation projects (those totaling over $75,000). HB 1017 "Georgia Squatter Reform Act" HB 1017.pdf Establishes the offense of unlawful squatting, defining it as entering and residing on the land or premises of the owner without consent. HB 404 "Safe at Home Act" HB 404.pdf Requires that landlords provide rental units fit for habitation, creates a three day grace period for late payments of rent, prohibits cutting of AC prior to evictions, caps security deposits at no more than three times the monthly rent, and expedites the eviction process for tenants who have committed certain felony offenses. GMA legislative monitoring page: https://www.gacities.com/What-We-Do/Advocacy/Georgia-Advocacy/Legislative-Session.aspx OCGA: https://advance.lexis.com/container?config=00JAAzZDgzNzU2ZC05MDA0LTRmMDItYjkzMS0xOGY3MjE3OWNlODIKAFBvZENhdGFsb2fcIFfJnJ2IC8XZi1AYM4Ne

I couldn't agree more!! Thank you for always having our best interest at heart. Prayers for everyone at this time.❤️

City of Marietta Code Enforcement Inspector Ben Speeth is retiring after ten successful years of service. Ben is relocating to his hometown in Ohio with his family allowing more time with extended family and childhood friends. Congratulations to Ben and his entire family. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers as you start this new chapter of your lives. Congratulations!!! 🙂

Congratulations to Kate Moya who is retiring from the City of Marietta after many years as Code Enforcement Admin. I. Kate has been a wonderful asset to the City of Marietta Code Enforcement Division and will be greatly missed. Congratulations are also offered to Kate and her husband Kyle on the expected arrival of a blessed and long awaited child aka "Baby Moya" , name for now. 🙂 Congratulations, best wishes, and most importantly-our prayers- are with Kate as she starts this new chapter of her and her families journey as parents. Congratulations and GOD bless!

GOD bless the men and women who serve our nation in whatever capacity they deem appropriate. Please remember them and their families in prayer as they serve and afterwards. Remember the family members, inclusive of spouses, precious children, and all those that support and endure the times away and hardships that accompany the absence or loss of a loved one or friend. Thanks to all who serve. May we always cherish their service and memory!

I agree with the Thank You to the volunteer GACE board members. Cancellation of events is always a hard decision with so many factors to weigh, so again thank you for all you do for the organization.

I couldn't agree more. The GACE board did what they had to do! Mark

I had just made it to Broad St. when I got a call from Chris with the news. I cancelled my reservations at the Holiday Inn Express and headed back to Raleigh, NC. It was a ton of driving but, I think the Board made the best decision. It's better to be safe than sorry. I knew one other member's phone number, so I called him and got him turned around before he got all the way to Augusta. I hope everyone made it home safely. Hopefully I'll get to see everyone in March. Until then: Happy Halloween 🎃 Happy Veterans Day 🪖 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 Merry Christmas 🎄 Happy New Year 🎆