Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement

We administer the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE) Code Enforcement Certificate Program. The program enhances the knowledge and skills of people who are responsible for the enforcement of city, county and state codes in Georgia.

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Certificate Program for Code Enforcement Officers

The Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE) is a professional association dedicated to establishing responsible code enforcement practices throughout local governments in Georgia and the professional development of its members. The Code Enforcement Officer Certificate program is sponsored by GACE and administered by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. In order to participate in the certificate program, you must be a paid member of GACE in good standing.

Program Objectives

• Encourage professionalism in public code enforcement administration throughout Georgia.

• Increase knowledge of the major legal aspects of code enforcement administration and management.

• Develop skills necessary for the enforcement of environmental, housing and land use codes.

• Develop skills to help officers provide outstanding local government services.

Requirements

The GACE Certificate Program offers three levels. All courses in each level of training are taught on a rotating schedule. Based on course selections, a participant can earn up to 15 hours of credit toward a certificate at each of two conferences annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. Upon successful completion of the certificate levels, a formal presentation of certificates to GACE members will be held at the two conferences each year.

• 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 for earning a Level I Certificate is three conferences.

• Level II: Participants must complete an additional 45 hours of coursework and successfully pass a written exam for each course with a grade of 70 or better. Time frame for earning a Level II Certificate is three conferences after completing Level I.

• Level III: Participants must complete 75 hours in curriculum consisting of technical and leadership courses. Upon successful completion of all coursework, participants must complete a final assignment. Time frame for earning a Level III certificate is five conferences and completion of the final assignment.

Courses taught over a two-day period will require the participant to attend both days. 

Continuing Education

• Participants must complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years after earning Level II certification, unless enrolled in the Level III program. Continuing education will be required after Level III completion.

• Participants must maintain GACE paid membership status. If GACE membership lapses, contact one of the organization’s board members (president, first vice president or second vice president) on how to renew GACE membership.

• Individuals are responsible for maintaining records and may be subject to an audit by the GACE Board if inconsistencies are discovered.

GACE Conference

The courses presented at the GACE conference are designed to provide participants with helpful information enforcing the local codes and ordinances within their jurisdictions.

The conference will focus on current legal aspects of code enforcement in the state of Georgia and similar information that will enhance the performance of code enforcement officials.

Also, the program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of those persons responsible for enforcement of environmental, housing and land use codes in Georgia. Courses will identify real-life code situations in communities and professional methods for addressing such issues. The conference also will provide information on standard and best code enforcement practices in the state.

Who We Serve

The conference is designed for all public officials involved in code enforcement, including:

• Code enforcement officers

• Housing officials and inspectors

• Zoning administrators

• Environmental and solid waste inspectors

• City and county planners

• Members of planning commissions

• Members of zoning boards of appeal

• City and county attorneys

• Mayors and council members

• County commissioners

• Clean and Beautiful commissioners, directors, board members

>> List of required courses