Code Enforcement Services
Fair, consistent enforcement of building codes, property maintenance standards, and zoning ordinances across North Georgia's municipalities and counties.
Protecting Communities Through Consistent Code Enforcement
Code enforcement protects property values, public safety, and the quality of life in your community. North Georgia Municipal Services Group provides professional, impartial code enforcement services to municipalities and counties that contract with us — applying the same standards to every property, every time.
Robert Gutowski has over 30 years of experience enforcing building codes and property maintenance standards across Northeast Georgia. His approach is firm but fair — focused on achieving compliance, not simply issuing citations.
We serve as the code enforcement office for municipalities that need professional enforcement without the overhead of a full-time in-house department. Our officers are trained, certified, and experienced in Georgia law and local ordinance administration.
Robert Gutowski, C.B.O.
Code Enforcement Officer
30+ Years Experience
Quick Actions
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reports submitted online are reviewed within 2 business days and assigned a case number for tracking.
Types of Violations We Enforce
Unsafe & Dilapidated Structures
Buildings that pose a danger to occupants or the public due to structural failure, fire damage, deterioration, or abandonment.
- Structurally unsound walls, floors, or roofs
- Fire-damaged or partially demolished structures
- Abandoned buildings open to unauthorized entry
- Collapsed or imminently dangerous conditions
Property Maintenance Violations
Conditions that violate minimum maintenance standards for residential and commercial properties.
- Overgrown vegetation and tall grass
- Accumulation of trash, debris, or junk
- Inoperable or abandoned vehicles on property
- Deteriorated exterior surfaces, broken windows, or damaged fencing
Unpermitted Construction
Construction, renovation, or installation work performed without required permits or inspections.
- Additions or structures built without a permit
- Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work without permits
- Work that failed to obtain required inspections
- Occupancy of a structure without a certificate of occupancy
Zoning & Land Use Violations
Uses of property that are not permitted under the applicable zoning district or land use regulations.
- Commercial activity in a residential zone
- Structures that violate setback or height requirements
- Illegal subdivision or lot splitting
- Signage that violates local sign ordinances
Floodplain Violations
Development or construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area without required permits or in violation of floodplain ordinance requirements.
- Fill or grading in a floodplain without a permit
- Structures built below required base flood elevation
- Substantial improvements without floodplain review
- Encroachments in the regulatory floodway
Nuisance Conditions
Conditions that constitute a public nuisance under local ordinance, affecting neighboring properties or the public right-of-way.
- Stagnant water or conditions attracting pests
- Outdoor storage of hazardous materials
- Encroachments onto public right-of-way
- Conditions creating a fire or health hazard
The Enforcement Process
Our enforcement process is designed to achieve compliance while giving property owners a fair opportunity to correct violations before formal action is taken.
Complaint or Observation
Violations are identified through citizen complaints submitted online or by phone, or through proactive field observation by our officers.
Investigation & Inspection
An officer inspects the property to verify the alleged violation, document conditions with photographs, and determine the applicable code sections.
Notice of Violation
If a violation is confirmed, the property owner receives a written Notice of Violation identifying the specific violation and a reasonable compliance deadline.
Compliance Period
The property owner has the opportunity to correct the violation within the specified timeframe. Extensions may be granted for good-faith compliance efforts.
Re-Inspection
At the end of the compliance period, the officer re-inspects the property to verify that the violation has been corrected.
Formal Action if Needed
If the violation is not corrected, formal enforcement action may include citations, fines, municipal court proceedings, or abatement by the municipality with lien recovery.
Contracted Municipal Code Enforcement
Many smaller municipalities and counties cannot justify the cost of a full-time code enforcement officer. North Georgia Municipal Services Group provides contracted enforcement services that give your community professional, consistent enforcement on a schedule and budget that works for you.
We serve as your code enforcement department — handling complaints, conducting inspections, issuing notices, and managing cases through resolution. Our officers are familiar with Georgia law and can work within your existing ordinance framework or help you develop new standards.
Benefits of Contracted Enforcement
- No full-time salary, benefits, or equipment costs
- Certified, experienced officers familiar with Georgia law
- Scalable — increase or decrease service levels as needed
- Consistent enforcement standards across your jurisdiction
- Case documentation and reporting for your records
- Coordination with your municipal attorney and court
Report a Violation
If you have observed a potential code violation in your community, you can submit a report online. Reports are reviewed within 2 business days and assigned a case number for tracking.
Code Enforcement Retainer Options
Retainer hours may be used interchangeably across all core enforcement functions. Hours do not carry over month to month.
| Retainer | Hours | Best For | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| As Needed | 10 hrs/month | Smallest communities (pop. 100–600); complaint-driven | $1,100/month |
| Tier 2 — Part-time | 20 hrs/month | Communities (pop. 600–1,200); proactive enforcement | $2,100/month |
| Tier 2 — Part-time | 40 hrs/month | Full-service communities; active weekly enforcement (1,800–2,400) | $4,000/month |
| Tier 3 — Full Service | 80 hrs/month | Growing cities and small counties; high volume or active development corridors | $7,800/month |
| Tier 3 — Full Service | 80 Plus hrs/month | Larger cities and counties with higher volume or active development corridors | Ask for a Quote |
Code Enforcement Overage & Add-On Rates
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Building Official | $105/hour |
| Unsafe Structure Report Preparation | $250 per report |
| After-Hours Inspection or Emergency | $125/hour (2-hour minimum) |
| Community Clean-Up Coordination | $850/event |
| Annual Comprehensive Code Review | $3,000–$5,000 |