Municipal official reviewing legal documents for ordinance drafting
Municipal Legal Services

Ordinance Writing & Code Development

Professional drafting of building codes, zoning ordinances, floodplain regulations, and property maintenance standards for municipalities and counties across North Georgia.

Expert Ordinance Drafting from a Certified Building Official

Municipalities and counties need well-crafted ordinances that are legally sound, enforceable, and aligned with Georgia state law. Robert Gutowski brings over 30 years of code enforcement experience to the drafting table — writing ordinances that work in the real world, not just on paper.

As an ICC Certified Building Official and former Building Official of the Year, Robert understands how ordinances are applied in the field. He drafts language that is clear, consistent, and defensible — reducing ambiguity that leads to appeals, litigation, and uneven enforcement.

Whether your municipality needs a new property maintenance code, an update to your floodplain ordinance, or a complete building code adoption package, we provide end-to-end drafting and adoption support.

Robert Gutowski, Certified Building Official

Robert Gutowski, C.B.O.

ICC Certified Building Official

Why Municipalities Trust Robert Gutowski

  • ICC Certified Building Official (CBO)
  • 30+ years of code enforcement experience in North Georgia
  • NFIP Certified Floodplain Manager
  • Building Official of the Year — Building Officials Association of Georgia
  • Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission Certified (L1B & L2)
  • Active member, Building Officials Association of Georgia
  • Habersham County Planning Board member
  • Drafts ordinances that reflect real-world enforcement experience

Ordinance & Code Services

Building Code Adoption Packages

Full adoption ordinances for the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes — including the International Building Code, Residential Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Fuel Gas Code, and Energy Conservation Code — with local amendments tailored to your jurisdiction.

Property Maintenance Codes

Ordinances establishing minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential and commercial properties, including exterior conditions, structural integrity, utilities, and nuisance abatement procedures.

Zoning & Land Use Ordinances

Drafting and revision of zoning ordinances, use regulations, setback and height standards, accessory structure rules, and variance procedures in coordination with your planning department or attorney.

Floodplain Management Ordinances

NFIP-compliant floodplain ordinances and amendments to maintain your community's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, including substantial improvement/damage provisions and freeboard requirements.

Nuisance & Blight Abatement

Ordinances addressing abandoned structures, overgrown vegetation, junk vehicles, and other nuisance conditions — including notice requirements, hearing procedures, and lien authority.

Fee Schedule Development

Development of permit fee schedules, inspection fee structures, and code enforcement fine schedules that are equitable, defensible, and sufficient to support your department's operations.

Code Amendments & Updates

Review and revision of existing ordinances to address new code cycles, court decisions, state law changes, or enforcement gaps identified through field experience.

Adoption Support & Public Hearings

Preparation of staff reports, public hearing presentations, and council/commission briefings to support the formal adoption of new or revised ordinances.

How the Process Works

01

Needs Assessment

We review your existing codes, identify gaps or conflicts, and discuss your municipality's specific enforcement challenges and policy goals.

02

Research & Drafting

We research applicable state law, model codes, and comparable jurisdictions, then draft ordinance language tailored to your community.

03

Review & Revision

Draft ordinances are reviewed with your staff and legal counsel. We incorporate feedback and revise until the language meets everyone's requirements.

04

Adoption Support

We prepare supporting materials for public hearings and council/commission meetings, and assist with any questions that arise during the adoption process.

Common Questions

Ready to discuss your ordinance needs?

Contact us to schedule a consultation. We serve municipalities and counties across North Georgia and can work within your timeline and budget.

Or use the contact form on our About page to send a message directly.