Code Enforcement / Community Development

picture of the Code Enforcement Building

Department Overview


The Office of Code Enforcement and Community Development is a licensing, permitting, compliance inspection and enforcement agency for the City of Athens. The goal of the Code Enforcement Office is to provide a service to the community which maintains and enhances the quality of life for all citizens. Routine permit processing includes residential and commercial zoning for new construction and alteration, signs, use, flood hazard, land development, landscaping and subdivisions. 
 

Mission Statement

The Office of Code Enforcement and Community Development is a licensing, permitting, compliance inspection and enforcement agency for the City of Athens.  The mission of the Code Enforcement Office is to provide excellent service to the community which maintains, enhances and protects the quality of life.

Vision Statement


Code Enforcement strives to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment throughout the City.  Our goal is to help maintain and improve the quality of our community by administering fair and unbiased enforcement of State laws and local ordinances to correct violations and reduce hazards that create blight and adversely affect the quality of life of residents in the affected areas of the City.  We continue to work closely with residents, neighborhoods, public service agencies, and other City departments to facilitate voluntary compliance.


Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to):



Residential rental program encompasses over 5,300 registered rental units with health and safety inspections being conducted yearly.
  • Contractors conducting work within city limits must be registered with our department annually. Registration includes filing of liability insurance as well as other required submittals.
  • Vending including the “A” & “B” Vendors with vending trailers on E. Union Street as well as peddler and solicitor licenses.
  • Investigation and compliance enforcement of complaints on grass and weeds, parking, housing, signage, and trash.
Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our office is located at 28 Curran Drive (at the back side of West Elementary School).