The Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force successfully launched its 2026 Monthly Educational Session Series on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., beginning with a timely and practical discussion on zoning and code compliance. The January session featured M. Angel Gray, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services for Albany and Dougherty County, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the critical intersection of zoning, code enforcement, and housing development.
Drawing from more than two decades of local government experience, Gray provided an in-depth overview of how planning, zoning, and code enforcement functions operate collaboratively to uphold housing standards, protect public health and safety, and preserve property values. Her presentation emphasized that zoning is not merely regulatory in nature but is a foundational tool that shapes long-term community development outcomes, particularly in rural and small-city contexts
ZONING & CODE COMPLIANCE
Key Topics Covered
During the session, Gray addressed several core areas essential to effective housing and community development, including:
The legal basis and purpose of zoning under Georgia law.
The relationship between zoning, land use regulations, and development review.
Common code enforcement violations, such as dilapidated structures, illegal signage, and property maintenance issues.
Regulatory areas that extend beyond traditional zoning, including floodplain management, historic preservation, signage controls, and overlay districts.
The importance of coordination between zoning staff, code enforcement officers, and development partners to ensure compliance from project intake through construction and occupancy.
Participants engaged in a robust discussion, posing questions related to managing non-compliant properties, addressing homelessness within zoning frameworks, and navigating enforcement challenges faced by rural jurisdictions with limited staff capacity. Gray underscored the importance of well-trained code enforcement officers and cross-departmental collaboration as essential components of effective local governance.
Announcements
The session concluded with announcements regarding upcoming monthly educational offerings and a call for regional participation in Georgia Housing Day at the Capitol on February 25, an opportunity for local leaders and practitioners to advocate for housing-related priorities at the state level.
A full recording of the January Educational Session will be available via a replay button on this page. The Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force encourages local government officials, housing practitioners, and community partners to view the recording and participate in future sessions as the series continues throughout 2026.
M. Angel Gray is the Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services for Albany and Dougherty County, bringing more than two decades of experience across zoning, code enforcement, housing, environmental compliance, and land use regulation.
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