The goal of the Building Department is to provide protection for health, safety and welfare of the general public in relation to use and occupancy of structures. To protect the value and character of neighborhoods by enforcement of zoning and nuisance abatement ordinances. To protect the general public from abuse by un-licensed contractors and subcontractors by enforcement of Contractor Licensing Laws.

The Building Department oversees, advises, and enforces the building and zoning codes of the City of Gadsden. The Department also issues permits, conducts inspections, reviews plans and specifications for new and remodeling oriented construction. The Building Department follows the guides set forth in the Southern Building Code Congress International. The Chief Building Official serves as the city's floodplain manager and emergency management team leader. The Chief Building Official oversees the Nuisance Abatement section which has one Environmental Inspector and one Environmental Officer. Other staff include two clerk typists, one Chief Electrical Inspector, and one Chief Plumbing Inspector.

The Planning Department currently directs the following projects:

• Multi-phase feasibility plan - Golf Course/Recreation Complex Development update
• Access and infrastructure planning for Airport Industrial Park
• East Broad Street Master Plan
• Tuscaloosa Avenue Revitalization Plan
• City's Comprehensive Plan
• Aesthetic/design planning for Intersection 1-59/SH77
• Design planning - municipal parking lots
• Coordination of Martin Wildlife Park Master Plan
• Court Street Plaza Development Plan in conjunction with DGI Board of Directors

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