City of South Fulton’s Industry-Leading Safety Initiatives Earn 2025 Community Service Award

ICC’s Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service that promotes public health, safety and welfare. The City of South Fulton, Georgia, received the 2025 International Code Council (ICC) Community Service Award, presented during ICC’s 2025 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The City was awarded for its custom safety initiatives that serve the jurisdiction’s diverse community, and for its creative and collaborative approach to code enforcement that educates and encourages residents to meet its evolving needs.  

“Seeing how much our community values safety and quality of life motivates us to think beyond traditional enforcement,” said Paul Muhammad, the City of South Fulton’s Director of Code Enforcement. 

Industry-Leading Programs 

Standout programs developed for the City of South Fulton’s most vulnerable populations were built around the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live and clear access to information. 

The compassionate Code Cares project helps seniors ages 65 and older and disabled residents to address minor code issues they physically or financially cannot manage, preventing displacement and improving safety. It helps find solutions to their problems instead of issuing fines, fees and liens. Outdoor activities include mowing yards, raking leaves, picking up litter or debris and pulling trash bins to and from the curb.  

The AgriCODEture initiative centers on education and outreach to residents living in agricultural zone districts who may not fully understand which activities are permitted or restricted.  

Events have included a free community harvest focused on “understanding agricultural compliance,” bringing together residents, farmers, planners and policy advocates focused on planning, zoning, permitting and code enforcement.  

“Rather than relying solely on enforcement, the program emphasizes dialogue, education and collaboration—bringing stakeholders together to identify solutions, pool resources and preserve both safety and agricultural traditions,” said Muhammad.  

To help recover from fire damage, the city’s Heal the Burn initiative focuses on revitalizing properties after fires or hazardous incidents, ensuring families are not left in unsafe conditions and preventing blight from spreading. To date, the initiative has contributed to the revitalization of approximately 30 properties.  

These combined initiatives were developed to provide stability, clarity and dignity, particularly for populations that may otherwise struggle to navigate regulatory systems.  

“We believe code enforcement is not just about issuing citations—it’s about solving problems, educating the public and building trust. That philosophy drives us to develop innovative programs that are responsive, collaborative and sustainable,” said Muhammad. 

These programs not only mitigate hazards but also help instill community pride and understanding. 

Owning It: Engaging Youth in their Community 

The City of South Fulton’s future safety starts with its youngest residents. 

Investing in the next generation, the city’s Junior Code Enforcement program teaches young people about property maintenance, environmental responsibility and public safety.  

“Through hands-on activities and educational workshops, students learn their actions have real impact,” said Muhammad. “It empowers them early, builds leadership skills and fosters pride and ownership in their community. We believe clean communities start with what we teach our youth.”

Muhammad explained that as cities grow, the challenges affecting safety and quality of life become more complex. 

“A one-size-fits-all enforcement approach is no longer effective,” said Muhammad. “These initiatives matter because they promote prevention, education and collaboration. They help residents understand expectations, address issues before they escalate, support at-risk populations and strengthen community resilience—creating safer neighborhoods and long-term stability.” 

Gaining Recognition

ICC’s Community Service Award adds another accolade to the City of South Fulton’s achievements.  

“Winning this award is a tremendous honor for our department and the City of South Fulton, it validates the dedication of our team and highlights our commitment to innovation, service and equity,” said Muhammad. “Most importantly, it recognizes the partnerships we’ve built with residents, community organizations and youth. This recognition motivates us to continue expanding programs that improve lives and elevate the profession.” 

Past honors also include the 2023 Code Enforcement Department of the Year Award presented by The American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE).  

Mission Ready Programs 

South Fulton helps fulfill ICC’s mission rooted in protecting public health, safety and welfare.  

“Community service programs are where that mission becomes real,” said Muhammad. “By combining education, outreach and enforcement, these initiatives demonstrate how code professionals can be proactive, compassionate and effective. 

He said their programs show how the industry can adapt to diverse communities while upholding safety standards, strengthening both the built environment and public trust. 

View all 2025 ICC award recipients here.          

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