Code Compliance Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Code Compliance Officer administers and enforces Town codes and ordinances affecting residential and non-residential properties. The position performs the full range of investigative, technical, administrative, and field work for enforcement of zoning, building, and related codes, and administers the Town’s code compliance program.

The officer investigates complaints, conducts inspections, issues notices of civil enforcement documents, and manages cases from intake through resolution, including coordination with the Department of Law as needed. The position works closely with internal departments to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement of Town codes and ordinances.

The Code Compliance Officer may be designated by the Town to enforce ordinances classified as civil offenses, including issuing uniform civil code complaints and related notices and orders, consistent with Town procedures and applicable law. This position is not a peace officer role and does not include authority to issue criminal citations or exercise arrest powers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities are subject to change as the needs of the Town and requirements of the position change.

• Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and strategies to improve the effectiveness of the Town’s code compliance program.
• Administers the code compliance program, including complaint intake/triage, case tracking, enforcement actions, reporting, and coordination with internal departments and external agencies.
• Enforces Town codes and ordinances through education, voluntary compliance, civil enforcement/citations, and legal remedies as necessary.
• Conducts field inspections; documents conditions through photographs, notes, and other evidence; prepares and issues notices of violation and compliance orders; and maintains complete case files through resolution; and provides testimony in hearings and/or court proceedings.
• Researches property records, ownership, permits, and land use history using databases, mapping, and other records.
• Performs field checks to determine conformance with rezoning conditions, development plans, subdivision plats, and permits.

• Responds to public inquiries and provides information on applicable Town codes and compliance processes.
• Coordinates with Building Safety and other authorized officials regarding stop-work/stop-use actions when applicable under adopted codes and Town procedures.
• Coordinates with the Department of Law and other agencies on case preparation and provides testimony in hearings/court proceedings as needed.
• Maintains cooperative relations with HOAs and community stakeholders regarding education, referrals, and coordination within the Town's enforcement authority.
• May provide training or technical guidance to other staff involved in code compliance activities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability to use and/operate equipment and programs necessary to successfully complete job-related tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of due process, service methods, and documentation standards used in Town civil enforcement processes.
• Knowledge of code enforcement program administration and regulatory compliance practices
• Knowledge of investigative principles, code enforcement procedures, and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of municipal government operations and land use regulation
• Knowledge of customer service principles
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations including but not limited to building safety, zoning, and land use.
• Knowledge of standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities
• Skill in conflict de-escalation and difficult conversations.
• Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, and explaining federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Skill in communication and interpersonal interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
• Ability to write clear, defensible findings.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple compliance cases simultaneously
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in applying general regulations to specific situations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, criminal justice, construction management, environmental studies, or a related field relevant to code enforcement or regulatory compliance.
• Two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, zoning administration, building inspection, land use regulations, or a related regulatory field.
• Any equivalent combination of Formal Education and Experience sufficient to perform the Essential Functions may be considered.
• Code enforcement certification from the International Code Council (ICC), American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE), or Arizona Code Enforcement Association (ACEA) is required within 12 months of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Code enforcement certification from the International Code Council (ICC), American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE), or Arizona Code Enforcement Association (ACEA) upon hire.

REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to work evenings and weekends, and to respond to time-sensitive complaints or enforcement actions.
• Valid Driver’s License required or ability to obtain an Arizona Driver’s License within ten days of hire.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check prior to beginning employment with the Town.
• Must be eligible for designation by the Town to issue civil enforcement complaints/citations and related notices/orders in accordance with Town procedures.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Town of Sahuarita and the employee and is subject to change by the Town of Sahuarita as needed.

Management’s vision is for all employees to embrace, support, and promote the Town’s values, beliefs, and culture, which include but are not limited to the following expected behaviors:

• High ethical standards
• Active participation in teamwork
• Strong safety principles and safety awareness
• Provide outstanding customer service to internal and external customers

THE TOWN OF SAHUARITA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE TOWN WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH A MEMBER OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT