Code Compliance Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Code Compliance Officer performs a variety of routine and complex work in the interpretation and enforcement of adopted codes, ordinances, and related rules and regulations. The position is responsible for enforcing all the city codes not primarily enforced by the Police Department, and in particular, those codes pertaining to property use and maintenance and public nuisances.

Position ensures the compliance of public nuisance abatements, property maintenance, abandoned and inoperable vehicles and other issues relating to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community for public and private residential, commercial and industrial property; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; and performs related duties as required.

Position works under the general guidance and direction of the Director of Community Development and/or leadership within the Community Development Services Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Enforces city codes not primarily enforced by the Police Department.

  • Coordinates with the Community Development Director, Building Inspectors, Police Chief, Fire Chief and other departments as necessary to secure compliance with city codes when enforcement becomes necessary.
  • Performs systematic site inspections of properties and building structures to ensure compliance with all applicable city codes and regulatory requirements, to include zoning; enforces all aspects of city codes and ordinances.
  • Inspects commercial properties for sign permit approval conditions.
  • Investigate citizen complaints of code violations; investigate obvious code violations observed while patrolling the City or during site investigations; determine appropriate action to be taken; locate property ownership information and BCAD parcel information; research legal information for property owners, issue warnings, letters and citations as appropriate; conduct follow-up investigations and take additional actions until cases are resolved and files are closed.
  • Maintain complete records of all cases including ownership information; all communications and action taken with names, dates, and times, before and after photographs as needed, and copies of all other documents and information; maintains complete and updated information in the department records management system.
  • Organizes own work, sets priorities and meets critical deadlines.
  • Communicates information regarding violations, code requirements and necessary steps to correct for compliance. Consults with owners and occupants regarding provisions of city code. Communicates clear information with all persons regarding city code requirements.
  • Prepares case files for court actions including writing reports, maintaining inspection files, preparing chronologies and violation explanations. Develops procedural remedies with the municipal court prosecutor to effectively use the legal system when dealing with difficult or repeat code violation offenders.
  • Presents public nuisance cases or provides testimony to designated administrative boards or officers as needed or required.
  • Review, develop and recommend procedures, schedules and code changes as needed to make the code enforcement program more effective and efficient.
  • Provides information and answers questions from the general public, other agencies, and city departments regarding codes and enforcement issues.
  • Facilitates resolutions to code and non-code related issues.
  • Uses and maintains computer system to enter case information.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• One or more years of increasingly responsible municipal code enforcement or equivalent experience or training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities and satisfies applicable state statutes.
• Demonstrated experience with word processing and spreadsheet use on a personal computer.
• Demonstrated experience with Incode and/or MyGovernmentOnline case management systems.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Possess and maintain a valid Texas Class "C" driver's license.
• Code Enforcement Certificate from the State of Texas, or ability to obtain certificate within one (1) year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to local government; working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use/zoning, nuisance and public safety codes.
• Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to code enforcement work and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of investigative principles, methods, and techniques, as case management principles for the purpose of preserving evidence and establishing documentation and a written audit trail for legal purposes.
• Knowledge of record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Ability to understand and utilize zoning maps, land use maps, plat maps and other documents related to real property.
• Ability to understand and effectively interpret building plans.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and to advise on standard compliance methods.
• Ability to perform work with a minimum of supervision and to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including other city departments and outside agencies.
• Ability to show courtesy, tact and sensitivity to individual differences when dealing with people who are hostile, difficult and/or distressed.
• Ability to use personal computer.
• Ability to independently prepare routine correspondence and memorandums.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

1) Making observations

2) Reading and writing

3) Operating assigned vehicles/equipment

4) Assessing situations where compliance to codes and ordinances come into question

5) Communicating with others

• Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

1) Confined or high work places

2) Dangerous domestic and non-domestic animals

3) Extremely loud noises

4) Hazards associated with working near traffic

5) Natural and man-made disasters

6) Adverse weather conditions.

7) Working on level, slippery, sloping, unstable and muddy terrain

8) Exposure to insects, noxious plants, reptiles (including snakes), etc.

9) Exposure to adverse hazardous conditions including mechanical, electrical, fume odor, dust/mist, chemical and toxic waste hazards and solid waste substances

• Maintain Physical Condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and other responsibilities which may include the following:

1) Walking, crouching, crawling, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, balancing

2) Moving signs, equipment, materials, debris, etc.

3) Climbing and ascending stairs/ladders/ramps

4) Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

5) Push, pull, lift up to 25 pounds

6) Operating assigned equipment/vehicle

7) Proficiency demonstrations utilizing assigned equipment in varied conditions of climate, terrain and other adverse conditions under both stressful and non-stressful conditions.

In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health, and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employee's work assignments and continue through the recovery phase of the emergency. All employees must be prepared to work alternate work schedules, including overtime, and assume alternate scheduled days off if required.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.