Code Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex technical and public contact duties related to the Community Development Department's code enforcement program, including the identification, investigation, and correction of violations of the City's municipal, building, zoning, signage, abatement, and public nuisance codes; investigates citizen complaints of public nuisances and quality of life issues and seeks voluntary compliance or issues citations and initiates abatement procedures; and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from the Code Enforcement Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.

This is the full journey-level class in the Code Enforcement series that performs the full range of duties related to inspection and compliance activities required to ensure compliance with the City's municipal, building, zoning, signage, abatement, and public nuisance codes. Responsibilities include the authority to cite violators and initiate court proceedings for compliance. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of departmental and City activities, and extensive staff, public, and organizational contact. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Code Enforcement Officer in that the latter performs lead duties over lower level staff and acts in the absence of the Code Enforcement Manager.

Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)

• Conducts inspections and investigations to enforce municipal and regulatory codes and ensure compliance with code enforcement programs.
• Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal, building, and zoning codes, ordinances, housing standards, and health and safety regulations, noise standards, signage, business licenses, and environmental ordinances such as water conservation and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) violations.
• Documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and State regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• Inspects properties for compliance with state housing law maintenance requirements, including, but not limited to, minimum light, ventilation, and occupancy requirements; fire and life safety components; and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems; reviews conditions of onsite drainage, weatherproofing, garage, weed and rubbish control, and rodent and insect infestation.
• Conducts sound tests of mechanical and construction equipment, ambient noise levels, and amplified music for compliance with municipal noise regulations.
• Initiates contacts with residents, business representatives, and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; initiates abatement of dangerous properties and vector control issues of vacant properties; provides confirmation to the public by telephone and in person regarding code regulations.
• Prepares and issues notices of violation or noncompliance, final notices, and according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violation; as appropriate, affixes a notice of violation on property to abate fire and public safety hazards and public nuisances.
• Coordinates and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; prepares non-compliance cases for legal action; presents testimony at hearings.
• Makes drive-by or on-site inspections of residential, industrial, and/or commercial areas; notes possible violations at other property sites during the course of field investigations.
• Provides information to violators, the general public, business community, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; responds to questions, complaints, and inquiries.
• Meets with City planning, building, engineering, police, and public works staff and legal counsel regarding complaints; coordinates activities with other code compliance personnel and departments; serves as a liaison with other departments and agencies and follows up on inspections and identifies potential problems.
• Performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities; creates, updates, and conducts various presentations.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Methods and procedures used in code compliance including citation issuance procedures, methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare legal documents.
• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on court procedures.
• Basic requirements of zoning and related codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property and legal terminology as used in code compliance.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code compliance.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including safe driving rules and practices.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Explain codes and regulations to property owners, residents, and others.
• Analyze, interpret, apply, and enforce applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
• Understand and explain occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to code compliance.
• Identify and respond to issues and concerns of management, City government, a variety of professional groups, commissions, and committees, and the general public.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work Night and weekend shifts as needed.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, or related municipal experience involving public contact.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Possession of a California PC832 certificate or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various City sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other access points; and to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is