Code Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

The Code Enforcement Officer performs skilled technical work conducting field inspections and enforcement activities related to the Orange County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 70) and other land use and solid waste regulations (Chapter 50). This position inspects properties and projects to ensure compliance with approved site plans, special use permits, zoning permits, and applicable provisions of the Orange County Code of Ordinances. The Code Enforcement Officer investigates complaints, issues Notices of Violation (NOVs), tracks cases through resolution, and provides procedural guidance to the public on zoning and code compliance matters. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director of Development Services, Zoning Administrator, or their designee. This position reports to the Planning and Zoning Services Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

• Verify completed projects for conformance with approved plans, requirements of Chapter 70 of the Orange County Code, "as-built" submissions, and Special Use Permit conditions.
• Use permitting software to open, update, and track progress toward achieving code compliance, including storing photos, relevant case documents, and detailed case notes.
• Respond to complaints related to zoning and solid waste code violations.
• Follow the Solid Waste policies and procedures, approved by the County Administrator, to address violations of Chapter 50 of the Orange County Code.
• Work proactively only as instructed by the Director of Development Services, Zoning Administrator, or their designee.
• Support the work of the Director of Development Services, Zoning Administrator, Planners, and other department staff, as required.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the Zoning Ordinance, Notice of Violation procedures, and the general laws that govern site inspections and the rights of property owners.
• Coordinate with the Zoning Administrator and Planners to initiate and advance code enforcement actions to facilitate timely plan review and approval of ongoing projects.
• Meet with commercial and residential property owners on site, as needed, to investigate code violations and negotiate reasonable compliance deadlines.
• Monitor open cases for continued progress toward code compliance, updating the case file with notes, photos, and records of ongoing communications.
• Gather data using desktop mapping and the Orange County Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Coordinate with the Zoning Administrator, Director of Development Services, and County Attorney to perfect formal Notices of Violation (NOVs).
• Mail Notices of Violation (NOVs) to property owners and other persons with code violations.
• Assemble case chronologies and case files in preparation for court and/or Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearings; testify when required.
• Issue Notices of Violation (NOVs) under Chapter 50 of the Orange County Code for trash and junk storage violations.
• Coordinate the procurement and abatement of trash and debris violations, as necessary.
• Conduct visual and physical inspections of properties and land use activities for compliance with zoning regulations.
• Read and interpret site plans, zoning permits, special use permits, and related documents.
• Provide inspection reports; update records and databases; maintain detailed logs.
• Compose letters, emails, and project status reports to communicate with property owners, applicants, department staff, and for internal record keeping using permitting software.
• Provide citizen and customer assistance by answering questions and explaining zoning and code requirements in person, over the phone, or during field consultations.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, state inspections, etc. for County-issued vehicle.
• Perform related or specialized departmental tasks and duties, as required or assigned.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The County reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, geography, or a related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • One (1) year experience in zoning, code enforcement, planning, construction inspection, or a closely related field desired.
  • Local government experience preferred.
  • Any combination of education and/or relevant experience may be considered.
• Certifications/Licenses:
  • Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record.
  • Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) or Certified Zoning Official (CZO) preferred or ability to obtain CZA or CZO within two (2) years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 70), Solid Waste Ordinance (Chapter 50), and related land use provisions of the County Code.
• General knowledge of legal procedures related to code enforcement.
• Ability to prepare and maintain factual, detailed reports and case files.
• Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, zoning permits, and construction drawings.
• Ability to efficiently operate standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, elected officials, and the community.
• Strong customer service orientation with ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and effectively with the public, applicants, engineers, contractors, and colleagues.

Working Conditions and Disclaimer:

This work requires light to moderate physical effort with regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and speaking or hearing, frequently standing and walking, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, reaching with hands and arms, and driving; work occasionally requires standing for extended periods, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; work requires close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color perception, and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed information to others; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection of sites, operation of motor vehicles, operating standard office equipment and software, and observing general surroundings and activities; work has frequent exposure to environmental and weather conditions and occasional exposure to hazards from uneven terrain, traffic, animals, or irate individuals.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Acknowledgement: The employee is expected to comply with all County policies and procedures and to consistently demonstrate adherence through their conduct. As a representative of Orange County, the employee is also expected to serve as a role model by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in accordance with these policies.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.