Code Enforcement Officer

Job Title

This position inspects and investigates complaints to verify compliance with adopted codes and ordinances of the City; to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare. This position is also responsible for related administrative functions as it relates to documentation of inspections.

Examples Of Duties

Receives, records, and investigates complaints regarding potential violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, health and safety regulations, and water quality regulations; documents violations by securing photographs, writing reports, and recording other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.

Surveys (on foot and/or by vehicle) nuisance conditions and code violations.

Initiates contacts with residents, business representatives and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and establish compliance requirements with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards.

Meets with City staff regarding complaints; coordinates follow up activities as needed.

Prepares notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violation; as appropriate, affixes 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 if applicable; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

Prepares non-compliance case information for legal action when requested. Testifies in court or administrative hearings as needed.

Makes drive-by or on-site inspections of residential, industrial, and/or commercial areas in compliance with requirements of law; notes possible violations at other property sites during the course of field investigations.

Provides information to violators, witnesses and the general public, business community and other government agencies regarding codes, laws and ordinances; respond to questions, complaints and inquiries.

Maintains files and records related to citations and violations; prepares written reports, memoranda and correspondence.

Photographs nuisance conditions and code violations.

Maintains and updates records, logs and reports utilizing knowledge of principles of record keeping and reporting.

Develops public announcements on code enforcement activities as directed.

Assists with inspecting and addressing code violations related to stormwater regulations for site development.

May occasionally perform duties of the building inspector as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

High School Diploma/equivalent.

Associates degree in inspection technology, or closely related field preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years work experience in code enforcement or related land use experience.

Certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within twelve (12) months of date of hire.

Certification as an ICC/AACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) within twelve (12) months of date of hire.

Valid driver license.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of safety codes, related laws and ordinances and building standards.

Knowledge of the principals and practices of code compliance programs.

Knowledge of blueprints, layouts, construction plans, parcel maps, and zoning maps.

Skill in identifying technical and operational problems and recommending appropriate corrective actions.

Knowledge of the City's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.

Knowledge of computer software consistent for this position.

Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.

Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.

Ability to perform word processing and/or data entry.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.

Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.

Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.

Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.

Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.

Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to maintain discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

Ability to attend evening sessions of Court as needed.

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires walking on uneven terrain, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing stairs and ladders, and reaching with hands and arms.

Work may involve mobility over rough or difficult terrain. Work is performed daily both in and outdoors under all weather conditions and includes exposure to inclement weather, noise, vibrations, airborne materials, and active construction sites. Work may also be performed above or below ground, to include heights over 10 feet, as well as underground crawl spaces.

Work has standard vision requirements.

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.

Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting and in the field.

Nothing in this job description limits management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change