The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for administering and enforcing applicable City ordinances, codes, regulations, and policies concerning property maintenance, blighted and abandoned properties, nuisances, short-term rentals, zoning-related violations, and other matters assigned by the City. The position responds to complaints, conducts field inspections, investigates alleged violations, documents findings, communicates requirements to property owners and responsible parties, and works to obtain voluntary compliance. When voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the Code Enforcement Officer assists with appropriate enforcement procedures and prepares documentation for further administrative or legal action. The position serves as a representative of the City and is expected to conduct all inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities in a professional, impartial, consistent, and courteous manner.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES I. CODE ENFORCEMENT
Enforce applicable City ordinances, codes, regulations, and adopted standards. Investigate complaints and potential violations involving properties, businesses, structures, land use, nuisances, and other matters within the Officer's jurisdiction. Conduct routine and complaint-based inspections of properties throughout the City. Identify violations and document conditions through written reports, photographs, inspection records, and other appropriate evidence. Determine the applicable ordinance, code provision, or regulation associated with an observed violation. Notify property owners, occupants, businesses, contractors, and other responsible parties of violations and required corrective actions. Issue notices of violation, correction notices, compliance orders, or other authorized enforcement documents. Establish reasonable compliance deadlines in accordance with applicable ordinances and City policies. Conduct follow-up inspections to determine whether violations have been corrected. Maintain accurate records of complaints, inspections, notices, correspondence, photographs, and enforcement actions. Monitor unresolved violations and maintain appropriate case files. Coordinate with other City departments and governmental agencies when enforcement matters overlap multiple areas of responsibility. Refer unresolved or serious violations to the appropriate City officials. Prepare testimony, reports, photographs, records, and other documentation for administrative hearings, court proceedings, or other enforcement actions. Maintain professional and impartial conduct throughout the enforcement process. Be prepared to represent the City at court hearings.
II. BLIGHTED, ABANDONED, AND DETERIORATED PROPERTIES
Identify and investigate properties that may be considered blighted, abandoned, neglected, unsafe, or otherwise in violation of applicable City ordinances. Conduct inspections of vacant and occupied properties to document property conditions. Investigate complaints involving overgrown vegetation, accumulated trash or debris, deteriorated structures, unsecured buildings, junk, abandoned vehicles, unsafe conditions, and other property-related nuisances. Document conditions through photographs, inspection reports, property records, and other appropriate means. Identify responsible property owners, occupants, agents, or other responsible parties using available City and public records. Issue notices requiring correction of violations in accordance with applicable ordinances. Monitor properties subject to active enforcement cases. Conduct follow-up inspections and document compliance or continued violations. Coordinate with the appropriate City departments regarding mowing, debris removal, unsafe structures, demolition, utility issues, or other corrective actions. Assist with the City's procedures for addressing abandoned, dilapidated, or dangerous structures. Maintain a current inventory or tracking system for properties under active code enforcement. Prepare documentation for properties requiring further administrative, legal, demolition, or other enforcement action. Assist in identifying recurring problem properties and developing appropriate compliance strategies. Work with property owners to encourage voluntary rehabilitation and correction of property conditions when appropriate. Once the property has been adjudicated, build a scope of work to have contractors bid on the demo/clean-up.
III. SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Administer and enforce applicable City ordinances and regulations governing short-term rentals. Receive and investigate complaints concerning short-term rental properties. Maintain records of known or registered short-term rental properties within the City. Verify, as authorized, that short-term rental properties have required City licenses, permits, registrations, or approvals. Investigate suspected operation of short-term rentals without required City authorization. Monitor compliance with applicable requirements concerning occupancy, parking, trash, noise, signage, safety, property maintenance, and other standards established by City ordinance. Investigate unauthorized occupancy, or other violations associated with short-term rentals. Conduct inspections when authorized and appropriate. Communicate applicable City requirements to short-term rental owners, operators, property managers, and responsible parties. Issue notices of violation and other authorized enforcement documents when violations are identified. Maintain individual case files and documentation for short-term rental enforcement matters. Coordinate with the Planning & Zoning, Permitting, Privilege License, Police, Fire, and other departments as necessary. Monitor properties following enforcement actions to ensure continued compliance. Prepare reports concerning short-term rental complaints, violations, and enforcement activity. Refer matters requiring legal action or penalties to the appropriate City official or legal counsel. Issue and maintain records of privilege licenses.
IV. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & NUISANCE ENFORCEMENT
Enforce applicable property maintenance and nuisance ordinances.
Investigate complaints involving:
Overgrown grass, weeds, and vegetation Accumulation of garbage, trash, or debris Abandoned or inoperable vehicles Junk and discarded materials Unsafe or unsecured structures Deteriorated buildings Illegal dumping Unsanitary property conditions Excessive exterior storage Improperly maintained yards Unpermitted structures or improvements Other conditions prohibited by City ordinance Conduct inspections and document violations. Notify responsible parties of required corrective actions. Conduct follow-up inspections and maintain enforcement records. Coordinate corrective actions with other City departments when necessary. Assist with contractor or City-performed abatement activities when authorized. Maintain documentation of abatement costs and related enforcement activities.
V. ZONING & LAND-USE VIOLATIONS
Identify and investigate potential violations of applicable zoning and land-use regulations. Investigate complaints concerning unauthorized uses of property. Assist in identifying businesses or activities operating in locations where such uses may not be permitted. Investigate violations involving setbacks, accessory structures, signs, parking, property use, occupancy, and other applicable requirements. Document suspected violations and provide appropriate notices. Conduct follow-up inspections to determine compliance. Refer zoning matters requiring formal interpretation or action to the City Building Official.
VI. SIGN, STRUCTURE, AND CONSTRUCTION-RELATED VIOLATIONS
Investigate complaints concerning illegal or improperly maintained signs. Identify signs installed without required permits or approvals. Investigate construction or structural work suspected of being performed without required permits. Coordinate with the City's permitting and inspection personnel regarding potential violations. Document unauthorized construction, additions, structures, signs, or alterations. Issue notices or other authorized enforcement documents. Conduct follow-up inspections. Refer technical construction or structural matters to qualified inspectors or appropriate City officials when necessary.
VII. COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT
Receive and document complaints from residents, businesses, property owners, City officials, and other sources. Enter complaints into the City's tracking system or appropriate records. Prioritize complaints based on severity, public safety concerns, potential property damage, and applicable City policies. Investigate complaints in a timely manner. Maintain confidentiality of complainant information when required by law or City policy. Provide appropriate updates regarding the status of complaints when permitted. Close cases only after the violation has been corrected or appropriate enforcement action has been completed. Maintain complete documentation supporting the disposition of each complaint.
VIII. ENFORCEMENT & LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Prepare complete and accurate enforcement files. Issue authorized notices, citations, orders, or other enforcement documents. Maintain documentation necessary to establish the City's case when violations are contested. Coordinate with the City Attorney, Municipal Court, Police Department, or other appropriate officials regarding enforcement matters. Appear in court or at administrative hearings when required. Provide factual testimony concerning inspections, observations, photographs, notices, and other official actions. Maintain professional conduct during hearings, court proceedings, and interactions with property owners. Ensure enforcement actions are applied consistently and in accordance with applicable law and City policy.
IX. RECORDS & ADMINISTRATION
Maintain accurate electronic and paper records of code enforcement cases. Maintain property inspection records, photographs, notices, correspondence, and case documentation. Prepare periodic reports regarding complaints, inspections, violations, abatements, short-term rentals, and enforcement activities. Maintain accurate case status information. Assist in maintaining maps, databases, spreadsheets, and other systems used for code enforcement. Prepare correspondence and other official documents. Maintain records in accordance with City policies and applicable records-retention requirements. Provide information to City officials and departments regarding enforcement cases as authorized. Protect confidential or sensitive information in accordance with applicable requirements.
X. PUBLIC & INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS
Provide professional and courteous service to residents, property owners, businesses, contractors, developers, and visitors. Explain City requirements and enforcement procedures clearly and respectfully. Work cooperatively with Planning & Zoning, Permits, Privilege Licenses, Public Works, Police, Fire, Finance, and other City departments. Coordinate enforcement activities when a violation involves multiple City departments. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies and outside organizations. Respond professionally to difficult, confrontational, or dissatisfied individuals. Maintain impartiality and avoid favoritism in enforcement decisions.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend City meetings, hearings, training sessions, and other functions as required. Stay informed regarding changes to City ordinances, state law, regulations, and enforcement procedures affecting assigned duties. Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing education. Operate City vehicles and equipment responsibly when assigned. Use computers, mobile devices, cameras, GIS systems, databases, and other technology necessary to perform assigned duties. Maintain a professional appearance and conduct consistent with City standards. Follow all applicable City policies, procedures, safety requirements, and personnel regulations. Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Municipal code enforcement principles and procedures. Property maintenance and nuisance regulations. Zoning and land-use regulations. Requirements relating to blighted, abandoned, and deteriorated properties. Short-term rental regulations and enforcement procedures. Basic building, construction, and property maintenance terminology. Investigation and documentation procedures. Administrative and legal enforcement processes. Public records and records-retention requirements. Customer service and conflict-resolution practices.
Ability to:
Ability to cross train in order to support co-workers as needed. Interpret and explain City ordinances and regulations. Conduct thorough and impartial investigations. Recognize and document code violations. Take clear and accurate inspection photographs. Prepare detailed reports and enforcement documentation. Communicate effectively with property owners, businesses, contractors, and the general public. Handle difficult situations calmly and professionally. Maintain accurate case files. Organize and prioritize multiple complaints and cases. Work independently with limited supervision. Exercise sound judgment and discretion. Testify accurately and professionally in court or administrative proceedings. Establish effective working relationships with City officials, employees, residents, and outside agencies. Use computers, databases, GIS, mobile inspection applications, and other technology. Conduct field inspections in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in public administration, criminal justice, code enforcement, planning, construction management, or a related field preferred. Previous experience in municipal government, code enforcement, inspections, property management, construction, planning and zoning, or a related field preferred. Experience dealing with the public in a professional setting preferred. Ability to obtain any certifications required by the City or applicable regulatory agencies. Valid driver's license required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee may be required to obtain and maintain appropriate code enforcement, property maintenance, floodplain, building, zoning, or other certifications based upon the City's requirements and assigned responsibilities. The position may require work outside normal business hours, including evening meetings, hearings, inspections, emergency property situations, or other activities as directed by the City.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field. Field duties may involve walking through vacant lots, residential and commercial properties, construction sites, abandoned structures, and other potentially difficult or hazardous environments. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, uneven terrain, insects, animals, debris, construction hazards, unsanitary conditions, and other environmental conditions associated with property inspections. The position requires frequent interaction with the public and may involve situations in which individuals are upset or disagree with enforcement actions. The employee must maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and personal safety at all times.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, or abilities required. Duties may be modified, expanded, or assigned as necessary to meet the needs of the City and to comply with changes in applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and City policies. The City reserves the right to revise this job description as organizational needs and operational requirements change.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$15.39 - $16.83 per hour
Benefits:
Bereavement leave Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): Did you see the payrate and are you satisfied with the amount? Did you include a cover letter (highly recommended)?