Ordinance Inspection Officer

Ordinance Inspection Officer

Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work involves responsibility for the inspection and enforcement of municipal codes and city ordinances, which deal with external maintenance and use of property.   An incumbent patrols on foot or by car to investigate and enforce observable code violations.  The position is distinguished from a Code Inspector in that the incumbent does not review building plans and specifications for compliance with appropriate laws, building codes and ordinances, but enforces observable violations of municipal codes and city ordinances and issues appearance tickets, relative to external maintenance and use of property. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Code Enforcement Officer with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work.  Supervision is not a function of this class.  Does related work as required.     

Typical Work Activities:

Patrols assigned areas on foot or by car and enforces readily observable violations of the housing code and zone ordinance as seen from the outside of buildings including sidewalk maintenance, lawn maintenance, refuse disposal, parking violations, signage, etc.;

Investigates companies of the municipal housing code and zone ordinance;

Documents code violations and issues warnings and appearance tickets as necessary;

Explains requirements of the various codes and ordinances to property owners, property managers, occupants or general public;

Communicates with property owners regarding violations of codes, requirements to correct violations and timeliness to achieve compliance;

Encourages property owners to improve or rehabilitate property;

Prepares a variety of records and reports relevant to ordinance inspection activities;

Participates in required ordinance enforcement training;

Works with the Prosecutors office in compiling documentation for prosecution of violations;

May be required to testify in court as required.

Full Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics:

Good knowledge of municipal codes and city ordinances concerning external maintenance and use of property with the City;

Good knowledge of the principles and methods of field inspection;

Working knowledge of the geography of the City;

Working knowledge of the legal procedures used in the inspection and enforcement of codes;

Ability to enforce codes, ordinances and regulations with firmness and tact;

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

Ability or organize and maintain accurate records and files;

Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Basic computer skills;

Ability to deal effectively with the public;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:  

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years of municipal code enforcement or relevant enforcement experience

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicles operated or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.