What are the responsibilities and job description for the Property Standards Officer position at City of Westminster?
CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.
Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.
POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Property Standards Officer promotes community sustainability, preservation, and quality of life by ensuring compliance with applicable City property standards and ordinances. his position functions as an educator, mediator, facilitator and enforcement authority for private property standards established in the Westminster Municipal Code.
The Property Standards Officer conducts investigative work on complex private property standards matters and serves as the primary point of contact for evaluating potential zoning and property standards violations. The role also leads coordination and investigations on emerging issues such as short-term rentals, illegal duplexes, and accessory dwelling units, and provides recommendations for regulatory updates in response to community needs.
The Property Standards Officer may perform inspections related to required permits and licenses. Property Standards Officers enforce the City Property Maintenance Code as a qualified and trained Housing Inspector, inspecting rental properties to ensure compliance with the provisions of the City Property Maintenance Code. This includes conducting rental property inspections, documenting findings and preparing formal reports to notify rental property owners and managers of violations and the corrective actions necessary to achieve compliance with City standards.
The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES
The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
Every Employee Is Accountable To
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:
Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion
Position Requirements/Working Conditions/Pre-employment Requirements
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required
Must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the job to include:
Work is occasionally performed indoor and frequently outdoor with occasional exposure to extreme temperatures. Work is performed year-round in all weather conditions and includes exposure to loud noise, dust, fumes, mist and chemicals. This is a highly public position where contact with public may be in stressful situations.
Required Materials And Equipment
Must be able to operate standard office equipment including a multi-line telephone system, computers, copiers, printers, digital camera, etc. Operates a City vehicle. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, safety glasses, goggles, coverall suits, traffic safety vest.
Pre-employment Requirements
The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:
Benefit Package
The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.
401(a) Contribution Rates
Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.
Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule
01
Do you have a high school diploma or a GED?
Do you have a current valid driver's license and safe driving record (no more than six (6) points against your license in the last three (3) years)?
What is your experience enforcing laws and regulations?
What is your experience documenting inspection results?
What is your experience documenting enforcement actions?
What is your experience inspecting residential systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC)?
If not currently certified, are you willing to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) certification within six (6) months of being hired for this position?
In one paragraph, please describe your approach to interpersonal communications and why you are an effective communicator.
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.
Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.
POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Property Standards Officer promotes community sustainability, preservation, and quality of life by ensuring compliance with applicable City property standards and ordinances. his position functions as an educator, mediator, facilitator and enforcement authority for private property standards established in the Westminster Municipal Code.
The Property Standards Officer conducts investigative work on complex private property standards matters and serves as the primary point of contact for evaluating potential zoning and property standards violations. The role also leads coordination and investigations on emerging issues such as short-term rentals, illegal duplexes, and accessory dwelling units, and provides recommendations for regulatory updates in response to community needs.
The Property Standards Officer may perform inspections related to required permits and licenses. Property Standards Officers enforce the City Property Maintenance Code as a qualified and trained Housing Inspector, inspecting rental properties to ensure compliance with the provisions of the City Property Maintenance Code. This includes conducting rental property inspections, documenting findings and preparing formal reports to notify rental property owners and managers of violations and the corrective actions necessary to achieve compliance with City standards.
The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES
The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
Every Employee Is Accountable To
- Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
- Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
- Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
- Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
- Demonstrate integrity and builds trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
- Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
- Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
- Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
- Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
- Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
- Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:
- Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
- Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
- Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
- Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
- Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
- Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
- Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
- Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
- Analyze situations quickly, and make independent decisions based on sound reasoning, good judgment, established procedures and proper interpretation of City ordinances
- Deal tactfully with citizens, businesses, contractors, and homeowners in the resolution of difficult problems
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a willingness to be pro-active and accept new challenges
- Work with parties responsible for violations through education, cooperation, and reasonable agreement to gain compliance with City code
- Communicate and present ideas effectively orally and in writing
- Establish effective working relationships with peers and supervisors
- Understand and work from City maps, zoning maps, plans, drawings and diagrams
- Maintain a high level of self-motivation while working independently
- Develop and employ effective problem-solving skills
- Successfully complete job-related training assignments
Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
- Enforcement of Property Standards and Municipal Code:
- Apply working knowledge of relevant laws, codes, ordinances, and legal procedures in the enforcement of the Westminster Municipal Code (W.M.C.)
- Serve as the primary evaluator of potential zoning and property standards violations, particularly in complex or ambiguous situations
- Conduct investigations and enforcement activities related to land use and zoning (W.M.C. Title XI), including issues involving short-term rentals, illegal duplexes, and accessory dwelling units
- Connect community members to available neighborhood assistance programs
- Coordinate community outreach, engagement, and education related to property standards
- Recommend regulatory updates and improvements to the W.M.C. to enhance clarity and enforcement effectiveness
- Collaborate with other City divisions and departments to resolve complex violations and shared enforcement concerns
- Conduct inspections related to applicable permits and licenses and assist the Official Development Plan (ODP) team with proactive and complaint-based enforcement
- Serve notices, citations, and summonses; coordinate abatements and provide court testimony as required
- Maintain current knowledge of departmental policies, legal updates, and code enforcement best practices
- Uphold an exemplary code of conduct in all on- and off-duty activities
- Rental Housing & Property Maintenance Enforcement
- Inspect rental properties to ensure compliance with the City Rental Property Maintenance Code
- Prepare written inspection reports detailing violations and required corrective actions
- Provide guidance on acceptable repair methods and materials to achieve compliance
- Schedule inspections and issue written notifications to property owners and managers
- Prepare correspondence, documentation, and case files related to inspections, investigations, and complaints
- Maintain effective working relationships with property owners, managers, and tenants
- Respond to questions and complaints regarding rental housing standards
- Prepare reports, summonses, and other documentation and testify in related court proceedings
- Demonstrate knowledge of development, construction, and rental housing ordinances, as well as residential structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems applicable to rental inspections
- Communication and Public Service
- Communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats while providing high-quality customer service
- Participate in community-oriented programs, and City task forces
- Provide clear explanations of code requirements
- Offer referrals to available assistance programs
- Advise Complainants and violators and mediate disputes
- Prepare professional written reports, correspondence, memos, citations and related
- Present a professional appearance and maintain respectful, diplomatic demeanor in all interactions
- Complaint Response and Enforcement Actions
- Respond to calls for service and initiate field investigations of potential violations
- Document inspections, investigations, contacts, and enforcement actions in accordance with departmental standards
- Issue verbal and written warnings, citations, and summonses as appropriate
- Investigate reports of ordinance violations and property neglect
- Coordinate logistics for abatement actions and connect parties to available assistance programs
- Equipment and Vehicle Operation
- Safely operate, maintain and inspect vehicles and equipment required for property standards enforcement and inspections duties
- Ensure all equipment is in proper working condition and used in accordance with safety protocols
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance as required by City policy
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion
Position Requirements/Working Conditions/Pre-employment Requirements
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required
- Graduation from high school or possession of GED
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
- Possess critical thinking skills
- Demonstrate or have experience in conflict resolution and negotiations
- Excellent interpersonal communication abilities
- Strong project management and multi-tasking abilities
- International Code Council (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) certification within 6 months of hiring
- Experience in code enforcement, property standards, rental housing, customer service, municipal government role, or related work
- Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered
Must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the job to include:
- Frequent standing and walking over different types of terrain in all weather conditions; Frequent sitting to perform office duties and inspect code violations while driving a city vehicle
- Frequent squatting, kneeling, and reaching overhead to inspect properties
- Frequent climbing, bending, twisting, and reaching below shoulder level to view properties through fences and other objects that may obstruct view
- Frequent light grasp, fine manipulation, handling to perform daily duties; occasional firm grasp to use tools and other equipment
- Frequent stepping up/down and actuate mechanism to enter/exit and safely operate vehicles
- Constant near/far acuity and hearing to communication with the public and staff face to face or via phone
- Occasional lifting of 30 pounds from ground level to waist height; occasional carrying of 30 pounds for a distance of 50 feet; frequent pushing/pulling ten (10) pounds to remove signs that have been posted in the ground
Work is occasionally performed indoor and frequently outdoor with occasional exposure to extreme temperatures. Work is performed year-round in all weather conditions and includes exposure to loud noise, dust, fumes, mist and chemicals. This is a highly public position where contact with public may be in stressful situations.
Required Materials And Equipment
Must be able to operate standard office equipment including a multi-line telephone system, computers, copiers, printers, digital camera, etc. Operates a City vehicle. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, safety glasses, goggles, coverall suits, traffic safety vest.
Pre-employment Requirements
- Background checks will include employment references, criminal history, credit check, education verification
- Drug screen
- Pre-employment physical
- Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:
- Health and Dental
- Flexible Spending
- Pension/Retirement Plans
- Term Life Insurance
- Long-term Disability
- Survivor Benefits
- Wellness Program
- Career Development Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injury
Benefit Package
The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.
401(a) Contribution Rates
Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.
Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule
- Less than 3 years - 0%
- 3 to 4 years - 60%
- 4 to 5 years - 80%
- Over 5 years - 100%
- For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vested
01
Do you have a high school diploma or a GED?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a current valid driver's license and safe driving record (no more than six (6) points against your license in the last three (3) years)?
- Yes
- No
What is your experience enforcing laws and regulations?
- No Experience
- Zero (0) to two (2) years of experience
- Two (2) to five (5) years of experience
- More than five (5) years of experience
What is your experience documenting inspection results?
- I have not done this before.
- I have assisted others in preparing documentation.
- I have prepared inspection results reports.
- I have independently prepared inspection reports
What is your experience documenting enforcement actions?
- I have not done this before.
- I have assisted others in preparing documentation.
- I have prepared enforcement actions documents.
- I have independently prepared enforcement actions documents.
What is your experience inspecting residential systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC)?
- No Experience.
- Basic familiarity from personal or unrelated work.
- Some experience identifying issues during inspections.
- Extensive experience inspecting and identifying code violations in residential systems.
If not currently certified, are you willing to obtain the International Code Council (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) certification within six (6) months of being hired for this position?
- Already certified
- Yes
- No
In one paragraph, please describe your approach to interpersonal communications and why you are an effective communicator.
- Required Question