Code Compliance Officer I

Code Compliance Officer I

Department of Community Development

12 Months, Full-Time

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 31

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/Objective: 

The Code Compliance Officer I is the first level in a career development series. Primary duties include accurately and consistently interpreting and applying State and County codes in all inspection, review, and enforcement duties to uphold the Code of Virginia and all County Ordinance requirements. Investigate zoning ordinance violations; review, inspect, and enforce use permit conditions, approved plans of development, and assigned cases. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for managing the assigned workload and with limited latitude for technical determinations. Researches and resolves, or recommends resolution, of routine problems or questions with unusual issues referred to the supervisor or appropriate department staff. 

Essential Functions: 

• Responds to citizen complaints by performing onsite inspections to identify violations of State and County Code regulations Investigates zoning complaints, identify code violations, and enforces State and County Code regulations; 
• Reviews subdivision plats and site plans to assure compliance with County Code regulations; 
• Resolve disputes over violations through counseling or negotiation with parties involved; initiates other actions as required by County Ordinance including legal processes; 
• Inspects residential and commercial sites for compliance with County Code regulations prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy; 
• Manages residential and commercial development sites by collaborating with builders and developers to ensure adherence to the County Ordinances; 
• Works daily with property and business owners, tenants, and developers to secure compliance with approved plans, permits, and the County Code; 
• Coordinates inspections with other county agencies; 
• Creates accurate detailed records, paper and electronic, related to all case assignments and maintains necessary chronology, evidence and reports in the department tracking and electronic database system; 
• Initiates legal actions works with County Attorneys to prepare and present evidence in court; subpoenas witnesses for court and follows up on judges’ order to ensure zoning violations are resolved; 
• Acts as a County representative with community members and stakeholders on site and at neighborhood meetings; 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:  

• Basic understanding of local and state ordinances governing zoning and other land development regulations; 
• Working knowledge of personal computer software and hardware; 
• Organizational skills; 
• Time management and adaptability to shifting priorities; 
• Communication (written and verbal), problem-solving and decision-making skills; 
• Emotional intelligence and effective exercise of professional judgment; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; 
• Understanding of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances; 
• Ability to resolve a variety of questions and issues within established policies, guidelines, requirements, and procedures; 
• Ability to deal with sensitive and sometimes adverse situations and individuals using tact and diplomacy; 
• Ability to analyze and use judgment with sensitive situations which could easily escalate into hazardous conditions and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action; 
• Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent; 
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) required within 3 years of employment; 
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. This position is required to drive and must meet eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy. 

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:  

• Associates Degree; 
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience involving a high level of public contact including experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation, planning, conflict resolution, or customer service capacity; 
• Some experience in planning, architecture, building, engineering, zoning, or other related fields. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• Frequent visits to construction locations, traversing uneven terrain, in adverse weather conditions, and obstructions; 
• Occasional office work; 
• Frequent movement among offices; 
• Some lifting of light objects; 
• Occasional after-hours inspection may be necessary for lighting or noise inspections and enforcement actions; 
• Frequent and regular contact with department leadership, local government officials, commissions, boards, and agencies, the general public and developers, and staff; 
• Regular contact community business groups contractors/developers, attorneys, internal and external agencies, County Executive’s office, and various boards and committees, and the media; 
• Occasional contact with court, fire, and police officials. 
• Interactions include: Technical discussions, persuasive presentation, stressful or adversarial interactions, potential for conflict, use of tact and diplomacy. 

Remote Work: 

This position is not eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $30.01 - $33.17 per hour (approx. $62,416 - $68,986 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Application deadline is Friday, August 22, 2025.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.