Code Enforcement & Assistant Zoning Officer (Swatara Township)

Job Overview

The Code Enforcement & Assistant Zoning Officer (Officer) is responsible for enforcing Swatara Township’s (Township) building, property maintenance, zoning, and other regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and ordinances. The position involves conducting inspections, investigating complaints, issuing notices of violation, and taking enforcement action when necessary. The Officer plays a key role in maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of the Township by ensuring that properties, buildings, and land use activities meet Township standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Inspection and Code Enforcement:

• Conduct inspections of residential and non-residential properties to ensure compliance with Township’s ordinances.
• Enforce property maintenance standards, including but not limited to, regulations related to unsafe structures, sanitation, exterior property maintenance, and occupancy violations.
• Perform inspections related to new construction, renovations, alterations, and demolitions to ensure adherence to applicable codes and permit requirements.

Complaint Investigation:

• Investigate complaints from residents, businesses, or Township officials regarding potential code violations, property maintenance issues, and unsafe building conditions.
• Inspect properties in response to complaints and determine the appropriate course of action, including issuing violation notices or warnings.
• Document inspection findings, take photographs, and maintain detailed records of violations and corrective actions.

Issuance of Violation Notices and Citations:

• Issue notices of violation, citations, and orders to property owners, tenants, or contractors when violations of Township codes are identified.
• Work with property owners to resolve code violations by providing information on required corrective actions and timelines.
• Pursue enforcement actions, including court appearances, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Township codes.

Follow-up Inspections and Enforcement:

• Conduct follow-up inspections to ensure violations have been corrected and compliance has been achieved within the required timeframe.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, the Director of Building & Codes, Zoning Officer, and other Township officials to take legal action against non-compliant property owners or contractors, if necessary.

Documentation and Recordkeeping:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all inspections, code violations, enforcement actions, and resolutions.
• Prepare inspection reports, violation notices, and other correspondence related to code enforcement activities.
• Utilize Township software systems to track and monitor open violations, property histories, and inspection schedules.

Public Outreach and Customer Service:

• Respond to inquiries from property owners, residents, contractors, and the public regarding codes, ordinances, and property maintenance standards.
• Provide guidance on code compliance and permit requirements to help property owners maintain their buildings in compliance with Township regulations.
• Educate the public about the importance of property maintenance and building safety through outreach programs or informational materials.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate with the Fire Department, Police Department, and other Township departments as needed to address safety concerns, hazardous conditions, or multi-agency code violations.
• Participate in meetings, hearings, or other Township functions related to code enforcement, zoning issues, or property maintenance concerns.

Other Responsibilities:

• All other duties as designated by the Director of Building & Codes.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or technical training in building inspection, construction management, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in code enforcement, building inspections, or construction.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, property maintenance standards, and zoning regulations.
• Certification in code enforcement or property maintenance (e.g., ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification) is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with property owners, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and code documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with inspection or code enforcement software.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires both office work and fieldwork, including outdoor inspections in various weather conditions.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person