Code Enforcement Officer

Job Summary: This position is responsible for performs a variety of technical duties in support of the City’s local code enforcement program; monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to zoning, land use, nuisance housing, building codes, health and safety, blight, graffiti, water waste, and other matters of public concern; and serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions.

Class Characteristics: This is the full-performance classification level.

Major Duties:

• Attend meetings and serve as a resource to other City departments, divisions, the general public, and outside agencies in the enforcement of zoning regulations; provide research and documentation for meetings; interpret and explain municipal codes and ordinances to members of the general public, contractors, business owners, and other interested groups in the field, over the counter, and on the telephone;
• Conduct field investigations; inspect properties for violations; attempt to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violation; issue and post warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violations; schedule and perform all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; issue administrative and parking citations and notices of violation as necessary;
• Locate vacant residences and businesses; secure buildings with proper materials as necessary; post the property as necessary; check vacant buildings regularly for transient activity, graffiti, and other forms of vandalism;
• Maintain accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; draw diagrams and illustrations and take photographs;
• May assist in researching, drafting, and rewriting municipal codes; participate in the development of forms and processes utilized to address various issues;
• Operate computer to enter, process, and acquire data relative to complaints, inspection sites, and effective code enforcement; research complaints;

• Participate in supervising the work of community service workers, county inmates, or volunteers engaged in community clean-up and preservation activities; determine locations and type of work to be performed;
• Patrol assigned area in a City vehicle to identify and evaluate problem areas and/or ordinance violations; determine proper method to resolve violations;
• Perform a variety of field and office work in support of the City’s local code enforcement program; enforce compliance with City regulations and ordinances including those pertaining to zoning, land use, nuisance housing, building codes, health and safety, blight, graffiti, water waste, occupational tax, and other matters of public concern;
• Prepare a variety of written reports, memos, and correspondence related to enforcement activities;
• Prepare evidence in support of legal actions taken by the City; appear in court as necessary; testify at hearings and in court proceedings as required;
• Receive and respond to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of City zoning and related municipal codes and ordinances; interview complainant and witnesses; conduct investigations and provide recommendations for resolution;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Knowledge Required by the Position:

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Ability to independently perform a full range of municipal code enforcement and compliance duties;
• Ability to inspect and identify violations of applicable codes and ordinances;
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations related to zoning, nuisance abatement, and health and safety issues;
• Ability to investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner;
• Ability to maintain complex logs, records, and files;
• Ability to make oral presentations and testify in court;

• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed documentation of investigation findings;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports;
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents and descriptions;
• Ability to read County Assessor's maps and property profiles;
• Ability to research, compile, and collect data;
• Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner;
• Ability to type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision;
• Knowledge of city services and organizational structure as they relate to code compliance;
• Knowledge of effective public relations practices;
• Knowledge of geographic features and locations within the area served;
• Knowledge of legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance;
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of business correspondence and technical report preparation;
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications;
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices;
• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a municipal code compliance program;
• Knowledge of pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations pertaining to zoning, nuisance abatement, property maintenance, building, occupational tax, health and safety, and related areas;
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping;
• Knowledge of procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations including methods and techniques of conducting and documenting field investigations;

Supervisory Controls: The work of this position is performed under the general supervision of the Stockbridge Police Department in the Special Services Division.

Guidelines: Guidelines include City and departmental safety manuals, policies and procedures. 

Complexity:  The work requires technical knowledge and application of codes and regulations, and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.  In addition, incumbent must be able to use independent judgment and conflict negotiation skills. 

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with property owners, the general public, co-workers, elected officials and the staff of county and state agencies.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts typically occur in order to give and exchange information and provide services.

Physical Demands:  This work is performed indoors and outdoors and involves field work and moderate amounts of standing, walking, bending, crouching, carrying, pulling, balancing, and kneeling. 

Work Environment:  Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment where the employee is occasionally exposed to noise, dust, dirt, and possible periods in hot, cold or inclement weather. 

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: None