Code Enforcement Officer

At the direction of the Planning and Zoning Director inspects existing residential and commercial buildings, dwelling units and real property to determine compliance with county, state and federal laws and regulations. Focuses on field inspections, field and telephonic interaction with citizens, business owners, property owners and the public to ensure compliance with County code provisions, zoning codes and ordinances. Officers work under general supervision and are expected to become increasingly knowledgeable and able to work independently with minimal supervision while in the field.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conducts onsite inspections and re-inspections; investigates and determines existence and type of zoning, housing, signage, property maintenance and/or nuisance code violations and recommends corrective actions to bring about compliance; determines time frames for compliance achievement; issues notices of violations and citations.

· Enforces county codes not primarily enforced by law enforcement or other departments.

· Answers inquiries from and advises property owners, builders and the public regarding compliance with zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, regulatory practices and current active code enforcement cases.

· Investigate citizen complaints of code violations; investigate obvious code violations observed during site investigations; determine appropriate action to be taken; locate property ownership information and County Assessor’s parcel information; research legal information for property owners, mortgage holders, and interested parties; issue warnings, letters and citations as appropriate; conduct follow-up investigations and take additional actions until cases are resolved and files are closed.

· Conducts research regarding property ownership, current and past permits, applications and applicable codes

· Obtains permission from owners and tenants to enter dwellings or properties that are posted and have a locked gate.

· Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage, rubbish, and signs of vermin infestation.

· Prepares forms and letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violation and time line allowed for correcting any deficiencies.

· Prepares periodic written reports detailing code enforcement activity and results for presentation to the Planning & Zoning Director and/or Planning & Zoning Board.

· Develop and maintain detailed case files (hard copy and electronic) with a numbering system and case log; maintain complete records of all cases including ownership information, all communications and action taken with names, dates, and times, before and after photographs, and copies of all other documents and information.

· Consults with and coordinates activities with the Planning & Zoning Director.

· At the Direction of the Planning and Zoning coordinator completes assignments that may include interaction with other departments, agencies, contractors, or engineers.

· Develops legal cases with consultation of legal staff and supervisor in code enforcement proceedings. Develops procedural remedies with legal staff and supervisor to effectively use the legal system when dealing with repeat code violation offenders. Prepares case files for court actions including writing reports, maintaining inspection files, preparing chronologies and violation explanations

· Represents the County in court proceedings; testifies regarding code violations.

· Prepares correspondence to advise individuals on the status of code enforcement activities.

· Prepare comprehensive reports and deliver oral and written presentations.

· Carry out duties with minimum supervision

· Any other duties assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to code enforcement work and responsibilities.

· Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to local government.

· Knowledge of investigative principles, methods, and techniques, as case management principles for the purpose of preserving evidence and establishing documentation and a written audit trail for legal purposes.

· Ability to recognize conditions that constitute code violations in the County of Torrance.

· Use effective interpersonal techniques to interact with citizens and the public when explaining county health, public safety, peace, fire, and traffic in relation to zoning/land use codes and permit requirements.

· Be able to effectively research land use, zoning, planning and construction-related codes and investigations.

· Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

· Ability to read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes.

· Ability to understand and utilize zoning maps, land use maps, plat maps and other documents related to real property

· Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

· Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organizations

· Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED;

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

· Must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid NM Driver’s License;

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

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The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.