Code Compliance Inspector

Under general supervision from higher level management staff performs technical office and field work in the enforcement and compliance of various City nuisance and zoning ordinances.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: The Code Compliance position has the responsibility to conduct field checks to uncover possible violations of a variety of City Codes and Ordinances including zoning, nuisance, environment, neighborhood enhancement, health and safety ordinance violations and weed abatement inspections and notifications.

Position Snapshot/A Day in the Life: As a Code Compliance Inspector each day can be a learning experience. There are hundreds of municipal codes that require educating the public and/or enforcement. As a uniformed position, driving solo in an assigned city vehicle, you represent the City by responding to city code complaints and/or following up on previous investigations. When in the field, you will be required to multi-task while communicating with dispatch and other department personnel through your in-car computer or radio system. You will be required to manage a case load. However, the main objective is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents, with a secondary goal of seeking voluntary compliance while working with the residents to clean up the city. A code compliance officer must be able to cope with irate individuals, show empathy, be an outstanding communicator, and be able to express the reasons for decisions in a beneficial way. Work Schedule: Wednesday through Saturday.

The employee must have the ability to:

• Investigate possible violations; notify responsible individuals in person and in writing, request discontinuance, removal or alteration of conditions that violate City ordinances; perform follow-up investigations to see that remedial action has been taken.
• Issue notices of violation and citations, in person or by mail service; in accordance with City Codes.
• Respond to citizen complaints regarding ordinance violations; investigate and resolve problems, provide information to the public and other City departments by phone or in person regarding regulations, ordinances and laws enforced by the City.
• Prepare reports regarding cases; prepare cases including history, facts, photos and other needed information; represent the City in court when citizens are in noncompliance.
• Carry out preventative enforcement and compliance; post properties to notify violation will occur if certain items are not completed. Patrol assigned areas of the City to locate and observe violations of City Codes.
• Photograph violations for the purpose of evidence and identification; provide photographic assistance to other City departments upon request.
• Coordinate inspections and dispositions of cases with other city departments and outside agencies.
• Conduct property searches for legal descriptions and correct property owner.
• Learn and effectively enforce City Codes, Ordinances and laws pertaining to zoning, nuisance, health, safety and welfare with impartiality and efficiency.
• Learn the principles, practices, methods and techniques of ordinance enforcement.
• Learn general City services and the municipal organizational structure as they relate to ordinance enforcement and compliance.
• Conduct field survey and notification for weed abatement on a biannual basis.
• Learn the geography of the City.
• Understand and interpret legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property.
• Analyze and compile technical information on ordinance investigations and violations.
• Apply investigative techniques useful in insuring compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances.
• Maintain and update records, logs land reports.
• Prepare cases for prosecution or council action and in writing.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer.

THE ABOVE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY BY THE EMPLOYER.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting and turning while entering and exiting a motor vehicle or on foot within the City limits. Incumbents may be required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires near, far, and color vision. Incumbents work in all weather conditions, around moving traffic and frequently deal with irate members of the public.

A combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. The employee must have knowledge of:

• Investigative principles and practices.
• Regulations and requirements of court evidence.
• Basic principles, practices and techniques of code/life safety inspections.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Safety and efficient work practices as they relate to ordinance enforcement.

Experience: One to two years of working knowledge in code enforcement/compliance and/or building inspection which included significant public contact.

Education: Completion of the twelfth grade or GED supplemented by college level coursework in psychology, sociology, law enforcement or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid CA class "C" Driver's License and the ability to obtain a PC832 certificate within one year. California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certificates are highly recommended.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an annual Statement of Economic Interest Form (700 Form) and bi-annual ethics training pursuant to AB 1234.

Required Question