Code Enforcement Officer

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical duties in support of the City's General Code Enforcement Unit including zoning, property maintenance, and other aspects of the Municipal Code. Interprets and explains laws and regulations to the general public to gain conformance. Issues notices and orders of compliance; Facilitates the removal of blight and graffiti. Serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments. May assist the City's Special Operations Code Enforcement Unit in homelessness and other matters of public concern. Performs other duties as assigned.

Receives and responds to complaints regarding zoning violations, abandoned vehicles, sign ordinances, property maintenance violations, and building/ housing code violations. Prepares case files, including researching and establishing legal owner, verifying parcel addresses along with other necessary information to conduct investigation and enforcement action. Issues correction notices, citations, and/or other legal forms and documents to offending parties. Conducts reinspections; maintains records for follow-up investigations. Documents violations and information with the intent to gain voluntary compliance. Organizes and participates in neighborhood clean-ups. Attends and provides information to neighborhood meetings. Links property owners with resources and creates innovative ways for property owners to abate appearance violations. Works with other departments and agencies to abate neighborhood nuisances. Reviews and inspects business licenses. Provides assistance to the public; meets and corresponds with property owners, regarding code requirements. Prepares and conducts inspections and follow-up inspections for the city's weed abatement program.

Code Enforcement Officers may be required to work rotating shifts, as well as special details and assignments as needed. Officers may also be required to attend City Council meetings, special City events, and other related matters. In the event of a disaster, Code Enforcement Officers are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly (Government Code Section 3100).

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This classification is non-safety and reports to the Director of Community Development.

Knowledge of: Organizational function of the various agencies involved with planning, zoning, and land-use procedures. Principles and methods of investigation utilized in Code Enforcement, inspections, and enforcement; applicable laws, ordinances, and codes. Basic terminology used in zoning includes regulations; principles and techniques of investigation; court procedure; criminal and civil law; legal rights of citizens; rules of evidence; building, housing, and abatement codes. Principles and practices of municipal zoning and land use regulations. Office methods, and procedures. Computer processing systems and applications.

Skills/Abilities to: Investigate zoning, code, and other complaints in a timely and tactful manner. Interpret and explain a variety of codes, ordinances, and other regulations to the public, Deal courteously and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals. Effectively resolve conflicts and problems between concerned parties. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; research and prepare written reports. Work in both office and field environments. Travel from site to site and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, including noise, dust, and fumes. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions. Operate technology-based programs and cell phones. Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions.

Code Enforcement Officers must possess the ability to adapt to various people and/or personality types, as well as ever-changing situations and circumstances; the ability to balance positive and negative emotions under adverse conditions; the ability to mediate difficult situations as well as deal constructively with conflict and/or difficult people, including the criminal element; the ability to observe and quickly interpret various situations and circumstances as well as develop effective resolutions; the ability to implement oral and written communication skills; exercise sound judgment in the absence of direct supervision and/or specific guidelines; the ability to adapt to ever-changing priorities and work on multiple assignments concurrently; the ability to meet challenging deadlines in the presence of ongoing interruptions; the ability to learn and apply new information and/or skills related to the position, as well as interact positively and appropriately with the public, fellow Officers, staff, interagency departments, management, City Officials, Commissions, contractors, consultants, and other internal or external agencies, organizations and/or people in the course of work.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. required. College-level courses in building construction technology, basic Code Enforcement, or related field are desirable. Experience in building inspection/construction and/or Code Enforcement, preferably supplemented by coursework related to inspection, construction, plumbing, electrical, public relations is desirable. Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective solutions. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Within six months of hire/promotion, must obtain, and continuously maintain PC 832 and C.L.E.T.S. Certification. Prior experience as a Code Enforcement Officer with a public agency and the ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.

LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record with proof of insurability is required. Applicant must pass a Police background test, which includes a polygraph examination, prior to the start of employment.