HomeMy WebLinkAboutCode Compliance Officer
City of Port Townsend Job Description
Code Compliance Officer
Classification title: Code Compliance Officer Working title: Code Compliance Officer
Department: Planning and Community
Development
Union: Teamsters General
Government
FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage
Classification:
23
Hours: Full time Effective date: Mar. 2016; Apr.2026
Reports to: Planning and Community
Development Director
Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision of Planning and Community Development Director, performs a variety of
routine and complex work in the interpretation and enforcement of adopted codes and related rules and
regulations. Investigates and resolves potential violations and collaborates with residents and
businesses to achieve voluntary compliance with codes. Works with City Attorney’s office, Police
Department, and other agencies to prepare cases for prosecution when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Respond to and investigate complaints regarding violations of City ordinances and regulations;
conduct field investigations regarding possible violations of codes and ordinances, including land
use development, zoning, public nuisances, abandoned and junk vehicles, property maintenance,
signs, right of way use, and other land use and building codes.
Determine extent of violation, viable solutions and course of action; issue warnings, correction
notices or citations; and set deadlines for compliance and follow-up.
Coordinate code compliance information and actions with other departments, jurisdictions, or
regulatory agencies.
Write civil infractions.
Meet with owners, tenants, contractors, developers, and businesses to review and explain code
requirements and violations or potential violations and secure code compliance.
Provide information to those who request information or assistance in code enforcement related
matters.
Coordinate with Police, Public Works, City Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and other staff
or agencies as needed.
Maintain accurate, organized and up-to-date records, files and evidence necessary to support
code enforcement activities.
Assist with public inquiries at the PCD front counter.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of municipal code enforcement methods and procedures.
Working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use,
building, nuisance, and public safety codes.
Code Compliance Officer
Knowledge of investigative principles and practices, rights of entry regulations, and other legal
procedures for nuisance abatement processes.
Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges,
or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers,
management, elected officials, other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, the general
public, and other departments and agencies, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and
courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
Ability to interact diplomatically with the public, other agencies and City employees with .
Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively interact with difficult or angry people.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in determining appropriate abatement actions and when to seek
advice or guidance from other departments or managers.
Ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in an objective, concise and
professional manner.
Ability to work productively with minimal supervision.
Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment, initiative and discretion.
Ability to use standard office software packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel and specialized
permit tracking programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
High school diploma or GED
Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to maintain a driving record acceptable to
City’s insurance carrier
Two years of experience working with the public in code compliance, planning or building
inspection
Code Enforcement Officer Certification or ability to obtain within a reasonable time period after
hire, preferably within one year
ICC Certification as Residential Building Inspector or ability to obtain within a reasonable time
period after hire, preferably within one year
Preferred:
Two years of college or technical school in relevant field
Additional years of experience as a building inspector, land use specialist, law enforcement officer,
or related field
Experience with GIS.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors. Duties require a full range of motor skills to
include reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing, bending at the waist, kneeling,
crouching, and repetitive motions. Effective verbal communication with public is essential. Requires
Code Compliance Officer
correctable vision and an ability to drive an automobile and to walk for extended periods of time,
including over varied terrain and in all types of weather. May be required to climb ladders or crawl into
restricted spaces.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains,
promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-
related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied
without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
(including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information,
or any other characteristic protected by law.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job-related duties requested by their supervisors. All employees must comply with all City
policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.