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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, shorelines and critical areas, signs, public right of way, and other land use and building codes. • Determine extent of violation(s), requirements for compliance, and courses of action; draft and issue voluntary compliance letters, notices of violation, emergency orders, and stop work notices; and set deadlines for compliance and conduct follow-up inspections. • Coordinate code compliance information and actions with other departments, jurisdictions, or regulatory agencies. • Write civil infractions, assess civil penalties, fees, and other penalties as established by City codes. • Draft and issue voluntary compliance agreements and settlement agreements as needed. • 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 and customer assistance in code enforcement related matters at the permit counter, by phone and email, and during site visits. • Coordinate with Police, Public Works, City Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Finance, 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. • Create handouts and other documents to improve understanding of code requirements and emphasize code compliance by education and prevention as a first step. Code Compliance Officer • Participate in abatement proceedings/actions, court proceedings, or hearing examiner appeals as required for code enforcement cases. • Review and assist with drafting code amendments. 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. • 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. • 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 Code Compliance Officer • 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 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.