Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer

Office of Public Response; South Dakota; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

North Sioux City is seeking a practical, service-oriented Building Official / Code Enforcement Officer to build and lead a community-focused permitting and inspection program. The successful candidate will combine sound construction judgment with clear communication and consistent enforcement.

The City may consider an experienced ICC-certified official or a strong construction professional who can complete an established certification pathway, with a plan for progression through ICC credentials.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in construction, inspection, code enforcement, zoning, or related field.
• Ability to obtain ICC certifications within the timelines established by the city.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods, plans and terminology.

Responsibilities

• Administer building permit, plan-review, inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, property-maintenance and enforcement functions.
• Review residential and routine commercial construction documents for compliance with codes, ordinances and permit conditions.
• Perform structural and general building inspections including foundation, framing, final and change-of-occupancy inspections.
• Issue permits, correction notices, stop-work orders, certificates of occupancy and other compliance documents.
• Investigate unsafe buildings, nuisances, unpermitted work and zoning complaints; pursue voluntary compliance when feasible.
• Coordinate with state and local inspectors, engineers, architects, contractors and plan-review professionals.

Skills

Code enforcement

Plan reading

Inspection

Communication

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

Tools

GIS

Microsoft 365

Permit-management

Job description

North Sioux City is seeking a practical, service-oriented professional to serve as its Building Official / Code Enforcement Officer. This position offers an unusual opportunity to build and lead a community-focused permitting and inspection program while working directly with residents, contractors, developers, City leadership, and regional partners.

The successful candidate will combine sound construction judgment with clear communication and consistent enforcement. The City is prepared to consider both an experienced ICC-certified official and a strong construction professional who can complete an established certification pathway.

The Position:

• Administer the City’s building permit, plan-review, inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, property-maintenance, nuisance, and zoning-enforcement functions.
• Review residential and routine commercial construction documents for compliance with adopted codes, ordinances, approved plans, and permit conditions.
• Perform structural and general building inspections, including foundation, framing, final, change-of-occupancy, and complaint-based inspections.
• Issue permits, correction notices, stop-work orders, certificates of occupancy, citations, and other compliance documents within delegated authority.
• Investigate unsafe buildings, property-maintenance violations, nuisances, unpermitted work, and zoning complaints; document findings and pursue voluntary compliance whenever feasible.
• Coordinate with South Dakota trade inspectors, the State Fire Marshal, engineers, architects, contractors, legal counsel, and outside plan-review professionals.
• Maintain accurate permit, inspection, enforcement, and property records and provide clear information to applicants and the public.
• Support the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and City Commission as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

• Ability to interpret and explain technical requirements fairly, consistently, and respectfully.
• Knowledge of building construction methods, plan reading, codes, inspections, or municipal compliance work.
• Sound judgment, strong documentation habits, conflict-management skills, and confidence working independently.
• A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. Relevant college, technical education, apprenticeship training, or construction credentials are desirable.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in construction, inspection, plan review, code enforcement, zoning, or a closely related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certification Path

Existing ICC certifications are preferred but are not required at appointment for a strong developmental candidate. The selected employee should be able to meet the following progression, subject to the final employment agreement:

ICC B1 Residential Building Inspector within 12 months;

ICC R3 Residential Plans Examiner within 18 months;

ICC 64 Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within 24 months; and

ICC B2 Commercial Building Inspector or B3 Building Plans Examiner within 36 months.

The City may adjust starting pay based on relevant experience, ICC certifications, independent plan-review capability, and the scope of duties the candidate can assume immediately.

Why North Sioux City?

North Sioux City is a growing community in the Sioux City metropolitan area, positioned at the junction of South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. The position offers meaningful responsibility, direct access to decision-makers, varied work, and the opportunity to shape a modern, responsive building-safety and neighborhood-compliance program.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, inspection, code enforcement, construction management or a closely related field. Relevant postsecondary education may substitute for a portion of the experience.

Working knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods, materials, plans and terminology.

Ability to read construction drawings, site plans, surveys, legal descriptions and applicable codes and ordinances.

Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Ability to obtain required International Code Council certifications within the timelines established below.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher in construction technology, building inspection, construction management, architecture, engineering, public administration or a related field.

Prior municipal building inspection, permitting, zoning or code-enforcement experience.

Current ICC Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector, or Certified Building Official credential.

Experience with permit-management, GIS, document-management and Microsoft 365 software.

Certification and Training Expectations

Unless already certified, the employee must make satisfactory progress under a City-approved training plan. Equivalent or higher ICC credentials may satisfy an expectation with approval of the Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of adopted building, residential, property-maintenance, zoning, nuisance, floodplain and related municipal regulations.

Knowledge of inspection practices, construction safety, evidence documentation and procedural due process.

Ability to interpret and apply technical requirements consistently while recognizing when professional engineering, architectural, legal or specialized code review is required.

Ability to communicate requirements clearly in person and in writing, de‑escape conflict and build cooperative working relationships.

Ability to organize a varied caseload, meet deadlines, maintain confidential or sensitive records and exercise sound judgment with limited supervision.

Ability to prepare defensible notices, reports, photographs, case histories and testimony.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and field environments. The employee must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to drive to inspection sites; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs and ladders; bend, stoop and enter unfinished or confined building areas; observe construction details; use measuring and documentation equipment; and work outdoors in varying weather. The position may encounter dust, noise, construction hazards, animals, unsanitary properties and upset or confrontational individuals. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety procedures are required.