Code Compliance Inspector I/II

County of Monterey; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD) seeks a Code Compliance Inspector I/II to conduct investigations, on-site inspections, and enforcement of zoning, building, grading, and erosion-control codes. You will gather evidence, prepare reports, and promote voluntary compliance while coordinating with other agencies.

The role supports the HCD’s mission, with a clear pathway from Inspector I to II, requiring a valid California driver's license and a commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• Recordkeeping procedures and practices.
• Methods and techniques used in investigations.
• General purpose and intent of applicable codes and ordinances governing building construction, zoning, grading, and erosion-control codes.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations, including on-site inspections, to substantiate existing land use; verifies compliance with permit conditions, zoning, building, grading, erosion-control codes, and other applicable laws and regulations governing land use.
• Gathers evidence, information, and documentation to support action for gaining compliance.
• Provides the public with technical information and instructions concerning allowable land uses under the various ordinances; promotes voluntary compliance through discussion and persuasion while preparing for formal prosecution if necessary.
• Analyzes all facts and evidence gathered to determine legality of alleged activity; interviews responsible parties; recommends possible civil/criminal penalties; prepares citations for violations; refers cases to other agencies when needed.
• Coordinates investigations with law enforcement or regulatory agencies; may appear as a witness in court or at hearings; maintains case files and data.

Job description

Filing Deadline

11/15/2026

Exam #

26/34P26/10SA

Code Compliance Inspector I/II

Monthly Salary Range: $5,482 – $8,734

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department is composed of four Divisions, including Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, and Administration. The department provides reasonable and safe development, planning for future needs of the County, and helps protect natural resources.

The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department is composed of five Divisions, including Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, Special Programs and Administration. The department provides reasonable and safe development, planning for future needs of the County, and helps protect natural resources. The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department seeks a professional in the field of code compliance.

Code Compliance Inspector I differs from the next higher class of Code Compliance Inspector II by the requirement for more detailed supervision with work assignments being reviewed during work process as well as upon completion, and by the lesser degree of knowledge required of provisions of the County zoning, building, and grading and erosion-control codes, and other laws and regulations governing land use.

Code Compliance Inspector II classification is the full working level class in the Code Compliance Inspector series. Employees in this class are expected to perform a full range of difficult zoning, building and grading and erosion-control code investigation work under limited supervision.

The Eligible List established through this recruitment process may be used county-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

• Conducts investigations, including on-site inspections, to substantiate existing land use; verifies compliance with permit conditions, zoning, building, grading, erosion-control codes, and other applicable laws and regulations governing land use.
• Gathers evidence, information, and documentation to support action for gaining compliance.
• Provides the public with technical information and instructions concerning allowable land uses under the various ordinances; how the existing land use may be illegal or allowable only under special permits and compliance procedures; promotes voluntary compliance through discussion and persuasion while preparing for formal prosecution in the event that becomes necessary.
• Analyzes all facts and evidence gathered to determine legality of alleged activity; identifies and interviews responsible parties; recommends possible civil/criminal penalties; determines the nature of the violation; prepares and issues citations for violations of the various codes; determines if cause exists to refer the case to other agencies for investigation.
• Coordinates investigations with other law enforcement or regulatory agencies; confers with the District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the County Counsel, Planning Department or Building Services Department staff concerning cases under investigation; requests, obtains, and executes inspection warrants when necessary; may appear as a witness in court or at appeal hearings.
• Complies and prepares reports on investigations; prepares correspondence; inputs, accesses, and analyzes data using a computer.
• Maintains case files and provides case management for assigned cases.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Code Compliance Inspector I-II

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Code Compliance Inspector I

Working Knowledge of

• Recordkeeping procedures and practices.

Some Knowledge of

• Methods and techniques used in investigations.
• General purpose and intent of applicable codes and ordinances governing building construction, zoning, grading, and erosion-control codes.

Code Compliance Inspector II

Working Knowledge of

• Zoning, building, grading, and erosion-control codes.
• Principles, methods, and techniques used in investigations and enforcement work including appropriate legal requirements and constraints.

Code Compliance Inspector I

Skill and Ability to

• Gather and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions.
• Maintain accurate and legible field notes.
• Write clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Research, read, interpret, and apply zoning, environmental, and building ordinances and related regulations, laws, and other ordinance governing land use in an objective, accurate way.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers and others contacted through the course of work; respond in a positive manner to supervision and attend and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Code Compliance Inspector II

Skill and Ability to

• All of the above, plus ability to testify in administrative hearings and courts of law.

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Code Compliance Inspector I

Experience

One year of experience in utilizing the uniform construction codes in the construction and building trades or one year of experience in utilizing zoning or other land regulations. One year of experience in an investigative position or related code enforcement field.

Education

Completion of coursework in building or construction inspection, zoning, or other land use regulations. Completion of coursework in investigative techniques and practices.

Code Compliance Inspector II

Experience

All of the above, and in addition: One year of experience independently making inspections in all types of zoning, building, grading, and erosion-control codes and related laws and regulations governing land use.

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possess a valid California Class C Driver License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Work in an environment which includes interactions with potentially hostile individuals.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION

Exposure to variable temperatures, work outdoors, or on uneven ground/floor surfaces; slippery surfaces, or come in contact with water; work at elevations above ground level; work in adverse weather conditions; come in contact with dust, pollen, and silica dust such as asbestos in old homes; infections, such as tick-borne Lyme disease; corrosive chemicals requiring OSHA Material Safety Data sheets; plant, animal, or food materials or waste.

BENEFITS

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet.

NOTES

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active‑duty service members).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug‑free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst, at [phone], or [e-mail].