Code Compliance Officer I/II/III

County of San Mateo; California; On-site; USD 87,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Mateo is seeking qualified candidates for Code Compliance Officer I/II/III to enforce land use and nuisance regulations. Responsibilities include investigating complaints, issuing notices, maintaining records, and representing the County in hearings.

Ideal candidates will have experience interpreting zoning codes, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a CACEO or similar certificate within two years. The role offers growth across multiple officer levels.

Qualifications

• Two to three years of experience interpreting, analyzing, and applying local zoning codes and ordinances.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with experience explaining policies and procedures to the public, and working in a team.
• Experience documenting activities using a permit tracking system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within two years a Code Enforcement Training Certificate (CACEO, ICC, or AACE).

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged code violations in response to public complaints.
• Identify and investigate violations observed in the field.
• Process cases per department procedures and state/local laws.
• Issue notices of violation and citations.
• Coordinate with County departments and agencies on cases.
• Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Prepare summary reports.
• Interview property owners and neighbors to obtain information.
• Negotiate action plans to abate nuisances.
• Refer suspected violations to County officials.
• Present cases to the hearing officer.
• Initiate summary abatement when voluntary compliance is not obtained.
• Coordinate the summary abatement process and monitor contractor performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Life/Safety checks of structures used for Farm Worker Housing.

Skills

Zoning codes

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Code Enforcement Training Certificate

Tools

Permit tracking system

Job description

The Planning and Building Department is seeking qualified candidates for Code Compliance Officer I/II/III.

Working under limited direction, the Code Compliance Officer ensures compliance with land use codes and ordinances by investigating and enforcing regulations on zoning, building, property maintenance, weed abatement, public nuisances, and abandoned vehicles. Duties include processing complaints, conducting research and site inspections, issuing notices and citations, maintaining records, preparing reports and inspection warrants, and representing the County in administrative hearings. The role involves frequent public interaction, particularly when investigating complaints and recommending corrective actions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below, the ideal candidate will have:

• At least two to three years of experience interpreting, analyzing, and applying local zoning codes and ordinances.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with experience explaining policies and procedures to members of the public, dealing with uncooperative or angry customers, and working effectively as part of a team.
• Experience documenting activities using a permit tracking system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first two years of employment, a Code Enforcement Training Certificate, such as from CACEO, the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers, or a similar professional group, such as ICC, International Code Council, or AACE, American Association of Code Enforcement.

SALARY

Code Compliance Officer I: $86,881.60 - $108,576.00 Annually

Code Compliance Officer II: $99,985.60 - $125,049.60 Annually

Code Compliance Officer III: $105,580.80 - $132,080.00 Annually

NOTE: Appointments to these positions may be made at the level corresponding to the experience and qualifications of the successful candidates.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, limited-term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Investigate alleged code violations in response to public complaints.
• Identify and investigate violations observed while in the field.
• Process cases in accordance with procedures and standards of the Planning and Building Department and in accordance with state and local laws.
• Issue notices of violation and citations.
• Initiate coordination with other County departments and governmental agencies in processing cases.
• Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Prepare various summary reports.
• Interview property owners, neighbors, and others to obtain necessary information.
• Negotiate action plans with property owners to abate nuisances.
• Refer to appropriate County officials suspected violations of health, building, fire, or zoning codes and ordinances.
• Present cases to the hearing officer in charge of appeals.
• Initiate summary abatement process for cases where voluntary compliance is not obtained.
• Coordinate the summary abatement process, including selecting contractors and monitoring their performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Life/Safety Checks of structures used for Farm Worker Housing.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: November 9 - 13, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interviews: December 3 and/or 4, 2026