Code Compliance Officer I/II/III (Open & Promotional)

Smcgov; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

San Mateo County's Planning and Building Department seeks qualified Code Compliance Officers I-III. Working under limited direction, you will investigate and enforce land use codes, process complaints, conduct site inspections, issue notices, and represent the County in administrative hearings.

The role emphasizes public interaction and coordinating with other departments, with opportunities to build expertise in code enforcement, hearings, and abatement actions.

Qualifications

• Two to three years interpreting and applying local zoning codes.
• Experience documenting activities using a permit tracking system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Possession of CACEO/ICC/AACE certification within two years.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged code violations in response to public complaints.
• Issue notices of violation and citations.
• Prepare summary reports and maintain records.
• Represent the County in administrative hearings.
• Life/Safety Checks of structures used for Farm Worker Housing.

Skills

Code enforcement

Interpreting laws & codes

Negotiation

Public speaking/communication

Teamwork

Report writing

Education

Planning and related coursework

Public administration coursework

Law enforcement coursework

Tools

Permit tracking system

Microsoft Office

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.

Education and Experience

Code Compliance Officer I: College-level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field, and two years of experience in a position involving public contact, which provides the knowledge and skills identified.

Code Compliance Officer II: College-level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field and two years of code compliance and enforcement experience involving public contact, which has included responsibility for interpreting Planning and Land Use regulatory information and making presentations.

Code Compliance Officer III: College-level coursework in planning, law, public administration, law enforcement, or related field and three years of code compliance and enforcement experience involving public contact, which has included responsibility for interpreting Planning and Land Use regulatory information and making presentations.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of code enforcement and officer safety, such as those obtained through seminars, workshops, or certification courses from CACEO, SCACEO, or equivalent organization or association.
• Local and state laws, ordinances, and codes regulating public nuisances, zoning, health, and fire safety.
• Safety and fire prevention methods.
• The organization of local government and concepts of public administration.
• Research and statistical methods and sources of data.
• Mathematical principles, tools, and practices.
• Techniques, symbols, and language used in planning, drafting, and mapping.
• Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software.

Skill/Ability to

• Learn laws, codes, and regulations and interpret their application.
• Negotiate and obtain agreements.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Coordinate an enforcement program or public service function.
• Recognize the key importance of interacting with suspected violators, including property owners, and their unique situation in problem resolution and information-giving situations.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Work well individually and as a member of a professional and technical team and individually.
• Produce comprehensive, clear, and concise reports, memos, letters, staff reports, and major studies that are accurately researched, focused on essential information, reflect an appropriate level of analysis, and demonstrate objectivity.
• Explain policy and procedures to the public and staff.
• Type and perform general data entry functions.

Licensure/Certification

• Possession of a class C California driver's license or equivalent.
• Possession of POST 832 P.C. Arrest Course certificate either at the time of employment or no later than six months after the date of employment.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.

Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

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

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.