Code Compliance Specialist

City of Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Cruz is seeking a Code Compliance Specialist to administer a code enforcement program, conduct inspections, and work with staff and partner agencies to ensure building, zoning, fire, housing and health and safety compliance.

Under general direction, you will gather evidence, prepare reports and case documentation, interpret and apply municipal codes, guide permitting and compliance requirements, coordinate with other agencies, and take enforcement action when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, urban studies, political science, police science, construction technology or a closely related field; and
• One (1) year of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.
• OR
• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and certification as ICC building inspector or property maintenance and housing inspector with two years of relevant experience.
• OR
• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and three years of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Perform building and site inspections, applying acceptable inspection procedures.
• Compile, analyze and evaluate findings of investigation and inspection.
• Coordinate investigations and inspections with other regulatory or law enforcement agencies.
• Prepare clear, concise written reports and correspondence; maintain field notes.
• Advise property owners on proper compliance procedures and permit requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and City staff.
• Issue citations for non-compliance and enforce code compliance.

Skills

Communication

Investigation

Code enforcement

Report writing

Public service

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Effective the pay period that begins on September 26, 2026, the salary for all bargaining unit members shall be increased by an additional four percent (4.0%). This job posting has been updated to reflect this increase.

Join our team as a Code Compliance Specialistand make a meaningful difference in the safety, quality, and livability of our community. Working under general direction, you’ll combine fieldwork, investigation, problem-solving, and public service to ensure properties meet building, zoning, fire, housing, health, and safety requirements. You’ll interact with property owners, residents, City staff, and partner agencies, helping people understand regulations and find practical paths toward compliance. This is an opportunity to do work that is visible, varied, and directly connected to the well-being of the community.

We’re looking for a professional, resourceful, and community-focused individual who enjoys working with people and tackling challenging issues. You’ll conduct inspections and investigations, evaluate evidence, prepare reports and case documentation, interpret and apply municipal codes and regulations, provide guidance on permitting and compliance requirements, coordinate with other agencies, and take appropriate enforcement action when needed. If you’re a strong communicator who enjoys learning, solving problems, and turning complex requirements into clear solutions, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to build your career while serving the community.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Code Compliance Specialist vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-015

Basic Function

Under general direction, effectively administers a code enforcement program whereby, in coordination with other staff and agencies, deficiencies in compliance of properties with applicable building, zoning, fire, housing and health and safety codes are identified, through investigations, field inspections and analysis, in order to induce corrective actions by property owners and to enforce code compliance in accordance with established laws, policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The focus of this position is the implementation of the aforementioned laws, codes and regulations. In addition to technical knowledge of codes, the incumbent must possess strong communication, administration, computer and recordkeeping skills.

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Performs building and site inspections, applying acceptable inspection procedures.
• Compiles, analyzes and evaluates findings of investigation and inspection.
• Coordinates investigations and inspections with other regulatory or law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, ordinances, guidelines and other required documents. Maintains accurate and legible field notes to document findings.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with property owners, tenants, the general public, officials and personnel from City departments and other agencies.
• Conducts code enforcement program/activities in accordance with established City procedures and guidelines.
• Reads, correctly interprets, and applies and uses building and housing codes, municipal codes, the zoning ordinance, relocation law and regulations, CDBG administrative requirements, and other laws, regulations and policies as required.
• Advises property owners of proper compliance procedures, such as how to obtain a building permit and how to determine what other planning permits may be necessary.
• Inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer.
• Gathers and evaluates facts and evidence and draws logical conclusions.
• Makes presentations to staff, community groups, advisory bodies and others.
• Issues citations for non-compliance.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires: some prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level or moderately inclined and uneven or slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling or crouching in confined spaces; grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and observing subtle and often fine details common to construction plans as well as general reading, writing and other communications. May lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat and cold. The position entails working in situations that may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards and emergency situations. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders and drive motorized vehicles. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, urban studies, political science, police science, construction technology or a closely related field; and

• One (1) year of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

OR

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and

• Certification as an International Code Council (ICC) building inspector or property maintenance and housing inspector with two (2) years of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

OR

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and

• Three (3) years of experience related to building codes, housing codes and/or zoning enforcement.

Knowledge

• Federal, state and municipal laws, regulations and procedures relating to building codes, housing codes, and zoning ordinances.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in investigations and enforcement work including appropriate legal requirements and constraints.

Abilities

• Communicate effectively and make public presentations.
• Prepare clear, concise written reports and correspondence.
• Research and compile data and maintain accurate records of findings.
• Interpret and evaluate issues and make appropriate recommendations for action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and City advisory bodies.
• Effectively handle adversarial situations.
• Work independently and meet established deadlines.
• Perform periodic evening, late evening or early morning inspections.

The position responsible for Community Development Block Grant programs:

Knowledge:

• Laws and regulations relating to relocation and housing funding programs.

Abilities:

• Maintain records and compile periodic progress reports in compliance with the requirements of the program funding source, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
• Possession and continued maintenance of PC832 certification within one year of appointment.
• Possession and continued maintenance of ICC certification as a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector within one year of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
• Rules of evidence and court procedures.
• Certification as an ICC Building Inspector, ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector, CACEO Code Enforcement Officer.

• Code Compliance Manager
• Code Compliance Supervisor
• Code Compliance Specialist
• Planning and Community Development Technician