Code Enforcement Inspector

City of Ferguson Department of Community Development; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ferguson Department of Community Development seeks a Code Enforcement Inspector to enforce exterior appearance codes and inspect buildings and properties. Strong communication, customer service, and a valid Missouri driver’s license are required; ICC certification or equivalent is preferred with certification due within six months.

Responsibilities include reviewing plans, issuing citations, conducting re-inspections, and coordinating with other departments to ensure code compliance.

Qualifications

• 1 year minimum experience preferred.
• ICC Certification required within first 6 months of employment.
• Graduation from high school with courses in building/property maintenance codes or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Enforce building, electrical, HVAC, fire, subdivision and zoning codes; inspect buildings and properties.
• Review plans for code conformance and issue stop-work orders when needed.
• Perform inspections of commercial and residential areas and respond to citizen complaints.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Oral communication

Written communication

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Building codes knowledge

ICC Certification within 6 months

Job description

Code Enforcement Inspector

The City of Ferguson is seeking applicants for the position of Code Inspector. Primary responsibilities include the enforcement of the City’s exterior appearance codes and inspections of buildings and properties. The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and basic knowledge of building standards and property maintenance. Must work well with the public. Strong oral and written communication skills, customer service skills and driver’s license are required. Prefer ICC Certification or equiv. of and at least one-year related experience.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for the enforcement of the City’s building, electrical, HVAC, fire, subdivision and zoning codes; assists in the administration and enforcement of zoning and other applicable codes, rules and regulations in regard to building, property use, development and redevelopment; performs building inspections as directed including footings, foundations, framing, etc.
• Reviews building plans for conformance to City ordinances and technical construction requirements; responsible for stop work orders for work not in compliance with approved plans; responsible for enforcement of building and property maintenance codes through legal action, including preparation of court information and testimony as an expert witness.
• Reviews building permit and occupancy permit applications for conformance to the building, zoning and subdivision ordinances, agreements and other applicable regulations.
• Inspects all commercial and residential areas within the City for obvious nuisance violations including weeds and debris, trash, junk vehicles, etc.; responds to specific citizen complaints/inquiries concerning violations.
• Initiates contact in person, by telephone, or in writing to cite violations and to identify guidelines and time frames to bring violations into compliance; performs re-inspections to assure compliance.
• Writes citations for ordinance and code violations; prepares for and appears at hearings and in court to testify regarding ordinance violations; works with the City Attorney in preparation for complaint hearings conducted by the City.
• Patrols construction sites and subdivisions to detect work being conducted without the proper permit.
• Communicates with the public at the counter, in writing, or by telephone concerning zoning, nuisance, or property maintenance matters.
• Maintains records, files, and photographs regarding inspections and violations; prepares staff reports as required.
• Coordinates work with other City departments to ensure compliance with codes by residents and businesses.
• Enforces and interprets Zoning Ordinance to meet requirements established by City law and as directed by the Building Commissioner.
• Reviews proposed plans for code compliance, as directed.
• Performs the duties of a plans examiner, or mechanical, plumbing or electrical inspection as needed and qualified.
• Acts as the City representative for special projects; responsible for communications with the contractor, architect, etc. on an as needed basis.
• Follows appropriate safety practices and procedures while performing inspections.
• Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1 year minimum experience preferred.
• ICC Certification required within first 6 months of employment.
• Graduation from high school (or GED) supplemented by courses in building and property maintenance codes or building construction; considerable experience in the building trades or experience in code enforcement and building maintenance or related fields; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of building and construction safety, and engineering principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques involved in general building construction to recognize possible defects.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable local building codes and ordinances, State laws, national model codes, and accepted practices relating to the enforcement of building, property maintenance, zoning, health, and fire standards.
• Knowledge of the principles of building, zoning, subdivision and community development.
• Considerable knowledge of the property maintenance, licensing, and nuisance ordinances, regulations, and related codes.
• Ability to inspect buildings, structures, and properties and to ascertain compliance with applicable codes in commercial structures or houses or sites.
• Ability to interpret codes and ordinances and enforce them tactfully, using good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately interpret plans, engineering drawings, and specifications;
• Ability to assess adherence to codes and standards.
• Ability to apply the administration of codes and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to diffuse confrontational, inter-personal disputes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public, and to resolve confrontational issues between residents.
• Ability to operate specialized detection and measurement devices and tools used in code enforcement activities.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with the software and programs necessary to perform the work of the department.
• Possession of a valid Missouri driver's license. A drug screening and background check are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting as well as on-site involving outdoor work in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, and residential streets and parkways. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Ferguson is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Americans With Disabilities Act

The City of Ferguson makes every effort to fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. If you need assistance or accommodation for the application, interview, or a particular testing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-524-5256.

Category: Full-time. Status: Open. Salary: 46,000.00 - $56,650.00. Posted: October 15, 2026 11:15 AM. Closing: Open Until Filled.