Code Enforcement Officer

City of Hendersonville; Hendersonville (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hendersonville seeks a Code Enforcement Officer to enforce zoning and nuisance codes, perform inspections, interpret ordinances for the public, and coordinate with planning staff. The role includes processing enforcement paperwork and potential court appearances.

Ideal candidates have an associate degree in zoning/planning and progressive code enforcement experience, with a valid driver’s license and ability to communicate clearly with residents and contractors.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree in zoning-related field and experience in code enforcement or equivalent.
• Completion of Planning & Development Regulation Course within 12 months of hire (Officer II/III).
• Valid driver's license required at hire and ongoing.

Responsibilities

• Investigate citizen violations and enforce the City Code, including zoning and nuisance provisions.
• Perform on-site inspections for compliance with setbacks, landscaping, and appearance standards.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of enforcement actions and court appearances when needed.
• Issue citations and civil penalties for code violations and monitor compliance.
• Assist in public notices, permit processing, and interpreting ordinances for the public.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Written communication

Oral communication

Computer applications

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Zoning Law/Planning

Tools

ICC Permit Technician

ICC Zoning Inspector

ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector

Job description

Code Enforcement Officer --Salary Range: $48,921.75 - $74,983.83

Responsible for performing professional enforcement of portions of the City’s Code of Ordinances, including Zoning, Nuisance, Building & Building Regulations Ordinances, including Minimum Housing, among others as assigned. Responsible for performing professional inspection and enforcement support to the City’s Zoning Administrator in the enforcement of the City’s Code of Ordinances. Work consists of professional and customer service tasks enforcing the City’s Code of Ordinances including inspecting sites, interpreting and explaining ordinances to the public, working with planning staff to ensure compliance with existing permits and working with property owners to comply with local rules and regulations. Work also includes processing enforcement paperwork and may require appearance in court cases.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to and investigates, conducting all associated inspections, complaints and requests from citizens for violations of the City’s Code of Ordinances, including zoning, nuisance abatement, junked vehicles, commercial maintenance, minimum housing and other provisions of the City Code.
• Conduct proactive on-site inspections of existing development for code compliance including setbacks, lot size and width, landscaping, colors, screening, and related appearance issues
• Make interpretations of ordinance provisions under supervision of the Zoning Administrator.
• Prepares a variety of written reports, memos and correspondence related to enforcement activities, including the maintenance of work activity records and follow-up actions.
• Issues violation citations and civil penalties for violations of the Code of Ordinances.
• Provides on-going monitoring and follow-up on actions taken, working with the Zoning Administrator to ensure property owners comply with local ordinances and remedy violations.
• Communicates with the general public regarding compliance with the City Code of Ordinances in instances of general inquiry and in pursuit of zoning compliance and sign permits. In this capacity they assist with daily inquiries from the public regarding ordinance interpretation of zoning and land use requirements, referring technical and precedent setting questions to planning staff.
• Processes and Issues Zoning Compliance and Sign permits.
• Assists in posting required public notices as assigned.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

CODE ENFORCEMENT CAREER LADDER QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER I – PAYGRADE 13 - $48,921.75 - $61,689.37

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree in Zoning Law, Zoning Administration, Planning, or related area; and one (1) year of experience in code enforcement experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Completion of the Planning & Development Regulation Course and associated Examination; conducted by the UNC School of Government within 12 months of hire.

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER II – PAYGRADE 15 - $53,936.22 - $68,012.54

Education and Experience:

Associates degree in Zoning Law, Zoning Administration, Planning, or related area; and three (3) years of experience in code enforcement experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Completion of the Planning & Development Regulation Course and associated Examination; conducted by the UNC School of Government.
• ICC Permit Technician – 14 National Certification within 12 months of hire
• ICC Zoning Inspector – 75 National Certification (preferred)
• ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector – 64 National Certification (preferred)

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER III – PAYGRADE 17 - $59,464.69 - $74,983.83

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree in Zoning Law, Zoning Administration, Planning, or related area; and five (5) years of experience in code enforcement; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Completion of the Planning & Development Regulation Course and associated Examination; conducted by the UNC School of Government.
• ICC Permit Technician – 14 National Certification
• ICC Zoning Inspector – 75 National Certification
• ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector – 64 National Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of technical ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to land use, zoning, subdivision, site design and minimum code areas.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of zoning and other code enforcement functions.
• Knowledge of governmental laws, programs and services related to the code enforcement processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal procedures related to enforcement of laws and ordinances and regulations.
• Skills in conflict resolution; computer applications; research related to code enforcement duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, associates and the general public.
• Ability to interpret local ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Ability to document and complete required records and reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the physical exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands require climbing, crouching, crawling, standing, walking and lifting. Vocal communication is required for responding to inquiries, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for extensive reading, to prepare and analyze written or computer data, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an environmentally controlled office subject to typical office noise but is also required to work outdoors occasionally in periods of cold, heat and other environmental conditions.

All Applicants are required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, a background check and a State Bureau of Investigations background check prior to beginning their employment.