Code Enforcement Officer I/II

City of Manhattan Beach, CA; Manhattan Beach (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Manhattan Beach, CA is hiring Code Enforcement Officers to inspect properties for compliance with city codes and ordinances and to resolve violations. The role involves interacting with residents, builders, and other agencies to investigate issues and prepare enforcement documentation.

Officer I is entry level under supervision; Officer II handles more complex cases with greater independence and may supervise clerical staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) years of inspection, law enforcement, land use or code enforcement experience required for Officer I.
• Three (3) years of related experience for Officer II, including two years at a level comparable to Officer I.
• California certification in code enforcement required within the specified timeframe.
• Valid California driver’s license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential, commercial and other properties for code compliance.
• Develop programs to ensure construction projects meet city requirements.
• Meet with owners, tenants and contractors to review code requirements and violations.
• Receive and respond to complaints related to city ordinances and enforcement.
• Coordinate enforcement efforts and prepare documents and records for authorities.
• Maintain files and prepare reports; issue citations for violations.
• Prepare cases for court and testify as needed.

Skills

Inspecting properties

Code enforcement

Communication

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years related experience

Bachelor’s degree substitution for two years experience

Tools

CACEO certification

Job description

Under direction, work independently inspecting properties to ensure compliance with Federal, State, County and municipal building, zoning, parking, codes, ordinances, standards and procedures; interact with residents, builders, public and other departments and agencies to investigate, respond to, and resolve complaints and violations; and perform other related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Code Enforcement Officer I is an entry‑level position. Initially, the incumbent’s work is under direct supervision and reviewed both during performance and upon completion; any changes in procedure or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, the incumbent is expected to perform full range of duties with increasing independence.

Code Enforcement Officer II is distinguished from the Code Enforcement Officer I by the difficulty and complexity of work performed. Code Enforcement Officer II can perform the full range of job duties with minimal supervision, possesses specialized knowledge, abilities and skills, and exercises independent judgement in the performance of his/her duties.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Inspects residential, commercial, and other properties to determine the status of compliance with City codes and policies
• Develops programs, subject to approval, designed to proactively ensure proposed and existing construction projects and sites meet City construction requirements and guidelines with respect to building, zoning, noise, notifications, site protection, parking codes, ordinances, standards and procedures
• Meets with owners, tenants, citizens, contractors, developers, etc. prior to and during construction to review and explain code requirements and violations, or potential violations and issues
• Receives, responds to, and answers complaints related to citizen requests for enforcement of City ordinances covering activities or circumstances related to signing, building occupancy, nuisances, housing conditions, construction, land use, dumping, zoning violations, sanitation, refuse storage, property maintenance, parking, traffic, property damage and other conditions
• Patrols and conducts regular field inspections; coordinates enforcement efforts with and prepares documents, photographs, and other records for the City Prosecutor and/or District Attorney Office, City departments, and other agencies, as needed
• Maintains files and prepares reports on activities and problem enforcement areas
• Issues citations for violations
• Inspects buildings that are being constructed, altered, moved, and/or demolished to see that work complies with applicable building and related codes and ordinances
• May oversee the work of clerical support staff in maintaining records and sending notices and correspondence
• Develops form letters, notices, news releases, citation forms, and other administrative tools to expedite the code enforcement program.
• Prepares cases for court and testifies in court.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Education/Training/Experience:

Code Enforcement Officer I:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Two (2) years of experience related to inspection, law enforcement, land use, code enforcement work, or related field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in construction management, engineering, land use, law enforcement, architecture, urban planning, public administration, business administration, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Code Enforcement Officer II:

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Three (3) years of experience related to inspection, law enforcement, land use, code enforcement work, or related field is required including two (2) years at a level comparable to the Code Enforcement Officer I with the City of Manhattan Beach.

License/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Code Enforcement Officer I
  • State of California certification in code enforcement is required within one (1) year of employment. Incumbents are responsible for tracking and maintaining the necessary Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to ensure continued compliance and good standing with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certification requirements after obtaining the certification.
  • California Penal Code 832 Arrest certificate is required within six (6) months of employment. The incumbent must register and enroll in an accredited P.O.S.T. approved program within three (3) months of hire.
• Code Enforcement Officer II
  • State of California certification in code enforcement is required at the time of employment. Incumbents are responsible for tracking and maintaining the necessary Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to ensure continued compliance and good standing with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) certification requirements after obtaining the certification.
  • California Penal Code 832 Arrest certificate is required at the time of the appointment.
• Both levels, at the time of employment, must possess a valid California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of auto insurance in compliance with the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy standards.
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and/or holidays.
• In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Manhattan Beach employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State.

Knowledge of:

Applicable laws, standards, and regulations related to various land use, nuisance, public safety, parking, traffic, and zoning codes and ordinances; and inspection techniques, code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting.

Ability to:

Prepare, organize, and maintain field data, reports, and computerized tracking systems; analyze complex situations, problems, and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions; communicate effectively with others orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, contractors, employees, supervisors, and the general public; effectively handle stressful situations and deal with difficult or angry people; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; and requires the skill to operate motor vehicles.

Skill In:

Operating motor vehicles; and computer hardware and general office software and equipment.

Application filing deadline is Sunday, November 1, 2026.

All applicants will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.

The selection process will consist of the following component and weight: Interview (100%)

* The panel interview exam is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026.

If you need special assistance in the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone].

NOTE: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre-employment medical exam. The provisions of this brochure do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.