Codes Compliance Officer

City of Cumberland, Maryland; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cumberland seeks a Code Compliance Officer to enforce building, zoning, and nuisance codes. Under general supervision, you will investigate violations, review proposals, and coordinate corrective actions with property owners and attorneys.

This on-site role requires knowledge of codes, ability to interpret regulations, and strong report writing. An Associate Degree and 2–4 years of code experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; IRC or building code certification preferred.
• Two to four years of building construction and code enforcement experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply zoning, nuisance abatement, and housing/building codes.

Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary discussions with developers to assess feasibility based on land use regulations and infrastructure.
• Reviews proposals to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Inspects residential and commercial construction prior to occupancy permits for code compliance.
• Implements and enforces City of Cumberland Housing Code and performs in-field inspections.
• Receives, records, and investigates complaints and documents violations with photos and data.

Skills

Code compliance knowledge

Legal actions knowledge

Communication skills

Public interaction

Independent work

Education

Associate Degree

Building code certification preferred

Building code experience

Job description

Salary: $50,248.00 - $69,594.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

CITY OF CUMBERLAND

CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of routine to complex duties related to the City’s code compliance program, including the identification, investigation, and correction of violations of the City’s building, zoning, and nuisance codes, and interprets Federal, State, and Local laws and guidelines for the development, enactment, interpretation, and enforcement of land use regulations within the City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Conducts preliminary discussions with perspective developers and design professionals to determine the feasibility of their proposals based upon land use regulations and the availability of infrastructure (i.e. water, sewer, storm water facilities, etc.).


• Reviews proposals submitted by applicants to determine if they are in compliance with all applicable government regulations.


• Inspects residential and commercial construction prior to issuance of occupancy permits for compliance with building code regulations, maintains files for follow up on required improvements, initiates sanctions for non-compliance.


• Implements and enforces City of Cumberland Housing Code; performs in-field inspections pertaining to the Housing Code.


• Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and staff regarding violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, and health and safety regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.


• Prepares notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues letters to property owners notifying them of violations; as appropriate, affixes a notice of violation on property to abate hazards and public nuisances.


• Coordinates and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance; prepares noncompliance cases for legal action; presents testimony at legal hearings.


• Performs in-field inspections to identify and evaluate problem areas and/or ordinance violations and determine the proper method to resolve the violations.


• Maintains records of complaints and maintains files for follow-up on inspections and court proceedings; may appear as a witness in court as necessary.


• Maintains contact with the City Solicitor during assigned case investigations and assists in reviewing, researching, and analyzing investigative cases.


• Operates computer and technical software to enter, process, and acquire data relative to complaints inspection sites, effective code enforcement, and to research complaints.


• Maintains files and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports and correspondence.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

In-depth knowledge of pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations pertaining to zoning, nuisance abatement, property maintenance, housing code, building codes, health and safety codes, and related areas.

In-depth knowledge involved in the enforcement of code and regulations, including methods and techniques of conducting and documenting field investigations.

In-depth knowledge of legal actions applicable to code enforcement compliance.

In-depth knowledge of City of Cumberland services and organizational structure as they relate to code compliance.

Ability to interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations relating to zoning, nuisance abatement, building codes, and health and safety issues.

Ability to respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and resolve code related issues.

Ability to operate code enforcement equipment including a City vehicle.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associate Degree, International Building Code / IRC Certification preferred. Two to four years of building construction and code experience.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching and handling, pushing and pulling. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employee must possess a valid Driver’s License which has no restrictions affecting the employee’s ability to perform his/her job.

Exempt

Rev: 8/17

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.