Zoning Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

The purpose of this position is to enforce, investigate, coordinate, direct, assist and advise the code enforcement staff regarding the enforcement and investigation of violations of various Lancaster County codes and ordinances, to prepare and maintain required documentation; to prepare for and assist in presentation at court hearings, and to perform related work as required. This position is responsible for conducting field investigations to identify code violations; interviews and obtains statements as necessary from violators, witnesses, and persons filing complaints. Receives, investigates, and responds to citizen inquiries / complaints regarding County Codes and Ordinances. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

Examples of duties include : assisting and coordinating the daily task of Code Enforcement; assisting staff with cases and providing input and insight on processing violations; ensuring that cases are processed in a timely manner and in accordance with our procedures and policies; maintaining communication with staff and supervisors to ensure that information regarding cases is conveyed accurately; receiving, investigating and responding to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding County codes and ordinances; presenting code cases and attending court hearings; conducting field investigations to identify code violations; interviewing and obtaining statements as necessary from violators, witnesses and confidential informers; conducting visual surveillance of properties as necessary; preparing and submitting notices of confirmed violations; providing to appropriate individuals written and verbal explanations of all options for violation abatement; assisting various County officials with investigations and enforcement through respective departments; preparing and maintaining accurate and up-to-date case files, records and reports; maintaining up-to-date computer database of cases; researching the zoning and ownerships of each non-compliant property; receiving and receipts various fees and fines; reading, comprehending, interpreting, analyzing and explaining codes and ordinances to the public; assisting the Sheriff's Department and DHEC in investigating code violations; assisting the Fire Prevention Department with cases and court hearing; preparing a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes; attending training, seminars, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills; staying abreast of statutory regulations, requirements and changes that relate to assigned programs and projects; performing general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.; preparing presentations for hearings and court cases; preparing, serving and delivering summonses and subpoenas for code violators; informing supervisors of case status on a regular basis.

Typical qualifications include : education and experience requirements; completion of Bachelor's degree; three years of code enforcement or law enforcement experience; certifications and licenses; Upper State Code Enforcement Association / South Carolina Litter Association preferred; knowledge, skills, and abilities; knowledge of county zoning ordinances; knowledge of building and code standards; skilled in researching property ownership; communicates with and supervises code enforcement staff; reads, comprehends, interprets, analyzes, and explain codes and ordinances to the public; skilled in preparing case files including establishment of legal owners, and other information necessary to conduct investigations and enforce codes; skilled in documenting violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; maintains case files and prepares evidence to present in court as necessary; complexity / scope of work; physical and dexterity requirements; vision requirements; potential environmental conditions / hazards.