Code Compliance Specialist

Code Compliance Specialist I (Building)

Under general supervision, the Code Compliance Specialist I (Building) enforces the city environmental, building and other regulations related to the location, construction, condition and use of land, buildings and structures in all areas of the city. Performs investigations, site inspections and administrative and technical functions related to city code enforcement, development and building permit programs, and cannabis licensing enforcement. Provides the public and city staff with assistance and information regarding code enforcement activity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Responds to complaints and performs field inspections for compliance with the city's environmental, housing, and building codes. This includes the following:

• Receives complaints about building, housing, or development violations.
• Performs visual inspections of neighborhoods to assess compliance with code requirements.
• Investigates complaints and determines necessary action to resolve.
• Performs field inspections in response to complaints to determine the existence of a violation.
• Tracks complaints and violations, monitors compliance progress and follows up with complainants and violators as necessary.
• Prepares violation notices, posts stop work orders, issues summons and provides court testimony.
• Assists Building Inspectors in the inspection of construction of one-and two-family dwellings, and accessory structures to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and site plans.
• Provides verbal and written notice to permit applicants, contractors, and homeowners of code and ordinance violations relating to construction activities. Reinspects construction work to ensure violations have been rectified.
• May serve as department representative on the Cannabis Licensing Enforcement Team and conducts annual inspections of all cannabis businesses.

Assists with the preparation of agendas, case files and reports to be included in correspondence to citizens, boards, department heads and the city attorneys' office. This includes the following:

• Preparing information for appeals to municipal court.
• Preparing evidence reports related to code violations.
• Assists other Enforcement Officers with field investigations and reports necessary for compliance.
• Researching files and records to locate property owners, managers, and agents, to verify property ownership, permit history and previous enforcement violations.
• Coordinating work schedules and enforcement duties with the Police Department and other City and County departments.

Performs administrative functions in support of building and development permit processes. This includes the following:

• Schedules and conducts inspections to ensure that development projects maintain compliance over time and coordinates with Development Review Committee (DRC) members, Building Services and Engineering review.
• Assists in the reviews of escrow accounts established for construction projects.
• Maintains work log and coordinates work schedule and enforcement duties within the workgroup.

Inspects development projects for compliance with subdivision and land use requirements, as applicable. Consults with Planning and Development services staff, City Attorneys, City Departments, County and State Agencies and other Public agencies on issues related to code interpretations, implementation of proposed designs and municipal code violations. Provides general information and assistance to development applicants, contractors and the general public.

Other:

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.
• Must obtain ICC certifications within the first year of hire.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and understand construction site plans or other blueprints related to construction documents.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply city codes and regulations.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with others, including the public in difficult situations and to exercise good judgment.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to demonstrate experience working in a problem-solving capacity with residents involving municipal regulations, neighborhood organizations, community mediation services or housing authorities.
• Ability to recognize, investigate, and analyze a variety of legal conflicts or code violations and make effective recommendations.
• Two (2) or more years of experience as a code enforcement or compliance inspector, preferably with zoning, building, or health-related regulations.
• One (1) or more current ICC certifications (Residential Building Inspector, Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, Code Enforcement Technician, Residential Plans Examiner, and/or Building Plans Examiner)

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible position with a municipal or state agency in an enforcement or compliance capacity.

Supervision:

Supervision Received: Code Compliance Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• Physical and Mental Effort: Physical ability to stand, walk, climb, and kneel. Ability to lift and/or exert on a regular basis weight of up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Requires frequent hand/eye coordination and sufficient manual dexterity to operate personal computer and office equipment; close vision for reading and to distinguish small objects and printed material, to focus far to distinguish objects or signs while operating machinery or vehicles, recording and interpreting information, reviewing and preparing a variety of written documents and materials; sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.
• Work Environment: Requires occasional exposure to loud or noisy work areas, occasional exposure to fumes and chemicals. Frequently works in an outdoor environment, with some occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions or mechanical/electrical/equipment hazards.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Patrol vehicle, audiometer, sound level meter, pager, multiple channel two-way radio, office equipment such as telephones, printers, calculators, copy/fax machines, computers and associated office software including permit tracking programs, digital camera.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: October 2024

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.