CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER/ASSISTANT PLANNER

CITY OF willits
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER/ASSISTANT PLANNER
REPORTS TO: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Community Development Director, coordinates activities in the receipt, investigation, and enforcement of the City zoning and other Municipal Code regulations. Performs basic planning and zoning related functions, and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to visually inspect areas, travel to sites, document inspection, understand and explain regulations, maintain records, file reports, communicate orally and in writing, provide responsible and technical staff assistance to Community Development Director on various planning functions, and, if necessary, attend City Council meetings as directed.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.)

Coordinates the receipt of inquiries regarding zoning and municipal code violations.

Prepares case files, including the establishment of legal owner, and other information necessary to conduct investigation and enforcement action.

Documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data and ensures that accurate case files are maintained.

Recommends and implements code enforcement policies and procedures.

May determine alternative methods to achieve code compliance involving interpretation and application of related laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Directs the preparation of abatement letters.

Coordinates the conduct of follow-up procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, communication with complainants, attorneys, and property owners involved in code violation cases.

In cooperation with applicable staff, prepares cases for legal action, summarizing evidence gathered in the course of inspections and communications and forwards to the City Attorney’s office.

Appears in Court to present testimony.

Confers with planning, building, and other staff, and the City Attorney regarding complaints to clarify interpretation of the law and procedures to be followed, particularly those referred for prosecution.

Provides assistance to the public and assists support staff and other department staff involved in related activities of code enforcement and compliance with applicable codes, laws, specifications, and conditions of approval.

Conducts field inspections and investigations to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws, specifications, and conditions of approval.

Encourages voluntary compliance by property owners of code requirements.

Staffs the Planning Department information counter and provides basic planning and zoning code information to the public.

Processes minor planning permit applications including conducting research and gathering data, writing brief reports, and preparing case files for boundary line adjustments, zoning permits, sign permits, business licenses and similar planning matters of minor complexity.

Attend meetings of the Technical Advisory Committee and Revit-ED Committee and prepare information to support those committees.

Prepares public information materials utilizing computer graphics programs.

Other duties as required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
Basic State planning and zoning laws.
Basic principles, methods and techniques related to land use and environmental planning.
Computer software applications and database management, including Access, Word, Excel, and GIS.

Ability to:
- Read, interpret, apply, and explain related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Research technical topics and prepare detailed concise written reports.
- Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions.
- Deal effectively with the public when enforcing zoning, building, and other codes.
- Work independently while maintaining a high level of productivity.
- Work in a well-organized detail oriented manner.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
- Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Operate computer applications and hardware related to the essential and major functions of the job.
- Operate a motor vehicle safely and according to traffic laws and rules.
- Work in extreme weather conditions.
- Perform fieldwork that may be physically demanding.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Associates Degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school; and one to two years of progressively responsible experience related to the position; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Experience performing enforcement work consisting of the inspection of violations of laws, codes, or ordinances for a public agency is highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Class-C Driver’s License verified by current DMV records obtained upon appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed both in office and outdoor settings. Frequent walking, standing, writing, bending, reaching, sitting in office chair, occasionally lifting of items weighting less than 35 pounds, keyboarding and visual contact with computer terminal, ability to climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, see, talk, and hear for inspections, driving motor vehicle.