Code Enforcement Officer

Job Description

Performs responsible technical work in the enforcement of the North Carolina State Building Codes; examines building plans and construction documents; performs field inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; performs related work as required. Primary responsibility will be the enforcement of the North Carolina Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Codes.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor of the division assigned.

Essential Tasks

• Enforces and interprets the N.C. State Building Codes as certified and related sections of the Charter and the Code of Ordinance of the City of High Point.

• Performs review of building plans and construction documents for determining code compliance with N. C. State Building Codes and Codes of Ordinances for the City of High Point; Investigates complaints from citizens and public officials regarding possible violations of these codes; Inspects buildings and structures for compliance with, or violations of the Building Codes.

• Prepares written reports of building plan reviews and inspection findings.

• Prepares correspondence to property owners, builders or other parties of interest, relating to enforcement of the Building Codes and related laws and ordinances.

• Holds, or participates in, administrative hearings to find fact regarding condition and disposition of unsafe, abandoned, defective and dangerous building or structures.

• Prepares information for hearings before City Council regarding enforcement of building codes and local codes and ordinances.

• Issues Complaints, Notices of Hearings, Orders to Repair, Orders to Vacate and Close, Orders to Demolish, Notices of Violations, and Certificates of Compliance: Performs research of property ownership and tax records.

• Provides information to the public regarding building codes, status of projects during construction and other related City matters.

• Operates sedan or light truck to reach construction sites; Operates computer to enter and retrieve information; Operates copy machine, printer and telephone.

• Uses hand tools (soil probe, tape measure, level, flashlight, ladder, testing instruments, etc.) to perform inspections.

• Maintains assigned equipment in a clean and operable condition.

• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Building Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Construction or closely related field with at least four (4) years of trade experience; OR

• High School Diploma with six (6) years of trade experience.

• Certifications

• Must be able to qualify for a Probationary Level 2 Certificate through the NC Code Officials Qualification Board in building inspections and a level 1 probationary in mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections.

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Standard Level 2 or 3 Certificate through the NC Code Officials Qualification Board

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking

• Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers including co-workers, citizens and applicants.

Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

• Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle or addressing an audience.

• Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.

• Depth perception

• Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.

• Field of Vision - the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area.

• Accommodation

• Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.

Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Light Work

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and

• A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position

Type of Physical Demands

• Reaching

• Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

• Handling

• Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).

• Fingering

• Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to practical and technical problems encountered in the review of construction plans for residential, commercial and industrial buildings and the inspection of these structures; ability to interpret codes and ordinances as they relate to particular problems at hand; ability to select proper alternatives from varied courses of action to achieve compliance with codes by property owners, builders, developers and other parties of interest; ability to explain plan review concerns and permit requirements

Mathematics Ability

• Using arithmetic and/or Statistics: : Ability to use arithmetic to calculate areas, measurements and dimensions; ability to calculate and apply mathematical formulas given in codes.

Language Ability

• The ability to speak, read and write the English Language are required for this position.

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings

• The Code Enforcement Official is subject to working inside or outdoors.

Hazards

• Employee will be exposed to trash, debris, garbage, insects and vermin. Must negotiate uneven terrain in the performance of inspections. Exposure to dust, dirt, mud and wet conditions. Must sometimes work within buildings which are in a dangerous condition due to defects in their structural, electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems. Must sometimes work in areas where the only light source is from a flashlight.

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

• Computer, calculator, : Flashlight, tape measure, level, screw driver, hammer, pliers, electrical test device(s), ladder, camera, etc. Common office equipment: Pens and pencils, telephone, copy machine(s), computer, printer, answering machine, etc. Publications: Code Books, technical manuals, City Ordinances, Personnel Resolution, tax information, etc.

• Disclaimer

This job description may not be all-inclusive, as jobs evolve over time to meet the ever-changing needs of the City of High Point's workforce. This job description is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment to any individual. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the City of High Point. Candidates selected for employment must pass a background screening as well as a pre-employment physical to ensure medical clearance to perform the essential functions of the job prior to receiving a full offer of employment.

The City of High Point is an at-will employer and employees may be terminated or may terminate their employment at any time with or without reason for any reason not prohibited by law.