Codes Enforcement Officer
The Codes Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcing municipal codes and zoning ordinances to ensure public safety, property maintenance, and land-use compliance. This position performs field inspections, investigates complaints, and works directly with property owners, contractors, and the public to achieve voluntary compliance while maintaining legal defensibility and due process. The role requires a strong understanding of adopted codes (ICC, local ordinances), enforcement procedures, and the ability to interpret and apply regulations in real-world conditions. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Chief Building Official.
Examples of Duties
- Conduct field inspections related to property maintenance violations, zoning violations, minimum housing standards, and nuisance conditions.
- Investigate citizen complaints and proactively identify violations.
- Interpret and enforce local zoning ordinances, property maintenance codes, and applicable ICC codes.
- Issue notices of violation, citations, warnings, and stop work orders (when applicable).
- Maintain detailed, legally defensible documentation including inspection reports, photographs, and case logs.
- Coordinate with Building, Fire Marshal, Planning & Zoning, and Law Enforcement departments.
- Testify in court and administrative hearings as required.
- Educate property owners and contractors on compliance requirements.
- Monitor compliance deadlines and follow up on violations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Zoning ordinances and land-use principles
- Property maintenance and nuisance abatement standards
- Inspection procedures and legal enforcement processes
- Due process requirements and documentation standards
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Report writing and documentation
- Interpreting codes and applying them in the field
- Time management and case prioritization
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or GED (Associate's or Bachelor's preferred)
- 2–5 years in code enforcement, inspections, construction, zoning, or related field
- Valid driver's license
- Knowledge of Fourth Amendment protections
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of ICC codes (IBC, IRC, IPMC)
- Experience with permitting/case management software
- Background in construction or inspections
- ICC Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector (preferred or required within timeframe)
- ICC Zoning Inspector (preferred or required within timeframe)
This position requires the use of various equipment including but not limited to a personal computer (word processing, spreadsheet generation), Microsoft Office and permitting software; cameras, telephone, facsimile machine, copy machine, postage machine, etc. While performing this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must also frequently use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed indoors and outdoors. The noise level is low with a moderate paced schedule that requires interaction with the general public.
Supplemental Information
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The City of Spring Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email Human resources at HR@springhilltn.org.