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Code Enforcement Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Zoning Officer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$58K - $74K/yr

Has some knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing zoning. Has some knowledge in reading and interpreting zoning maps and ordinances, physical surveys, local and ...

Zoning Officer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$58K - $74K/yr

Has some knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing zoning. Has some knowledge in reading and interpreting zoning maps and ordinances, physical surveys, local and ...

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Senior Security Engineer, IAM

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Design governance for non-human identities (service accounts, workloads, secrets) with automated drift detection and policy-as-code enforcement. Detection, Response & Threat Context * Lead ...

Provide ordinance and code enforcement duties. * Patrol HRT service area and engage with transit patrons, assist in fare inspection, infrastructure protection, and issue citations as applicable.

Requires proficiency in the use of personal computers and applicable software, as well as familiarity with specialized systems used for land use regulation, development review, and code enforcement.

Provide security and code enforcement to support the light rail system as per regional directive. * Provide ordinance enforcement duties, during the hours of operations, on a schedule approved by HRT ...

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Code Enforcement information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$27.6K

$58K

$90.9K

How much do code enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for code enforcement in Norfolk, VA is $58,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $66,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a code enforcement officer?

Code enforcement officers are professionals responsible for ensuring that local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to building codes, zoning, property maintenance, and public safety are followed. They inspect properties, investigate complaints, and work with property owners to resolve violations. Their goal is to maintain community standards, protect public health and safety, and improve neighborhood quality. Code enforcement officers may issue warnings, citations, or even initiate legal proceedings if violations are not corrected.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a code enforcement officer?

To thrive as a Code Enforcement Officer, you need a solid understanding of local codes and ordinances, investigative techniques, and often a background in public administration or criminal justice. Familiarity with inspection software, record management systems, and sometimes certification such as the ICC (International Code Council) certification is typical. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for interacting with the public and resolving disputes. These abilities are crucial for ensuring community safety, upholding local standards, and maintaining positive relationships with residents.

What are some common challenges faced by code enforcement officers in their daily work?

Code enforcement officers frequently encounter challenges such as handling confrontational situations with property owners, staying updated with evolving local codes and ordinances, and managing a high volume of cases efficiently. They often need to balance regulatory compliance with diplomacy, as building positive relationships with the community is crucial. Additionally, officers must document violations thoroughly and collaborate with other municipal departments, such as zoning, fire, or public health, to resolve complex issues.

What is the difference between Code Enforcement vs Building Inspector?

AspectCode EnforcementBuilding Inspector
Required credentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may need certifications in code enforcement or related fieldsRequires a high school diploma; certifications in building inspection or related areas are common
Work environmentFieldwork and office work; inspecting properties for code violationsPrimarily fieldwork; inspecting new and existing structures for compliance
Employer and industry usageMunicipalities, counties, government agenciesMunicipalities, counties, government agencies
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding roles related to code compliance and enforcementUnderstanding building inspection processes and requirements

Both roles are essential in ensuring safety and compliance within communities. While Code Enforcement focuses on violations of codes and ordinances, Building Inspectors primarily verify that construction and renovations meet building codes. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the regulatory framework.

Is code enforcement a government job?

Yes, code enforcement positions are typically government jobs, often within local or municipal government agencies. These roles involve ensuring compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations, and may require knowledge of relevant laws and certifications. They usually work regular hours in an office or field setting.

Is code enforcement a stressful job?

Code enforcement officers often work in environments that require attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to handle conflicts, which can contribute to job stress. The workload and interactions with property owners or the public can also impact stress levels, but many find the role rewarding due to its community impact. Stress levels vary based on individual resilience and workplace support systems.

What are career paths in code enforcement?

Career paths in code enforcement typically start with entry-level inspector or officer roles, focusing on enforcing building, zoning, or safety codes. Advancement can lead to supervisory, managerial, or specialized positions such as code compliance manager or senior inspector, often requiring additional certifications or experience. Some professionals may transition into related fields like urban planning or environmental compliance.

What does it take to be a code enforcement officer?

A code enforcement officer typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or specialized training. Relevant skills include knowledge of local building codes, strong communication, and attention to detail; certifications such as code enforcement or building inspector licenses can be beneficial. The job often involves working outdoors or in municipal offices and may require a valid driver's license.

What are popular job titles related to Code Enforcement jobs in Norfolk, VA?

For Code Enforcement jobs in Norfolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Code Enforcement jobs in Norfolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Code Enforcement jobs in Norfolk, VA are:

What cities near Norfolk, VA are hiring for Code Enforcement jobs?

Cities near Norfolk, VA with the most Code Enforcement job openings:

Infographic showing various Code Enforcement job openings in Norfolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,018 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Zoning Officer

Portsmouth, VA • On-site


City of Portsmouth

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$58K - $74K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under general supervision, provides services relating to zoning, current planning, and related subjects. Reports to the Assistant Director of Planning. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Reviews applications for business licenses, change in use requests, physical surveys, permits, etc.

to ensure current city zoning ordinances are applied and enforced. Issues zoning clearances for business licenses. Performs detailed records research of land use for properties using multiple record sources; reconstructs land use histories of site for proper application of relevant codes and regulations involved in review and issuance of applications for Use Permits, rezoning, zoning permits, etc.

Receives and responds to a variety of applications and inquiries from contractors, developers, surveyors, real estate agents, and the public while providing superior customer service. Assists the Zoning Administrator with preparation of reports and materials for the Board of Zoning Appeals. Prepares routine reports, manuals, and memos; summarizes, reviews and prepares permit data for monthly and annual reporting; facilitates and coordinates daily operations with internal and external staff members.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Work: Has some knowledge of the administrative practices and procedures relative to zoning.

Has some knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing zoning. Has some knowledge in reading and interpreting zoning maps and ordinances, physical surveys, local and State code books, local policy and procedure manuals. Is able to prepare technical reports.

Is able to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within division and department, and with the public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions." Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and pre-scribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the administrative, human and conceptual areas

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests. Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.

Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with minimum supervision and instruction. Judgment: Uses independent judgment to resolve complaints and inquiries. Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.

Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.

Seeks expert or experienced advice, and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc

Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department. Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all division employees.

Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other divisions and persons to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort.

Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events. Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated.

Maintains a clean and orderly workplace. Education, Experience & Special Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Associate's degree in Urban Planning, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field, and six months to 1 year of experience in zoning administration, urban planning, or related field; or any related education and experience that provides the experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications of this position. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check. Certification as a Certified Zoning Official (CZO) is preferred. Certification as a Zoning Official (CZO) from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials is required within two (2) years from date of hire.

Physical Demands MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery and engineering tools including, calculators, facsimiles and engineering scales. Requires the ability to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally to push or pull file cabinets.

Physical requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.

Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors and advising the public on divisional policies. Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of survey results, civil engineering reports, zoning ordinances and permits. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, etc., using prescribed formats

Requires the ability to speak with poise, voice control and confidence. Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form, and work with several abstract and concrete variables. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including civil engineering terminology. Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, utilize decimals and percentages, interpret graphs, and perform calculations involving variables, formulas square roots and polynomials. Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to interpret a variety of graphs, zoning maps, physical survey results, architectural plans, etc.

to ensure the compliance to city policies. Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and occasionally surveying tools. Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as engineering and architectural tools.

Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing form one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.

Requires the ability to adapt to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances, or standards. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.



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