Code Enforcement Officer

Description

DEFINITION

The City of Malibu is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Code Enforcement Officer to join our Community Development Department team in support of the City’s code enforcement program. This journey-level position performs technical duties related to the investigation, inspection, and enforcement of municipal codes and ordinances. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and a firm understanding of compliance-related procedures.

The ideal candidate for the Code Enforcement Officer position is a seasoned professional with demonstrated experience in municipal code compliance. This journey-level role requires a candidate who can independently perform a wide range of technical, investigative, and enforcement duties with minimal supervision. The candidate must possess strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a thorough understanding of municipal codes, public safety standards, and local government procedures.

As part of a collaborative and community-focused team, you will play a key role in preserving public health, safety, and neighborhood integrity through fair and consistent code enforcement.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and investigate complaints related to potential violations of city codes, ordinances, zoning regulations, health and safety standards, and environmental quality.
• Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Research ownership records, codes, and regulations to determine the existence of violations.
• Initiate and maintain contact with property owners and businesses to explain violations and encourage voluntary compliance.
• Issue notices of violation, “Stop Work” orders, citations, and abatement directives.
• Coordinate enforcement efforts with other City departments (e.g., Planning, Building, Fire, Legal, Public Works, Animal Control).
• Prepare comprehensive reports, maintain detailed case files, and gather supporting documentation (e.g., photographs, records).
• Testify at administrative hearings, nuisance abatement proceedings, and court cases when necessary.
• Educate the public on relevant laws, ordinances, and community standards.
• Assist at the public counter and respond to code enforcement-related inquiries.

Examples of Duties

• 
  Receives, records, and investigates complaints from the public and City staff regarding violations of municipal codes, ordinances, standards, health and safety regulations, and water quality regulations; documents violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data; researches ownership records, prior complaints, municipal codes and ordinances, and state regulations to establish whether a violation has occurred.
• Initiates contacts with residents, business representatives and other parties to explain the nature of incurred violations and to encourage compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and community standards; initiates abatement of dangerous properties and vector control issues; provides confirmation to public regarding code regulations.
• Prepares “Stop Work” orders, notices of violation or noncompliance and citations according to applicable codes and regulations; issues and distributes letters to property owners notifying them of violation.
• Meets with City planning, building and public works staff and legal counsel regarding complaints; coordinates activities with other staff and code enforcement personnel.
• Coordinates and conducts follow-up abatement procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, site visits, and communication with property owners and attorneys; conducts follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; prepares non-compliance cases for legal action; presents testimony at nuisance abatement hearings.
• Monitors progress of criminal complaints; maintains contact with the prosecutor regarding progress; makes decisions regarding plea agreements and orders sought; keeps prosecutor apprised of property owner’s progress or lack of progress regarding abatement.
• Proactively conducts drive-by or on-site inspections of residential, industrial, and/or commercial areas regarding existence of violations and/or regarding verification of abatement; notes possible violations at other property sites during the course of field investigations.
• Provides information to violators, the general public, business community and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances; respond to questions, complaints, and inquiries.
• Assists the Fire Department with code violations and act as liaison between the Fire Department and City Attorney; works with Animal Control regarding joint enforcement issues.
• Responds to reports of septic system failures and leaks as needed.
• Assists the general public at the front counter regarding community services and code enforcement requests, complaints, and concerns.
• Maintains files and records related to citations and violations; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment, a California PC832 certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment, a Certified Code Enforcement Officer designation (or equivalent), to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigations.
• Methods and procedures used in code enforcement including citation issuance procedures.
• Methods used to obtain various types of inspection warrants, and principles used to prepare documents used in the legal process.
• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement options.
• Requirements of zoning, building and related municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Legal descriptions and boundary maps of real property and legal terminology as used in code enforcement.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of code enforcement.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Explain codes and regulations to property owners, residents, and others.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Read and interpret maps, plans and legal descriptions.
• Maintain and update records, logs, and reports.
• Analyze and compile technical information on code investigations and violations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental and regulatory agencies, community groups, property owners, contractors, developers, business owners and in meetings with individuals.
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment including small hand tools, pole prunes with a saw attachment, noise meters, 2-way radios, and cameras.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.