Building Inspector​/Code Enforcement

NATURE OF WORK:

The Code Enforcer position involves comprehension and application of North Chicago housing codes in a fast-paced customer service-oriented environment. The inspector must have the ability to enforce adopted property maintenance building codes, and other adopted municipal codes with an appropriate and respectful demeanor. Employees conduct physical inspections of structures; premises both residential and commercial buildings; issuing citations for violations, initiating court complaints and providing sworn court testimony regarding violations of any building system or component including but not limited to structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical.

This position conducts physical inspections and re-inspections of existing property located within the City.

Work involves traveling from City offices by vehicle to locations located within the City for the purpose of inspecting buildings, structures or premises, and to assess the condition of such locations in relation to the codes enforced by the City. Inspections are performed in locations that include the exterior, or interior of any site that may be below grade, or inspection of rooms, halls, stairs, roofs or any other structure or building component.

Employees use judgment in determining code violations and the immediacy of the needed repairs. Employees are responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Guidance is provided via the City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that housing code initiatives are met.

Work in support of inspections is performed in City offices. Legal action is initiated by this position with the need for court or hearing testimony presented under oath. Safety equipment such as steel toed shoes, are worn as well as other safety equipment as needed, and inspection equipment such as recorders, computers, tape measures, circuit testers, smoke detector testers, and other equipment is carried by the inspector on inspections.

This position requires on call availability during the heating season to respond to emergency calls. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, customer service skills, and the ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public.

• Obtains permission from owners and tenants to enter dwellings.
• Visually examines all areas to determine compliance with ordinance standards for heating, lighting, ventilating, and plumbing installations.
• Measures dwelling units and rooms to determine compliance with ordinance space requirements, using tape measure.
• Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage and rubbish and signs of vermin infestation.
• Prepares notice of violation letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
• Reviews case and notice of violation reports and revisits dwellings at periodic intervals adhering to Division policy requirements to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.
• Explains requirements of Property Maintenance Codes and City ordinances to property owners, building contractors, and other interested parties.
• Ability and willingness to take legal action on Property Maintenance Code cases when warranted by writing citations and giving testimony in court.
• Presents legal complaints for prosecution and testifies against landlords, property owners in Administrative Court.
• Works closely with community/neighborhood groups on a variety of property maintenance issues to include violations and problems.

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent (some college education preferred in the areas of; civil technology, and/or construction management). Three years code enforcement experience; or any combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of building construction;
  International Building and Property Maintenance Codes; general construction principles.
• Ability to read,…