Code Enforcement Officer I​/II​/III

Code Enforcement Officer

Enforce. Educate. Support.

The City of Encinitas is seeking a dedicated, community-focused Code Enforcement Officer to join the Development Services Department. In this role, you will help uphold the health, safety, and quality of life that define Encinitas by ensuring compliance with a broad range of local and State codes. From conducting routine and complex investigations to collaborating with departments, agencies, and residents, you will be an essential partner in maintaining the character and integrity of our community.

This multi-level classification (I/II/III) offers progressive opportunities for growth based on demonstrated knowledge, skill, and leadership. Whether you are beginning your career in code enforcement or bringing years of professional experience, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in one of California's most vibrant coastal cities.

The ideal candidate is a problem-solver and critical thinker who thrives in a field-based, community-oriented environment. You are confident interpreting and applying complex regulations, conducting investigations, and resolving issues with fairness, professionalism, and sound judgment.

You excel at balancing enforcement with education—partnering with residents, businesses, and property owners to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible. You remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and are comfortable handling difficult conversations or contentious situations with diplomacy and respect.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Encinitas is a welcoming, engaged, and environmentally conscious coastal community known for its exceptional quality of life. As part of the Development Services Department, you'll join a collaborative team committed to public service, continuous improvement, and community partnership.

You will enjoy:

• Work that truly makes a positive visible impact in your community
• Daily variety, fieldwork, and meaningful interaction with residents and local businesses
• A culture that values professionalism, teamwork, innovation, and education

Short-Term Rental (STR) Administration & Monitoring

• Digital Compliance Monitoring:
  Utilize Granicus Host Compliance tools to identify unpermitted listings across 100+ rental platforms and verify that active listings display valid permit numbers.
• Enforcement Workflow:
  Manage the issuance of notice of violations and citations with non-compliant property owners.
• Permit & Registration Review:
  Review STR applications and annual renewals, ensuring all required documentation and local safety certifications are uploaded and maintained within the central database.
• 24/7 Hotline Oversight:
  Review and investigate complaints logged via the Granicus STR hotline, coordinating rapid responses to reports of excessive noise, parking issues, or over-occupancy.
• Revenue & Tax Verification:
  Analyze platform data to identify operators who under report rental frequency or fail to remit Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) and work with the Finance Department for auditing and collections.

General Code Enforcement & Field Operations

• Field Inspections:
  Conduct routine and complaint-based inspections of residential and commercial properties to identify violations of zoning, land use, and public nuisance ordinances.
• Life Safety Verifications:
  Perform interior and exterior inspections of STR properties to verify compliance with public health and safety codes, California Building Codes, and zoning regulation compliance.
• Evidence Collection & Documentation:
  Maintain detailed case files including clear photographic evidence, property ownership research, and field notes for all active investigations.
• Administrative & Legal Testimony:
  Prepare evidence packets and provide expert testimony for administrative hearings, Planning Commission meetings, or municipal court proceedings.

Community Engagement & Education

• Regulatory Liaison:
  Explain short-term rental ordinances and general municipal code regulations to property owners, residents, and neighborhood associations to foster voluntary compliance.
• Conflict Resolution:
  Mediate sensitive neighborhood disputes related to quality-of-life issues caused by rental operations

Training and

Experience:

Position requirements for Code Enforcement Officer I at entry are High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.), plus one year of experience in investigations, enforcement, code interpretation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job which are listed above. In addition to the above experience, Level II requirements include:
Candidates may be recruited from outside the Encinitas personnel system (open competitive recruitment) at the Code Enforcement Officer II level with the necessary qualifying combination of education and experience that is directly applicable to the work assignment. Necessary…