Code Enforcement Officer

General Summary

Under the immediate supervision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor, with overall direction from the Community Development Director and Township Manager, the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) administers, upholds, and enforces the Township’s general and zoning ordinances, with a focus on property maintenance. The CEO starts and coordinates code enforcement cases in areas of the Township as assigned/directed. The CEO is responsible for handling legal documentation and court cases, record keeping, and the demolition of condemned structures.

Further, the CEO coordinates code enforcement cases/activities with other Community Development staff as well as staff from the Manager’s Office, Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Services, various other township departments as applicable, and other organizations.

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Provide proactive enforcement and respond to complaints of property maintenance code violations including garbage/rubbish/refuse, unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicles, grass/weeds, brush piles, signage, zoning, vacant structures, and other applicable ordinances.
• Patrol and conduct on‑site/field inspections of properties (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) throughout an assigned area in a Township vehicle for the purpose of determining conformity with applicable laws.
• Confer with property owners, landlords, tenants, managers, and business owners in order to enforce a variety of codes and ordinances.
• Write letters, issue warnings, violations, correction notices, and tickets following established methods of progressive enforcement actions.
• Conduct enforcement activities without malice in a fair and consistent manner. Investigate complaints in a comprehensive and unbiased manner. Seek voluntary compliance, where possible.
• Document the facts of the property conditions found from inspections using a camera, measuring devices, etc. Prepare summary reports of activities as requested and complete other administrative requirements as necessary.
• Perform follow‑up functions, including re‑inspections, logging of complaints/activities, monitoring the status of citations, and notifying involved parties and supervision where necessary.
• Explain, interpret and provide guidance regarding property maintenance codes, permit processes, and related functions to the general public, property owners, construction firms, and municipal officials either at the office counter, in the field, and/or through presentations.
• Issue citations, prepare cases and documentation to be provided to the Township Attorney for court proceedings.
• Represent the Township and testify in court proceedings in regards to specifics of particular cases.
• Provide assistance in other areas of code enforcement such as zoning, planning, business licensing, site plan compliance and coordination with other departmental personnel on targeted initiatives.
• Assist in the functions of the department, including zoning, planning, answering telephones, filing, data entry, addressing concerns of the public, and development of proposed ordinance and policy language.
• Adopt a schedule that may sometimes include the occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associates Degree or equivalent.
• Three years in municipal code or ordinance enforcement.
• A valid Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License and acceptable driving record.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable property maintenance and zoning ordinances, regulations, and of the principles and practices of code enforcement and site inspections.
• Good knowledge of the legal system and liability issues as they relate to code enforcement.
• The ability to effectively work with the general public in a positive manner in an adversarial atmosphere. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of…