Zoning Enforcement Officer

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to enforce, investigate, coordinate, direct, assist and advise the code enforcement staff regarding the enforcement and investigation of violations of various Lancaster County codes and ordinances, prepare and maintain required documentation, and assist in presentation at court hearings. The staff member conducts field investigations to identify code violations, interviews violators, witnesses and persons filing complaints, and receives, investigates and responds to citizen inquiries and complaints about County Codes and Ordinances.

This role works under general supervision and develops work methods and sequences within a broad outline of duties.

• Assists and coordinates the daily tasks of code enforcement, ensuring timely processing of violations according to procedures and policies, and maintains communication with staff and supervisors.
• Receives, investigates and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding county codes and ordinances; presents cases and attends court hearings.
• Conducts field investigations to identify code violations, interviews and obtains statements from violators, witnesses and confidential informers, and conducts visual surveillance of properties when necessary.
• Prepares and submits notices of confirmed violations; provides written and verbal explanations of all abatement options to relevant parties.
• Assists various county officials with investigations and enforcement through respective departments.
• Maintains accurate case files, records and reports, and keeps the computer database of cases up-to-date.
• Researches zoning and ownership details for each non-compliant property.
• Receives and processes various fees and fines.

• Reads, comprehends, interprets, analyzes and explains codes and ordinances to the public.
• Assists the Sheriff’s Department and DHEC in investigating code violations; assists the Fire Prevention Department with cases and court hearings.
• Prepares studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
• Attends training, seminars, meetings and other professional development activities.
• Performs general clerical work as required, such as preparing reports, correspondence, filing documents, entering data, answering phone calls and attending meetings.
• Prepares presentations for hearings and court cases; serves summonses and subpoenas for code violators; informs supervisors of case status on a regular basis.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of code enforcement or law enforcement experience.

• Membership in the Upper State Code Enforcement Association/South Carolina Litter Association preferred.

• Knowledge of county zoning ordinances and building and code standards.
• Skilled in researching property ownership.
• Effective communication with and supervision of code enforcement staff.
• Able to read, comprehend, interpret, analyze and explain codes and ordinances to the public.
• Skillful in preparing case files, establishing legal ownership, and collecting necessary information for investigations.
• Proficient at documenting violations through photographs and other pertinent data.
• Maintains case files and prepares evidence for presentation in court.

Work involves walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling 1/3 of the time; standing, sitting, climbing or balancing 1/3 to 2/3 of the time; talking or hearing over 2/3 of the time; and lifting up to 100 pounds under 1/3 of the time.

Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The job may expose the employee to indoor and outdoor environments, noise, extreme temperatures, vibration, moisture, dust, fumes, gases, poor ventilation, electrical hazards, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, explosive hazards, burn hazards, and potential for violence or physical altercations.

Equal Opportunity Employer.