CDBG Code Enforcement Officer

SUMMARY:

The CDBG Code Enforcement Inspector is responsible for conducting systematic inspections for code violations and enforcement of municipal codes in deteriorated or deteriorating areas funded through the Community Development Block Grant program. This position works to protect public health, safety, and welfare while supporting the revitalization of primarily residential low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The inspector will work in conjunction with public or private improvements, rehabilitation programs, and services designed to arrest the decline of targeted areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position of this class may not include all duties listed, nor do listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.)
Inspection and Enforcement

• Conduct regular code enforcement inspections in CDBG-eligible deteriorated or deteriorating areas as defined by local/state law
• Inspect single-family residential, multifamily housing units, commercial buildings, and other publicly or privately-owned structures for health and safety code violations
• Enforce compliance with local ordinances and regulations regarding health and housing codes, land use and zoning ordinances, sign standards, and uniform building and fire codes
• Document code violations through detailed written reports, photographs, and digital records using hand-held computers or tablets
• Issue citations and notices of violation to property owners in accordance with local procedures
• Conduct follow-up inspections to verify correction of violations and compliance with enforcement orders

Administrative and Legal Proceedings

• Prepare and process citations for code violations in accordance with established procedures
• Maintain accurate and complete inspection records, time distribution records, and case files
• Participate in code enforcement hearings and legal proceedings as required
• Provide testimony in administrative hearings and court proceedings regarding inspections and violations
• Coordinate with legal counsel on enforcement actions and compliance matters
• Process and track fines assessed for code violations

Program Compliance and Recordkeeping

• Ensure all activities comply with CDBG program requirements, including national objective compliance (low/moderate income area benefit, slum/blight elimination, or urgent need)
• Maintain detailed records demonstrating that inspections occur in eligible deteriorated/deteriorating areas
• Document that enforcement activities are part of a comprehensive strategy to arrest neighborhood decline
• Track time spent on CDBG-eligible versus non-eligible activities for proper cost allocation
• Assist in demonstrating that the municipality is meeting the requirement that 51% of residents in inspected areas are low and moderate-income persons
• Support program audits and monitoring by maintaining complete and accurate documentation

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment screening
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Commitment to fair and equitable enforcement practices
• Availability for mandatory training on CDBG program requirements, code enforcement procedures, and fair housing laws
• Understanding of and commitment to serving low and moderate-income communities
• Ability to maintain detailed time distribution records tracking CDBG-eligible versus non-eligible work activities

CDBG PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

This position is funded entirely or partially through Community Development Block Grant funds and must comply with all CDBG program requirements, including:

• Eligible Areas:
  All inspections charged to CDBG must be conducted in deteriorated or deteriorating areas as defined by local or state law
• National Objective:
  Activities must meet one of three national objectives: benefit to low/moderate-income persons, prevention/elimination of slums or blight, or urgent need
• Comprehensive Strategy:
  Code enforcement must be part of a comprehensive approach including other public or private improvements, rehabilitation, or services expected to arrest area decline
• Documentation:
  Maintain records demonstrating eligibility, national objective compliance, and cost reasonableness
• Cost Allocation:
  Time spent on CDBG-eligible activities must be accurately tracked and documented through time distribution records
• Focus Areas:
  Primary focus must be on health and safety issues in buildings and structures, with only minor supplemental efforts on vacant lots, signs, or motor vehicles

MINIMUM REQUIRED

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, building inspection, urban planning, or related field preferred
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, building inspection, or related field
• Experience working with low and moderate-income communities preferred
• Knowledge of CDBG program requirements and federal grant compliance preferred