Code Enforcement Officer II

Summary

King County's Department of Local Services (DLS), Permitting Division is accepting applications for the career‑service position of Code Enforcement Officer II
. This role involves professional‑level code enforcement, investigating violations of land use and building regulations and ensuring compliance with applicable codes.

King County is the local service provider for roughly one quarter‑million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions, providing a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of its work, dismantling systemic barriers and actively confronting inequities.

Apply equity and social justice principles daily.

Responsibilities include:

• Respond to complainants, open cases, and review online complaints for completeness.
• Investigate reports of building, zoning, housing, grading, clearing and critical‑area violations, conduct site inspections, assess violations, interview parties, and document evidence.
• Honor commitments to customers and stakeholders.
• Communicate in a manner that reflects well upon King County.
• Provide superior customer service.
• Post notices for work stoppage, eviction of dangerous buildings, and public hazards.
• Prepare correspondence to advise property owners of violations and corrective steps.
• Conduct inspections, monitor compliance, record progress, and assess penalties.
• Maintain case records and prepare inspection reports.
• Research zoning, property ownership, improvements, permits, and pre‑existing conditions.
• Identify critical areas such as aquatic, wetlands, and steep slopes.
• Occasionally testify on behalf of the county in hearings and legal proceedings.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, County Ombudsman, Metropolitan King County Council, county departments, and citizen groups.
• Represent the county at public hearings and other meetings.
• Prepare cases for referral to the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
• Respond to public disclosure and public information requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Serve with integrity.
• Show initiative and work hard.
• Prioritize outcomes over optics.
• Center those most impacted.
• Approach problems with a “yes, and” mindset.
• Work as one adaptable, mission‑driven team.

• Experience in basic code enforcement practices.
• High school diploma or GED with applicable work experience in construction, inspection, investigation, and code compliance.
• Experience enforcing zoning, building, housing, shoreline, and environmental codes.
• Knowledge of evidentiary requirements and grading, building, and development practices.
• Ability to read and interpret codes, building plans, and plat maps.
• Skill in researching property features, zoning, ownership, history, and legal descriptions.
• Skill in performing inspections and preparing reports.
• Excellent customer‑service skills, including building rapport with inexperienced customers.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public presentations.
• Good planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated punctuality, dependability, and good attendance.

• Knowledge of King County zoning, building, housing, shoreline, and environmental codes.
• ICC Code Enforcement certification.

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment physical examination.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the county.
• Ability to traverse difficult terrain in all weather conditions.
• Proficiency with office equipment and software.

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to a 15‑minute phone interview the week of March 2, 2026
.…