Code Enforcement Officer

Summary

The City of Lynnwood is moving our community vision forward to become a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government. The Department of Development and Business Services (DBS) advances this mission through community planning, economic development, permitting, inspections, and administration with an emphasis on modernizing the delivery of permitting and planning services and improving customer service.

The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for the enforcement of land use regulations and abatement of nuisances in the City of Lynnwood. This position responds to and resolves land use inquiries, nuisance complaints, and enforcing zoning, building code, fire code, and related land use and health and safety regulations.

First Review of applicants is on March 10th. This position is open until filled.

Essential Functions

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Ensure that residents, property owners and businesses in the City comply with the zoning code and other related regulations.
• Respond to citizen complaints, conduct site inspections, investigate reports of code violations, and notify responsible parties of violations, deadlines for compliance, potential penalties, and appeal procedures.
• Respond to in-person, telephone, and online inquiries from the public relating to land use matters. Answer questions and provide information on regulations for developers, individual property owners and local business owners/operators.
• Maintain electronic files on all violations, including an accurate record of all contact with the responsible party and reporting party, the current condition of the property, photographs of the violation, compliance deadlines, extensions of time and required corrective action. Maintain resolved files for all code violations and nuisance abatement actions.
• Issue civil infractions, civil penalties and assist with issuance of criminal citations.
• Serve as a witness in court and at Hearing Examiner hearings on appeals of notices of violation, civil infractions, civil penalties and/or criminal citations. Work with and provide information to the City Attorney's Office on code violations.
• Undertake efforts to ensure that all businesses comply with City requirements for obtaining Business Licenses.
• Undertake efforts to insure that Home Occupations comply with zoning and license requirements.
• Prepare code amendment ordinances relating to the enforcement function.
• Manage contracts for abatement work involving structures, trash removal, recyclables, hazardous waste, oils. Fuels, etc. Coordinate property liens with City Attorney.
• Assist with Business License review and work with businesses to achieve compliance with City Licensing regulations.
• Maintain regular attendance.

• Knowledge of code enforcement practices and principles.
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations involved in inspection of dangerous structures and contaminated sites.
• Knowledge of UHC and IBC and have the ability to recognize violations.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for prosecution of zoning violations.
• Knowledge of urban planning and zoning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Civil Legal Limitations related to private property rights, right to due process, privacy and other constitutional issues involving the involuntary abatement process.
• Knowledge of alternative dispute resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to prepare effective reports.
• Ability to prepare maps and graphics for displays and presentations.
• Ability to understand legal descriptions of properties.
• Ability to assist and work closely with persons of diverse backgrounds and other City departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to read and review plans, maps and to conduct inspections.
• Ability to exchange information and make presentations.
• Ability to move on pavement, sidewalks and/or undeveloped properties; ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a vehicle or alternate mode of transportation to conduct site properties inspections.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and small hand tools.
• Ability to pound stakes into the ground, lift and move objects such as small signs, use a manual staple gun to post hearing/meeting notices on properties.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, law enforcement, criminal justice, construction management or closely related field or an equivalent combination of related education and experience in code enforcement practices. Experience in law enforcement is desirable. Certification by the American Association of Code Enforcement is also desirable. Applicant must be able to pass a law enforcement background check and be eligible for a limited police commission at the time of hire or within six months of hire. A valid Washington State Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier is also required.

Additional Information

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

For information on City of Lynnwood's benefits, please click on the following link:
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Resources