Code Enforcement Officer I/II

The Code Enforcement Officer I/II performs responsible technical and administrative work in the enforcement of the provisions of the City's Municipal Code and the Palmdale Zoning Ordinance; to investigate and enforce applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations related to, zoning, land use, health and safety, blight, and graffiti involving both office and field work.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Code Enforcement Officer I

Code Enforcement Officer I is the entry-level class in the Code Enforcement series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Code Enforcement II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties as assigned to the journey level class.

 Code Enforcement Officer II

Code Enforcement Officer II is the full journey level class in the Code Enforcement series and is distinguished from the Code Enforcement Officer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned with only minimal instruction or assistance. Incumbents work independently, seeking assistance only as new or unusual situations arise. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Code Enforcement Officer I class.  On occasion, as assigned, this position may monitor work efforts performed by Code Enforcement Officer I and Neighborhood Compliance Officers.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Answer inquiries and respond to complaints from the public regarding fire and safety hazards, abatement procedures, code and zoning regulations, and potential violations.
• Resolve disputes when possible regarding enforcement actions, notices to abate, citations, and/or legal action.
• Schedule and conduct field investigations; identify municipal and zoning code ordinance violations.
• Advise property owners of violations of specific codes and action necessary to comply; seek voluntary compliance.
• Issue notice of violations involving substandard properties.
• Conduct investigations regarding violations of the municipal code, take appropriate action, which may include the issuance of civil and/or criminal citations.
• Prepare Substandard Notices, Summary Abatement Orders and Liens to record against individual properties; receive and process requests for release of Substandard Notices and Liens.
• Remove illegal signs within public right-of-way, make contact with homeless population, investigate illegal dumping, contact/enforce illegal street vendors, peddlers, and panhandlers.
• Prepare, write and submit cases to City Attorney and/or District Attorney for action in cases of noncompliance; represent the City in court when required. 
• Maintain records of inspection and enforcement efforts including detailed reports, correspondence, photographs, and other evidence, which may be used in legal proceedings.
• Confer with other County and/or State departments such as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Probation Department, Health Department, State Parole and the Department of Animal Control as well as City departments on the disposition of complaints and violations.
• Obtain inspection and forcible entry warrants as needed.
• Incorporate the City's Strategic Plan and Values in all aspects of enforcement actions.
• Assist in the development and revision of zoning code provisions.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: 

Code Enforcement Officer I

Experience: 

Two years of public agency enforcement experience.

Training: 

High school diploma or G. E. D. or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Code Enforcement Officer II

Experience: 

Three years of enforcement experience as a Code Enforcement Officer, law enforcement officer, or similar. 

Training: 

High school diploma or G. E. D. or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

Code Enforcement Officer I:

Possession of a valid California driver's license and legally required vehicle insurance and the ability to be insured with the City's insurance carrier required. 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a P.O.S.T. (832 p.c.) certificate within one year of date of hire.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, a basic California Association of Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO) Module I certificate. 

Other Requirement:

Must successfully pass the background for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as soon as practical.

Code Enforcement Officer II:

Possession of a valid California driver's license and legally required vehicle insurance and the ability to be insured with the City's insurance carrier required. 

Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) PC 832 Arrest, Search, and Seizure Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) Module II certificate.

Other Requirement:

Must successfully pass the background for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as soon as practical.

Knowledge of:

• Land use concepts and zoning principles.
• Zoning and municipal codes, basic understanding of California Penal Code and California Vehicle Code.
• Due process, constitutional rights, limitation of authority; legal remedies, and abatement strategies used in investigation of complaints.
• Appropriate safety measures for field investigations.
• Basic word processing and database operations.
• City organizational structure/functions.
• Outside agencies’ jurisdiction.
• Community/agency resources available to effect compliance.

Ability to:

• Read, comprehend, interpret and explain City codes.
• Determine zoning code violations and recommend corrective action.
• Gather and analyze data.
• Prepare accurate and concise technical reports.
• Make sound decisions and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Resolve disputes and problem solve.
• Work safely in the field setting.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent standing and walking on uneven terrain; frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; regular climbing, bending, stooping and squatting. 

Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds; occasional pushing pulling up to 100 pounds. 

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. 

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. 

Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. 

Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. 

Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to chemicals, biohazards, fumes, and other environmental substances. 

Work is often performed in an outdoor construction environment with year-round exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to construction site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Work is performed at various locations. 

Positions will require weekend work, occasional overtime and travel is rare.

Salary : $75,213 - $91,437