POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: Code/Zoning Officer I DATE: December 2018 INCUMBENT: DEPARTMENT: REPORTS TO: Fire Services/Risk Reduction and Code Services Senior Code/Zoning Officer POSITION PURPOSE The Code/Zoning Officer I is responsible for promoting public safety, health, and welfare of the people of the community. Compliance of the safety, health, and welfare is accomplished through education, inspection, investigation, and enforcement of zoning regulations, ordinances, and codes adopted by the City of Manhattan. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Performs field inspections of new and existing structures under a wide variety of site conditions and environmental factors to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. (Daily) 2. Performs visual inspections of properties and right of ways to ensure compliance with adopted ordinances while driving for City business. (Daily) 3. Must be able to get in and out of a vehicle routinely. (Daily) 4. Must be able to read, comprehend and interpret written material of a technical nature. (Daily) 5. Must be able to effectively communicate code and zoning compliance requirements to the appropriate individual(s) both orally and in writing. (Daily) 6. Recommends and/or initiates code/zoning enforcement actions in accordance with guidelines. (Daily) 7. Documents and maintains accurate records on inspection and compliance assurance activities. (Daily) 8. Operates computers to maintain inspection databases, generate reports and notices, and retrieve information. (Daily) 9. Acquires and maintains a thorough knowledge of applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. (Daily) 10. Attends and participates in formal phased training and instruction on Codes and Zoning Regulations. (As needed) 11. Participates in and delivers public education programs. (As needed) 12. Must possess a valid driver s license. (Daily)
Page 2 13. Must be able to utilize senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to detect code violations and/or potentially dangerous conditions. (Daily) 14. Performs other duties as assigned. (As needed) NATURE AND SCOPE The Department of Fire Services is comprised of two divisions: the Technical Services Division and the Emergency Services Division. The Code Services section, along with the Fire Prevention section, functions under the Technical Services Division. The Code/Zoning Officer I receives direction and supervision from the Senior Code/Zoning Officer. The Senior Code/Zoning Officer is supervised by the Building Official. The Building Official is supervised by the Director of Fire Services. The Code/Zoning Officer I is responsible for responding to complaints and investigating all property maintenance, zoning regulations, and nuisance violations such as weeds, trash and debris, snow on sidewalks, inoperable vehicles, and traffic hazards; investigates housing violations initiated by the tenant and/or the landlord or as a result of apparent, recognized violations. If a violation exists, the Code/Zoning Officer I locates and notifies the appropriate party of such violation and seeks voluntary compliance through the issuance of a Notice and Order. The incumbent initiates the proper action to remedy the violations and, if necessary, recommends further enforcement action. The Code/Zoning Officer I performs existing housing and fire safety inspections for identified occupancies, organizes and performs building and site plan reviews when assigned, and performs code interpretation for the Department of Fire Services. The Code Services Officer I may be asked to conduct field inspections on new construction, additions or remodeling of existing structures to ensure compliance with approved plans. In addition, this position may inspect the demolition of structures. Inspection files must be well documented with field notes and official correspondence. When violations are found, the incumbent seeks compliance either informally or through official enforcement action. The International Building Code, International Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Codes, the National Electrical Code, the Property Maintenance Code, the Municipal Code of Ordinances, adopted Zoning Regulations and subdivision regulations, and state statutes are the primary codes for seeking enforcement. The position works with a variety of people, including tenants, landlords, building owners, business owners, architects/engineers, contractors and subcontractors, trades people, homeowners and the general public. Agencies that the position works closely with include the Community Development Department, Department of Human Resources, Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation Forestry Division, Riley County Health Department, and the local office of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Problems inherent in this position include having to deal with landlord/tenant problems in connection with housing/existing structures violations; educating and obtaining compliance from people whose lifestyles create a public nuisance; trying to obtain compliance from a property owner who has not voluntarily complied with issued notices; compiling evidence and facts to build
Page 3 a case for violations that must be taken to court for prosecution to obtain compliance; and working with owners, contractors and subcontractors who are not familiar with adopted code changes, new technologies and materials development. Challenges include educating and obtaining compliance from hesitant business owners, owners/landlords and tenants, coordinating inspections with other offices, keeping abreast of code and regulation changes, obtaining compliance, and educating citizens on public nuisance codes and zoning regulations. Performance can be measured by the extent that complaints are inspected in a timely manner; the number of complaints for specific issues trend down; the degree of compliance obtained in verified complaints; accuracy and completeness of records and files; the extent that harmonious effective working relationships are developed and maintained; and the degree to which the incumbent maintains their knowledge of codes and code changes. The Code/Zoning Officer I s normal duties require the performance of physical activities that may at times be strenuous such as climbing, walking over uneven terrain, and bending, crawling, kneeling, and/or standing for periods of uncertain duration. The Code/Zoning Officer I performs support activities during major emergencies. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 1. Contributes to the health, safety and welfare of the general public by timely and accurate response to all complaints. 2. Contributes to the health, safety and welfare of the general public by conducting routine daily routes of areas of the city with visual inspections of property to ensure compliance with approved plans, adopted codes, and zoning regulations. 3. Contributes to the health, safety and welfare of the general public by conducting existing housing and nuisance inspections to ensure compliance with adopted codes and ordinances. 4. Communicates code compliance requirements to building owners, contractors and architects/engineers both orally and in writing. 5. Recommends or initiates code/zoning enforcement actions in accordance with guidelines. 6. Effectively performs as a Code/Zoning Officer I by obtaining a thorough knowledge of all applicable codes and zoning regulations and maintains knowledge of code and zoning changes. 7. Provides customer service by answering questions from citizens, contractors, architects, building owners, business owners and tenants concerning the application and interpretation of adopted codes, regulations and ordinances. 8. Provides customer service by providing information concerning the processes for obtaining permits, licenses and code/zoning compliance issues. 9. Maintains accurate and complete records of all inspection activities on computer databases to provide for enforcement, documentation of violations and repairs, and for analysis. 10. Maintains good public relations by developing and maintaining an effective, harmonious working relationship with other departments, outside agencies, tenants and owners, and the general public.
Page 4 11. Provides customer service by participating in and delivering public education programs. 12. Participates in the Housing Appeals Board and Code Appeals Board processes as assigned. 13. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: The ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public and City staff. Thorough knowledge of building and housing codes as they apply to building construction and maintenance. Knowledge of city ordinances and state statutes relating to nuisances and building construction. Considerable knowledge of building construction methods, practices, materials, and the stages during construction when possible violations and defects in building, electrical and plumbing work may be most easily observed and corrected. Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications. Ability to: communicate clearly and concisely; orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, contractors, craftsmen and the public in inspection and regulatory matters: secure cooperation and compliance with contractors, building owners and the general public in regulatory and inspection matters. Exercise good judgment and tact in dealing with others. EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE: Must possess a valid drivers license Graduation from a standard high school, vocational school, or possession of a valid GED Two years post-secondary education in building construction techniques and methods and/or four years experience in building construction. Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and ability. Current International Code Council Certification as Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector and /or ICC Residential Building Inspector is required or the ability to attain one of these certifications within one year of employment. Required Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of building construction techniques, methods, and materials Considerable experience in building construction Thorough knowledge of building and housing codes, and applicable city ordinances and state statutes Knowledge of computer operation and related software including databases, spreadsheet, and word processing Skills/Abilities: Ability to read and comprehend written material of a highly technical nature Ability to read and interpret construction and site plans Ability to interpret codes and ordinances and properly apply in unusual situations Ability to organize files and effectively retrieve data Ability to compose correspondence and proofread to provide written communications that are grammatically correct and punctuated properly. Excellent verbal skills needed to communicate with customers, answers questions and complaints in a highly professional and competent manner. Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts. Ability to perform data entry.
Page 5 Ability to prepare worksheets and reports on spreadsheet software applications. Ability to generate notices and reports from database and word processing software applications. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Machines/Equipment Used: Personal computer and related software applications Calculator Printers Measuring equipment/levels/testers Copiers Telephone Vehicles Two-way radios Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions: Must be able to cope with stress brought about by dealing with potentially irate and/or defensive customers. Must be highly organized and able to perform in a very professional manner at all times. Must be able to exercise independent judgment in evaluating completeness and accuracy of technical information. Must be able to logically analyze situations and resolve discrepancies and correct errors. Must be able to climb, stoop, crawl and negotiate difficult terrain. Periods of standing for lengthy duration. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions. Must be able to utilize senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to detect code violations and/or potentially dangerous conditions. Supervision Works independently with limited supervision. Makes independent decisions regarding code violations and corrections. Answers a large volume of customer inquiries of a fairly complex and technical nature which influences the public s perception of the quality, courtesy and timeliness of code services provided by the City of Manhattan. Department Head or Designee Department of Human Resources or Designee Ron R. Fehr, City Manager or designee ACCEPTED BY: DATE: Incumbent