A code enforcement officer is in charge of inspecting private and public properties for compliance with local codes, answering citizen questions about the codes, and issuing citations for code violations. The officer could be a certified police officer or a peace officer. Code enforcement officers work to keep the community looking nice and safe, which helps to raise property values and improve people’s quality of life.
The responsibilities of such officers can differ dramatically from one community to the next. Some of them are mostly concerned with reports of unsightly lawns, excessive signage, nuisance animals, and illegal parking. Others check business licenses, condemn unsafe structures, and enforce zoning regulations. Code enforcement officers may be used by municipalities without building inspectors to provide construction planning and inspection services. Field inspections, responding to citizen reports, evaluating new construction or renovation projects, and answering public questions are all part of a code enforcement officer’s job description.
The education requirements for these jobs vary depending on the job duties. Some jurisdictions require any employee who is authorized to issue citations to complete and pass an approved police training program. Others favor candidates who have earned a political science degree. Those who delegate planning responsibilities to code enforcement officers may be required to have a background in planning or engineering.
Certification is another variable that varies by location. Certifications are recognized in some jurisdictions but not in others. Some of those who do so are required to do so, while others simply prefer it. In addition, some communities offer certification levels that correspond to job levels.
The reporting structure can also be different. These professionals are most often members of the police force, but they can also be members of the planning and zoning department or, on rare occasions, the city manager’s office. Ordinarily, code enforcement officers are appointed or hired rather than elected officials.
Local governments have become increasingly interested in hiring these officers for a variety of reasons. A code enforcement officer’s primary responsibility is to deal with code violations, which, while important, are frequently overlooked because law enforcement officers are too busy dealing with more serious offenses. Citizens’ complaints are also reduced by the presence of such officers. Furthermore, because most officers do not receive danger pay, carry lethal weapons, or have arrest power, their salaries, medical insurance, and liability insurance are frequently less expensive than those of regular police officers.