Code Enforcement Official

City Of Charleston•Charleston, WV

About The Position

The Code Enforcement Official ensures enforcement and compliance with the City of Charleston Zoning Ordinance and State Building Codes as adopted by the City, as they apply to existing structures and properties. The position works under general supervision and independently develops work methods and sequences. The role conducts residential rental property inspections, investigates complaints and suspected code violations, and issues warnings, fines, or court citations when violations are found. The official may testify in municipal court, coordinate demolition-related work and documentation, investigate unpermitted work, and perform site checks and documentation for Historic Preservation Clearance. The position also performs administrative duties, maintains property records and publications, communicates with residents and utility companies, and attends community meetings. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, some experience in demolition inspection or closely related work, a valid driver’s license, and the required property-maintenance certifications and license. The employee must obtain an ICC Property Maintenance Certification and a West Virginia Property Maintenance Inspector License within one year of hire.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED equivalent.
Some experience in demolition inspection or closely related experience.
Must possess or obtain within one year of hire the ICC Property Maintenance Certification and West Virginia Property Maintenance Inspector License.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to provide documentation verifying legal work status.
Ability to read and speak English proficiently to communicate with others, understand and interpret safety instructions, and respond to internal and external inquiries.
Ability to understand and comply with City and departmental guidelines, policies, procedures, and expectations.
Demonstrated accountability, adaptability, clear and respectful communication, customer service, initiative, sound judgment and decision-making, commitment to professional development, and teamwork and cooperation.

Responsibilities

Schedule and complete residential rental property inspections.
Receive and investigate complaints about potential code violations in a timely manner.
Issue warning letters, fines, or court citations or summonses when code violations are found.
Testify in municipal court and present appropriate documentation to the Municipal Judge and City Attorney.
Research and contact structure owners by letter, phone, or court citation; obtain signatures on demolition agreements.
Coordinate title searches and asbestos survey requests and reviews, and contact lien holders regarding potential demolition.
Perform administrative work, enter and update data in the Tyler Enterprise Permitting and Licensing Module, maintain files, and forward invoices with supporting paperwork for payment.
Attend and speak at community meetings and address groups and peers about property maintenance, crime, and related issues as necessary.
Correspond with utility companies concerning electric service drops.
Investigate unpermitted work.
Conduct site checks, take photographs, and document information for Historic Preservation Clearance.
Initiate and oversee asbestos removal based on survey results.
Order demolition and reseeding of lots.
Update the Property Maintenance Manual with new codes, computer processes, and legal information such as state regulations.
Create in-house publications, pamphlets, flyers, and other print materials.
Enter employee time and leave into the timekeeping system.
Study building codes and attend seminars to maintain ICC-PM certifications.
Perform related work as assigned.