Code Official

City of Hampton•Community Development, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Hampton is seeking a Code Official to manage and oversee the City's property maintenance/zoning enforcement program to ensure compliance and enforcement of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances. Serves as the City's Code Official and assists the director in planning, coordinating and directing the activities of the Community Development Department. This position serves as a member of the department leadership team and performs duties under the limited supervision of the Director of Community Development who provides guidance, advice and assistance as necessary. Requires independent judgement in accomplishing assigned duties.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED, supplemented by some technical, vocational or trade school courses.
Minimum of five (5) years direct work experience as an inspector in one or more of the following codes compliance or building inspection areas: structural, land use, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building, zoning or property maintenance.
Minimum of two (2) years' experience as a supervisor in one or more of the areas listed above.
A combination of education and experience considered in lieu of the qualifications outlined above.
Thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances related to zoning, codes compliance and property maintenance code compliance and enforcement; thorough knowledge of legal procedures as related to the enforcement and administration of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
Must possess a Certified Zoning Official certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) or a Zoning Inspector certification issued by the International Code Council and possess or obtain a Certified Zoning Administrator certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) within twelve (12) months of employment in this position.
Must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment in this position the following certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD): Property Maintenance Official.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to an offer of employment or promotion.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Public or Governmental Administration or related field of study preferred.
Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, blueprints and specifications.
Ability to foster effective working relationships with diverse populations of contractors, property owners, city officials, general public and other City personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively plan, implement and communicate goals and objectives, schedule and assign work and motivate and develop personnel.
May be subject to call-out in order to respond to calls for service after normal business hours.
Requires extensive travel throughout the local area.
Requires tact, diplomacy and patience in dealing with citizens on points of law and regulations not readily understood or accepted.
Requires attendance at meetings held after working hours.
The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may require long hours and unusual schedules.
Requires technical environmental knowledge and skills related to wetlands and Chesapeake Bay Preservation District regulations.

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with the Zoning Administrator and Building Official to interpret and clarify zoning ordinances, property maintenance codes, city ordinances, and rules and regulations in order to provide clear and consistent enforcement guidance for team members.
Coordinates the City's demolition program to include review of structures for demolition and oversight of compliance and scheduling requirements.
Develops departmental standard operating procedures (SOP's).
Trains inspectors in the proper methods and procedures for ordinance and code interpretations and inspection enforcement protocols.
Creates scope of work and administers the City's weed and debris, towing and overgrowth contracts.
Oversees inspection of relevant codes and ordinances associated with site plans and subdivisions to ensure compliance with approved plans.
Requires tracking and oversight of all new development within the City.
Serves as the City's Code Official.
Provides oversight of the Consolidated Enforcement Team.
Oversees environmental inspections and enforcement. Requires technical environmental knowledge and skills related to wetlands and Chesapeake Bay Preservation District regulations.
Supervises, coaches and mentors inspectors by providing leadership, guidance and clearly communicating performance expectations and providing performance feedback to team members.
Initiates and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, employee evaluations, training and employee discipline and counseling.
Consults with inspectors to interpret ordinances and codes, and reviews code violations.
Mediates resolution of conflicts between inspectors and citizens, permit holders and contractors.
Serves as an integral member of the department's emergency response team.
Serves as the field coordinator for the Damage Assessment Teams and assists the Building Official and Director in managing the department's damage assessment responsibilities during emergency response.
Assists in development and administration of the departmental budget; initiates appropriate adjustments, as necessary, throughout the fiscal year.
Assists in evaluating existing administrative policies, practices and techniques and recommends improvements.
Attends a wide variety of meetings and serves on various task forces and committees such as Public Nuisance Abatement Team, Night Club Task Force and Strategic Acquisition Review Committee.
May represent the department on City Code, Virginia Maintenance Code and Zoning Ordinance matters before various Boards and Commissions, community groups, business groups and City Council, as well as testifying at the General Assembly on matters related to property maintenance on behalf of the City.
Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.