Zoning Enforcement Officer I, (A262122-1), 203, Building Code Enforcement

About the Department

Responsible for ensuring compliance with the City's zoning ordinance, land use regulations, and related municipal codes. The position involves conducting field inspections, investigating complaints, interpreting zoning regulations, and working collaboratively with the property owners, staff, and the public to resolve violations and ensure orderly development compliant with adopted codes, plans, and policies. 

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
 

• Enforces building and zoning violations; conducts inspections and issues citations.
• Enforces parking violations, issues parking tickets, and tows/impounds tow/impounds vehicles when necessary.
• Enforces public right of way violations.  
• Enforces, inspects, and cites various City code violations.
• Provides customer service related to business registration, permits, applications, and zoning.
• Assists with board meeting and building commission meeting preparation.
• Responds to citizen complaints, referrals, and inquiries regarding zoning violations, land use, signage, and property development.
• Maintains accurate records of inspections, enforcement actions, and case resolution.
• Reviews development proposals, new business applications, and plans for compliance with zoning regulations prior to issuance of building permits or certificates of occupancy.
• Presents enforcement cases to decision making boards, or municipal court as required, and provides testimony and documentation.
• Coordinates with Building Inspectors, Code Enforcement Officers, Planning staff, and City Attorney's office regarding violations.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of applicable equipment and technology necessary to perform work
• Knowledge of applicable codes and ordinances

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in customer service delivery
• Skill in investigating and critical thinking
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships 
• Ability to read zoning maps, plats, site plans and drawings.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public and other departments.
• Ability to understand due process and legal principles related to code enforcement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Confined space 

Sometimes

• Warehouse environment

Frequently

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• National travel

Sometimes:

• Regional travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
• At least one (1) year of experience in zoning enforcement, investigation, or related field

Other Qualifications

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
  
• Code Enforcement Certification from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) must be obtained within 12 months of employment.** 
• International Code Council (ICC) Zoning Inspector Certification must be obtained within 24 months of employment.**

**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.