CODE COMPLIANCE at Elbert County in Kiowa, CO

CODE COMPLIANCE

RFT · Location: KIOWA, CO, US

Position Summary

Under general supervision, performs inspections and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with adopted building, zoning, nuisance, property maintenance, land use, and wildfire resiliency regulations. Investigates complaints, conducts field inspections, educates property owners and contractors, documents violations, and works collaboratively with residents, businesses, contractors, and other agencies to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible.

This position serves as a representative of the County by promoting safe development, protecting public health and safety, preserving community standards, and providing professional customer service through education, communication, and fair, consistent application of County codes and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections to determine compliance with adopted County codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, and applicable state laws.
• Investigate complaints involving zoning, land use, property maintenance, nuisance conditions, illegal construction, occupancy issues, and other code violations.
• Perform inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and accessory structures as assigned.
• Inspect construction projects for compliance with adopted building codes and approved plans when assigned.
• Perform inspections related to the adopted Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), including verification of ignition-resistant construction methods, wildfire-resistant materials, defensible space requirements, ember-resistant construction features, and other applicable code provisions.
• Verify compliance with approved permits and applicable development approvals.
• Issue notices of violation, correction notices, stop work orders, citations, or other enforcement documents as authorized by County policy and applicable law.
• Conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions and compliance.
• Maintain detailed inspection reports, photographs, case files, correspondence, and enforcement documentation using County software systems.
• Explain code requirements, inspection results, permitting processes, and corrective actions to property owners, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public.
• Respond professionally to citizen complaints, inquiries, and requests for information.
• Encourage voluntary compliance through education, communication, and problem-solving before pursuing formal enforcement whenever appropriate.
• Coordinate enforcement activities with Planning, Public Works, Environmental Health, Emergency Management, Sheriff's Office, Fire Protection Districts, Utility Providers, and other governmental agencies.
• Assist during emergency incidents, natural disasters, wildfire recovery efforts, and damage assessments as assigned.
• Attend meetings with contractors, developers, homeowners, design professionals, and community stakeholders regarding code compliance issues.
• Review inspection findings and recommend appropriate enforcement actions when voluntary compliance cannot be achieved.
• Testify before administrative hearings, municipal or district courts, boards, commissions, or other legal proceedings when required.
• Monitor changes to adopted building codes, zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, and wildfire resiliency requirements.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain required certifications.
• Promote a positive customer service culture focused on professionalism, consistency, transparency, and practical solutions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), if adopted
• International Fire Code (IFC) as applicable
• Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC)
• County zoning, land use, nuisance, and property maintenance regulations
• Inspection methods and construction practices
• Building materials and construction techniques
• Applicable Colorado statutes affecting code enforcement
• Principles of conflict resolution and customer service
• Investigation techniques and documentation practices

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply codes, ordinances, regulations, and policies consistently and fairly.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, site plans, surveys, legal descriptions, and technical documents.
• Prepare accurate reports, correspondence, and enforcement documentation.
• Communicate technical information clearly to individuals with varying levels of construction knowledge.
• Resolve difficult situations professionally and diplomatically.
• Exercise sound judgment while balancing customer service with regulatory responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, elected officials, developers, engineers, architects, and the public.
• Work independently while managing multiple inspections and priorities.
• Utilize computers, tablets, inspection software, GIS systems, permitting software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in code enforcement, building inspection, construction, building trades, land use, planning, or a closely related field.
• Valid Colorado Driver License with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain required ICC certifications within a timeframe established by the County.

Preferred Qualifications

• ICC Residential Building Inspector certification.
• ICC Commercial Building Inspector certification.
• ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification.
• ICC Permit Technician certification.
• ICC Certified Building Official (for senior-level positions).
• Experience working for a Colorado local government.
• Experience with Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code implementation.
• Knowledge of GIS and electronic permitting systems.

Licenses and Certifications

May include one or more of the following, depending upon assignment:

• ICC Residential Building Inspector
• ICC Commercial Building Inspector
• ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
• ICC Zoning Inspector
• ICC Fire Inspector
• Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code training or certification, if available
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS 100 and 700) preferred

Physical Demands

Work requires frequent walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, reaching, crawling, standing for extended periods, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. The position requires visual acuity to inspect construction, identify code deficiencies, and safely navigate active construction sites.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field work regularly exposes the employee to varying weather conditions, rough terrain, construction sites, dust, noise, traffic, heights, and potentially hazardous conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn when required.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and accountability
• Customer service excellence
• Effective communication
• Technical proficiency
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Sound judgment
• Adaptability
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The County reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of this position as necessary to meet organizational needs.