Municipal Code Administrator

City of Lebanon

Job Title: Code Administrator Position/Category: Regular/Full-Time

Job Classification: Code Administrator FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisor: City Administrator Department: Code Administration

Level of Pay: L14

Primary Purpose:

This is a senior-level position responsible for the overall administration and supervision of the City of Lebanon’s enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances and/or zoning regulations. The incumbent will also serve as the Compliance/Hearings Officer, and is expected to exercise considerable initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assignments.

Responsibilities include developing a proactive process by which to address the enforcement of all municipal codes and ordinances, including the enforcement of building and development, hotels, property maintenance, short/long-term housing rental, zoning, etc.; and oversees construction permits, inspections, code violation citations, and issuance of occupancy certificates, etc.

Supervision:

Under the general direction and supervision of the City Administrator. Supervision is exercised over inspectors and other code administration personnel.

Description of Work:

Essential Functions: (The following is not an inclusive list of the duties/responsibilities that may be required of this position).

1.Ensures the public’s safety through compliance of various codes, ordinances, regulations, etc., related to code enforcement (i.e., building construction/remodel/renovation, building/ community/land development/usage, environmental (life, health, safety), nuisance, occupancy, permitting, planning and zoning, property maintenance, signs, stop work orders, variances, etc.); recommends resolution(s) for building code compliance; responds to complex/controversial/sensitive code administration issues/matters;

2.Develops programs and procedures for the daily operations of the Division; manages, supervises and provides guidance to staff performing code enforcement activities (i.e., life/ health/safety building inspections, nuisance abatement/complaints, occupancy certificate, permitting, planning and zoning, etc.); maintains accurate records of job assignments including type of work planned, performed, and completed; meets with staff to identify and/ or resolve problems, as required; approves staff’s requests for time off, and ensures payroll deadlines are met; reviews and evaluates staff’s work product and prepares performance evaluations, as required; works with staff to correct performance deficiencies; recommends discipline, when necessary;

3.Reviews construction plans submitted for compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; coordinates planning and zoning compliance reviews for any proposed construction, land use, permitting, remodel/renovation project(s), variances, etc.; may represent the City at the Board of Adjustment and/or Planning and Zoning meetings, as required;

4.Communicates with architects, builders/contractors/developers/engineers, City officials/ department employees/Fire Chief, property owners, and/or the public on a variety of code enforcement issues; researches, disseminates and/or explains provisions related to annexation, code awareness, nuisance abatement, permitting, zoning-related ordinances, statutes, etc.;

5.Interprets complex codes, ordinances, regulations, as required; uses independent judgment when making decisions; analyzes information and draws inferences when proposing recommendations on complex inspections and/or issues; evaluates code administration program activities, and submits recommendation to management, as required;

6.Oversees inspections performed by staff ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, etc., and meets within established timeframes; investigates inspection complaints; may inspect building construction and/or renovation on difficult cases to ensure work is being completed according to code; mediates and/or resolves disputes between inspectors and businesses, contractors, property owners/tenants, etc.; and notifies applicable County/State agencies of inspection findings, when applicable [i.e., County Assessor, Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Public Safety (DPS), Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), etc.;

7.Ensures legal and/or public meeting notices are processed within established timeframes;

8.Coordinates protocols for issuance of citations, waivers, etc. within established timeframes, as required; reviews “draft” violation findings, and approves the issuance of citations for code violations, stop work orders, etc.; reviews code violation citations involving the court system; maintains applicable code enforcement/compliance documentation; oversees court proceedings, court summonses, etc.; may testify, as required; and serves as the City’s Compliance/Hearings Officer, as required;

9.Maintains all documentation (citations, permitting, photos, etc.), as required; prepares correspondence, detailed reports, waivers etc. related to code administration activities, and submits to management, as directed;

10.Serves as liaison with current/prospective business representatives, City departments, governmental entities (federal, local, state) regarding how to establish and/or enhance community/neighborhood improvement programs; responds to inquiries from the community/public [i.e., code interpretation, purpose of violation(s), requests for information, etc.]; and may make presentations on various code administration programs, as required;

11.Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Code Administration’s annual budget; approves purchases, monitors expenditures, and initiates cost-saving measures, when required;

12.Supports the City’s policies, goals and objectives; remains up-to-date on planning and zoning laws, trends, etc. relevant to municipal code and/or ordinance administration/compliance; assists in implementation, modification, review and/or updating of City ordinances; analyzes, drafts and/or recommends changes/revisions to municipal codes and/or ordinances (i.e., code enforcement fees, permitting, planning and zoning regulations, etc.) as circumstances dictate;

13.Works independently; makes recommendation for process improvements; participates in the administration and/or development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan; and

14.Performs other duties as assigned.

Important Functions:

1.Ensures the public’s safety through compliance of various codes, ordinances, regulations, etc., related to code enforcement;

2.Develops programs and procedures for the daily operations of the Division;

3.Reviews construction plans submitted for compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations;

4.Communicates with architects, builders/contractors/developers/engineers, City officials/ department employees/Fire Chief, property owners, and/or the public on a variety of code enforcement issues;

5.Interprets complex codes, ordinances, regulations, as required; and

6.Oversees inspections performed by staff ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, etc.

Qualification Requirements:

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of modern methods, practices, principles and techniques of architectural/

Engineering/general building construction, commercial development, land survey, and multi-unit housing; working knowledge reading and/or interpreting construction blueprints, sketches, design drawings, legal descriptions, maps (floodplain, zoning, etc.), plats, serial photographs, and surveys; modern principles and practices of design, construction, and scheduling involved in building and related site development projects; knowledge of electrical, HVAC, plumbing requirements for construction; working knowledge of building codes under the International Code Council (ICC) regulations; knowledge of development plan review and permitting processes; knowledge of fire and zoning ordinances; knowledge of community development plan review and/or permitting principles/protocols; project management skills; principles of recordkeeping; principles of effective customer service; interpersonal skills; conflict resolution; organizational skills; principles of management, leadership, performance evaluations, supervision, training, etc.; basic mathematics; municipal budget preparation and fiscal management; computer applications/software, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), etc.; negotiation skills; written communication; and presentation skills.

Abilities

Ability to work independently; make decisions; consistently enforce code and ordinance compliance firmly, impartially and tactfully; draw architectural/building plans; conduct inspections/investigations to determine if codes have been violated; maintain records through electronic and/or paper systems; testify as an expert witness; identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement problem resolutions; develop short-and long-range plans; handle customer complaints; plan and direct the work of staff; delegate effectively; meet deadlines; be flexible; manage multiple priorities; manage change; calculate a variety of mathematical problems; communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; handle difficult situations in a pleasant and efficient manner; prepare technical reports; deliver effective presentations; facilitate/lead meetings; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external customers; operate a variety of office equipment and software applications; plan, develop, and implement planning and development policies; perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy; deal effectively and courteously with a wide variety of individuals and groups; present and overall professional image; and perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Experience, Education, and Training

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, business administration/management, civil/mechanical/ structural engineering, construction management, public administration, urban/regional planning, or closely related field, PLUS five (5) years’ experience in building inspections and/or affordable housing (commercial/ industrial/residential), code compliance/enforcement, construction, plan review, or regulatory compliance activities within a governmental entity (county, federal, municipal, state) [with two (2) years’ experience working in a supervisory/ managerial capacity]. (NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an applicable area of specialization is preferred, but not required.)

OR

Associate’s Degree in business administration/management, public administration, urban planning, or a related field PLUS seven (7) years’ experience in architecture, code enforcement, construction inspection, affordable housing management, land survey [with two (2) years’ experience working in a supervisory/managerial capacity].

OR

Master’s Degree in a specialized field PLUS three (3) years’ experience in architecture, code enforcement, construction inspection, affordable housing management, land survey [with two (2) years’ experience working in a supervisory/managerial capacity].

OR

High School Diploma or equivalent PLUS 10 years of professional experience in the field of architecture, design and construction, or closely related field.

Licensing/Certification

Must possess a valid Driver’s License, or meet the transportation needs of the position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT --- The following License, Training and/or Certification(s) MUST be obtained by an employee within the designated timeframes:

WITHIN THREE (3) YEARS:

Building Official Certification

An employee may be required to enroll and/or obtain the following certifications within two (2) years of employment:

CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

Physical Requirements:

Requires operation of a vehicle; sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field and/or office setting; sits and/or stands for prolonged periods of time; occasional bending, crawling, climbing, crouching, kneeling, squatting, stooping, twisting; walks on even/uneven terrain, loose soil, sloped surfaces; reaches from ground level to overhead; holds and grips objects; lift, carry, push and/or pull a light to moderate amount of weight; able to distinguish colors; and operate a computer keyboard with mouse.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in a standard office environment, with heating and cooling regulated; exposure to potentially hostile individuals; noise; when off-site or outdoors, may be exposed to extreme weather conditions; possible safety hazards associated with building construction;

Miscellaneous Requirement

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with a disability(ies) to perform the essential tasks/functions of this position. Must be able to successfully complete an intense background investigation and pre-employment drug test. Must submit to periodic drug testing as required by applicable law. Late hours and weekend work may be required depending on departmental assignment.

This job description is subject to change at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $33.60 - $53.56 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to Relocate:

• Lebanon, MO 65536: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person