Code Enforcement Inspector Job Description

Code Enforcement: How to Make Sense of It

Code enforcement describes the steps that cities and towns take to be in compliance with their local laws. The term relates to property upkeep and standards for new construction. Maintaining the appearance, functioning, and property values of a neighborhood can be done with sensible and assertive approaches to bringing property owners into compliance with the law.

Code enforcement is used by neighborhood groups to bring properties up to a minimum standard. Someone employed by the city government is responsible for inspecting new construction and investigating complaints in towns and counties with a code. Sometimes code enforcement is out-sourced to a consultant or sometimes nearby towns will share one officer.

Code enforcement or building inspector are not usually police officers. Police in larger towns and cities are often turned over to another department for code violations, even if they spot it. A systematic or methodical program is the opposite of a complaint-based system.

A building code is methodical because it requires inspections when certain items are complete and before they are enclosed by future phases of construction. The slow market city will have to be careful to offer a well-rounded program that offers resources and punishment, since positive owner responses to code enforcement letters are more likely where property values are high. A program for educating homeowners about their code responsibilities will help them avoid some of the most emotional conflict situations and help neighbors to be careful.

In maintaining good relationships between government and resident, resident understanding of the available codes is important. Code enforcement is needed in older neighborhoods to make sure that buildings are maintained to keep up with the latest safety research and to keep up with property values. When you hear someone talk about code violations and why the city isn't doing anything, the first question to ask is if your town has adopted a code that would cover the situation.

The Home Inspector's View of Code Violation

Home inspectors and their customers are in a hazy gray area. A home inspection can identify defects. Home inspectors are not code enforcers because they know what makes a condition hazardous.

The gray area is where a code violation and a defect cross paths. The home inspection association Standards of Practice do not require inspectors to determine compliance, according to the structure tech. That is a protective measure.

Code compliance and inspection are different and reporting them outside the authority of the inspector puts you at risk. Your inspector will look at the house from top to bottom. They will check the electrical system, plumbing, foundation, attic, and many other systems.

There are exceptions, such as the flooring underneath the carpet and the walls. The purpose of the inspection is to identify defects that put your and your family at risk and give you a report that lists them. Those defects might be in violation of the code.

Your inspector may never say the word. Code inspections and enforcement are not the same. Code enforcers have legal power that is important.

A code enforcement officer is a city or county employee who is in charge of building codes. Their goal is to make sure that new construction and renovations maintain a level of quality that protects the environment and keeps citizens safe. Code enforcement officers are familiar with the laws about building design and access, property maintenance, public nuisances, business permits, and land use.

Code enforcement officers need a high school degree or GED. Some people who graduate high school immediately enter the workforce to get the experience they need for code enforcement. A degree can help you get jobs with higher salaries and more responsibilities.

College programs can help you get a career as a code enforcement officer. You can specialize in a certain area of code enforcement with your degree. Large cities might hire multiple code enforcement officers that focus one area, such as electrical or heating and air conditioning.

You can learn about codes and regulations in an internship with the city government. Job offers can be obtained from internship. Basic code enforcement training is offered by some cities and schools.

Code enforcement officers must pass a state or association exam to earn certification. If you live in a state that does not require certification, you should consider earning one to highlight your skills and improve your employment opportunities. Some cities pay for their code enforcement officers to complete training.