Zoning Enforcement Officer

About the role

The purpose of this position is to enforce, investigate, coordinate, direct, assist and advise the code enforcement staff regarding the enforcement and investigation of violations of various Lancaster County codes and ordinances. This position is responsible for conducting field investigations to identify code violations; interviewing and obtaining statements as necessary from violators, witnesses, and persons filing complaints. Receives, investigates, and responds to citizen inquires/complaints regarding County Codes and Ordinances. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assists and coordinates the daily task of Code Enforcement. This includes assisting staff with cases and providing input and insight on processing violations; ensuring that cases are processed in a timely manner and in accordance with our procedures and policies; maintaining communication with staff and supervisors to ensure that information regarding cases is conveyed accurately.
• Receives, investigates and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding County codes and ordinances.
• Presents code cases and attends court hearings.
• Congducts field investigations to identify code violations; interviews and obtains statements as necessary from violators, witnesses and confidential informers; conducts visual surveillance of properties as necessary.
• Prepares and submits notices of confirmed violations; provides to appropriate individuals written and verbal explanations of all options for violation abatement.
• Aids various County officials with investigations and enforcement through respective departments.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files, records and reports; maintains up-to-date computer database of cases.
• Researches the zoning and ownerships of each non-compliant property.
• Receives and receipts various fees and fines.

Requirements

• Reads, comprehends, interprets, analyzes and explains codes and ordinances to the public.
• Aids the Sheriff's Department and DHEC in investigating code violations.
• Aids the Fire Prevention Department with cases and court hearing.
• Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
• Attends training, seminars, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Stays abreast of statutory regulations, requirements and changes that relate to assigned programs and projects.

Skills

• Knowledge of county zoning ordinances.
• Knowledge of building and code standards.
• Skilled in researching property ownership.
• Communicates with and supervises code enforcement staff.
• Reads, comprehends, interprets, analyzes, and explain codes and ordinances to the public.
• Skilled in preparing case files including establishment of legal owners, and other information necessary to conduct investigations and enforce codes.
• Skilled in documenting violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data.
• Maintains case files and prepares evidence to present in court as necessary.

Qualifications

• Completion of Bachelor's degree.
• Requires three years of code enforcement or law enforcement experience.
• Upper State Code Enforcement Association/South Carolina Litter Association preferred.