The Code Enforcement Survivor Handbook

What is code enforcement anyway?  Code enforcement put simply is the investigation of code violations.  Codes and ordinances are adopted by a jurisdiction and are enforced by a particular department or agency, as specified in the chapter of the local ordinance that designates who will have authorization to carry out the enforcement duties.  A code enforcement division or department is an agency that is involved in the investigation of all different types of building and land use laws.  The codes range from various zoning, building, municipal, housing, dangerous building to other miscellaneous codes and ordinances about everything from illegal encroachments in the public right of way to violations of a noise ordinance.  And then there are the local ordinances which are also adopted by the jurisdiction such as a property maintenance code, which contains code sections related to the condition of the property, for example, junk cars, trash and debris, weeds, graffiti, etc.  Enforcement officers or compliance officers are employed by the city or county to enforce the various codes and ordinances described above.  They compile research consisting of property records and information, permit records, and other important files and documents pertaining to the property, such as planning development files and public hearing cases.  They write notices to property owners and all other interested parties to a particular parcel of land, and issue citations and prepare cases to go to the city attorney in the event there is non-compliance. 

This occupation seems to attract former law enforcement officers or people who have had some type of law enforcement background, although this is not always the case.  It seems many retired police officers, highway patrol officers, security guards or jail guards are looking for some type of law enforcement-related work, minus the everyday stress and dangerous working conditions.  Frequently, when they get hired on to become code enforcement officers they find that some of that same stress they left in their previous careers is found in their new careers as code enforcement officers.  The only problem is, in most cities, code enforcement officers do not carry defense weapons, so they may feel a sense of uneasiness when adjusting to this new kind of work.  And then there are those who have had some type of construction-related background, such as permit clerks, or construction inspectors who are familiar with the building and housing codes.  It is possible they are looking for more challenging and interesting work and will find that in this field.  Now let's look at the general personality traits needed in order to be the typical code enforcement officer.  For starters, it takes someone with guts!  Add to this, patience, a good sense of humor, empathy, and common-sense judgment.  Without these necessary traits, it is doubtful you will survive in the sometimes unpredictable and frenetic world of code enforcement.  It has been said many times by many experienced code compliance officers that this is definitely a job where you will wear many different hats.  During the course of your career you may play the role of a psychiatrist, a referee, a parent, a philosopher, an educator, a police officer, a social worker, an actor, and a diplomat, to name a few.  The typical code enforcement officer has to be capable of guiding a person into compliance with the codes, knowing which hats to put on and knowing what type of personality they're dealing with at the same time.