Code Compliance Officer

About Our City

The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. 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.

Position Summary

This position is a Limited Term position through the remainder of 2026 with expected continuation as a regular position as of January 1, 2027. 

Under general supervision, the Code Compliance Officer receives, investigates, researches, and resolves complaints, violations, questions, and issues concerning City Codes related to building construction, property maintenance, zoning, right of way, graffiti, and land use. The position performs field inspections and is a combination of office and field work. The incumbent also prepares nuisance abatement cases for litigation in conjunction with the City Attorney's Office.

Position is subject to a wide diversity of work situations with a moderate degree of complexity. Incumbent operates from established and well-known procedures independently with minimal supervision and contributes to the development of new concepts. Contacts are made with others both inside and outside the organization. Contact with the public may be face to face, on the phone, or through correspondence.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with other departments and staff to address complex situations and to ensure the improvement of code enforcement processes. Inspects business premises and enforces city requirements related to obtaining business licenses and other special licenses.
• Coordinate and oversee warranted abatements/cleanups.
• Coordinate inspections or site visits with owners, tenants, other Departments, Organizations, and Governmental entities.
• Gather evidence for enforcement action including site inspection visits, documentation with photographs and research of City and County records.
• Inform owners of the legal processes regarding non-compliance and options under the code to resolve violations.
• Issue notices or orders for fire related violations documented by the Fire Department or the Community Development department.
• Meet with owners, developers, and business owners to review and resolve violation cases by providing education and allowing time to correct the violations prior to escalating enforcement action.
• Prepare detailed reports and records, maintains enforcement files and computer database of violation cases and tracks enforcement penalty fines and fees.
• Post notice or placards on properties performing or allowing violations to occur.
• Prepare and maintain case record for litigation cases or administrative hearings.
• Prepare routine reports for relating to code enforcement cases.
• Receive, record, investigate, research, coordinate, track, monitor, and resolve complaints, violations, questions and issues concerning land use, zoning, right of way and building construction codes enforced by the City.
• Testify in court and at administrative proceedings as
• Track time spent on job functions for reporting purposes.
• Attend various meetings, training, and workshops as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to code
• City layout and
• Conflict resolution methods and
• Investigative and research techniques, rights of entry regulations and other legal procedures for nuisance abatement
• Laws relating to trespassing, privacy, owner & tenant rights.
• Principles, techniques, and procedures of a code enforcement

SKILLED IN:

• Locating and researching historical property records or property owner information.
• Using Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook, as well as data base, permit tracking system and spreadsheet capabilities for personal
• Communicating effectively in writing and to compose correspondence and
• Establishing and accurately maintain a filing
• Learn and apply technical information and
• Operating a variety of office equipment, including but not limited to personal computer, word processor, and

ABILITY TO:

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of
• Diffuse and break away from situations involving aggressive customers. Work with difficult individuals in challenging
• Explain complicated codes and legal processes in a manner that is understandable to the public.
• Perform a variety of inspections at several different sites including but not limited to construction sites, vacant buildings, encampments, or other sites.
• Work independently and as a part of a team to provide excellent customer service.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment subject to frequent
• Work with and communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers, other agencies and co-workers with courtesy, fairness, poise, and tact, including dealing with situations which could be emotionally charged or controversial in
• Understand, read, write, and speak English.

Required Education and Experience

• Two (2) years of college or technical school including courses in criminal justice, administration, construction, building code, public health, planning/zoning, land use regulations, or related areas, AND
• Three (3) years of experience in public facing work within the following areas; code enforcement, inspection, planning/zoning, investigation, land use, law enforcement, customer service or any related areas.

OR

• A combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.

Preferred

• Experience in code enforcement.
• Ability to speak Spanish and/or Vietnamese fluently

Additional Requirements

• Certification as an AACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer within a Year of
• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• Valid Washington State driver's license with satisfactory driving

Working Conditions

Working on or around heavy equipment, ladders, open trenches, scaffolding and heights; exposure to various chemicals, fumes, odors, and gases; tripping hazards from construction site debris and unstable walking surfaces; unrestrained animals; contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Position requires continuous teamwork, customer service, independent judgment and/or action, and ability to read, speak, write, and understand English; frequent decision making, interpersonal skills, use of discretion, and negotiation; occasional creativity, problem analysis, and performance of basic math; and rare mentoring and presentations/teaching.

Position requires continuous seeing, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions of hands and wrists; frequent standing, walking, repetitive motions of feet, and feeling: occasional stooping kneeling, climbing, handling, and bending. Incumbent must be able to push, pull, lift, and carry fifteen pounds. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.