POSITION SUMMARY
Performs a variety of routine and complex work in the interpretation and enforcement of the County’s
zoning program; monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations, including those related to zoning, land use, health and safety, and other matters of public concern.
The primary duty of this employee is to inspect project sites for zoning compliance and investigate code
enforcement complaints as relates to Spartanburg County’s adopted zoning ordinances. Work involves
examining plans submitted for zoning permits and conducting follow up inspections of project sites for
compliance, as well as investigating zoning complaints to determine compliance with codes, conducting
field inspections upon receiving complaints, and preparing necessary documentation of findings. Serves as a resource and provides information on County regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Evaluates problem areas and/or ordinance violations as a result of complaints or observing them
while in the field; determines proper method to resolve violations; attempts to make contact at the
residence or business in order to resolve violation; issues and posts warning notices, issues citations
and notices of violation as necessary, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related
documentation for code violations; maintains accurate documentation and case files on all
investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job related activities including accurate
and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; takes and
maintains photographs.
• Maintains complete records for all cases including ownership information, all communications and
action taken with names, dates, and times.
• Assists in developing legal cases with legal staff in code enforcement proceedings, as necessary.
• Develops procedural remedies with legal staff to effectively use the legal system when dealing with
repeat code violation offenders.
• Prepares case files for court actions including writing reports, maintaining inspection files, preparing
chronologies and violation explanations; schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain
compliance (including letters, inspections, calls, meet ings, discussions, and negotiations) to ensure
compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; attends court, as necessary, to testify and make
oral presentations; conducts follow-up investigations and take additional actions until cases are
resolved and files are closed.
• Keeps current with County ordinances, laws, codes, regulations, and internal procedures pertaining
to zoning and land use issues. In conjunction with the Building Codes Department issues necessary
Stop Work Orders. Posts and removes required signage on properties for monthly variance cases
and zoning map amendments.
• Participates in special projects such as the cleanup of corridors and gateways, enforcement
sweeps of various communities, etc.
• Evaluates zoning ordinances of the County and ensures appropriate implementation.
• Attend staff and committee meetings, as needed. Collaborates with various departments, as needed.
Coordinates with the Planners, Building Inspectors, County Engineer Division, and other
departments as necessary to secure compliance with County codes when enforcement becomes
necessary.
• Performs other duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Must development knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods used within the
department as they relate to land development and zoning, including landscaping, signage, and
architectural design standards. Ability to coordinate activities and maintain department standards as
prescribed. Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to local
government; working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various
land use, nuisance and public safety codes. Enforces pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and
regulations with impartiality and efficiency. Ability to understand and utilize zoning maps, land use
maps, plat maps and other documents related to real property. Ability to take initiative to complete
the duties of the position without the need of constant supervision, but asks questions as needed.
Ability to show courtesy, tact and sensitivity to individual differences when dealing with people who
are hostile, difficult and/or distressed.
• Ability to work with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Demonstrates a full
understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned
duties. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work, including other County departments and outside agencies. Ability to organize work,
establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of
direction. Ability to independently prepare routine correspondence and memoranda. Ability to
understand and follow written and oral instructions. Demonstrates honesty, integrity and the ability
to maintain confidentiality.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Must become a sworn Code Enforcement Officer.
• The incumbent must be present at work (or the field) to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Any equivalent combination of professional experience, education and training which provides the
required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Experience involving a high level of public contact including some experience dealing with the public
in an enforcement, inspection, investigation or customer service capacity is preferred.
• Experience in Enterprise Permitted and Licensing software a plus.
• Basic knowledge of GIS helpful.
LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to
participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina.