"Code Enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health, safety, and welfare, public works, business activities and consumer protection, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs."

Excerpt from Code Enforcement – A Comprehensive Approach
by Joseph M. Schilling and James B. Hare.
© 1994, Solano Press Books, www.solano.com

A Code Enforcement Professional is a dedicated public servant responsible for enforcing laws, regulations, ordinances, and standards that safeguard the safety, health, housing, and overall welfare of the communities they serve.  This role encompasses a range of responsibilities and may be held under various job titles, including Supervisors or Managers, who oversee individuals or teams executing the duties outlined below:

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Enforcing Codes: Code Enforcement Professionals ensure compliance with a broad spectrum of local, state, and federal regulations, including but not limited to building, zoning, land use, health, housing, stormwater management, and environmental codes.
2. Investigating Complaints: Code Enforcement Professionals receive, investigate, and process complaints, and may proactively identify and address code and other violations.
3. Issuing Notices and Citations: Authorized to issue corrective notices, citations, and to initiate other enforcement actions, with the goal of attaining timely resolution of code violations in accordance with the law.
4. Community Engagement and Education: They play a pivotal role in educating property owners, residents, businesses, and stakeholders about relevant regulations, fostering public awareness and ensuring community compliance. This promotes public safety, supports urban development, and enhances neighborhood quality.
5. Case Preparation and Legal Proceedings: Code Enforcement Professionals are responsible for preparing cases for hearings, presenting evidence before planning commissions or review boards, and, where necessary, prosecuting administrative appeals.
6. Site Inspections and Analysis: Conducting detailed inspections, analyzing conditions, and researching records, these professionals collaborate with other agencies or departments to ensure compliance with codes related to property maintenance, building standards, and land use.
7. Public Safety and Health: By identifying and addressing violations, they mitigate risks associated with unsafe structures, substandard housing, unpermitted construction, environmental hazards, and health concerns, helping maintain a safe and healthy living environment for the community.
8. Required Skills and Knowledge: Code Enforcement Professionals must possess a comprehensive understanding of the regulations they enforce, strong attention to detail, the ability to manage public interactions diplomatically, and a firm grasp of the legal boundaries of their authority. They are integral in preserving the quality of life in their communities by ensuring compliance with critical regulations and standards.

Approved by the CACEO Board April 2025