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ICC Code Enforcement Program

Your Complete Toolkit for Professional Excellence

Is Your Community Prepared for the Challenges of Code Enforcement?

As a city, county, or municipal leader, supporting the ongoing professional development of your code enforcement staff can be complex, as these essential personnel are often dispersed across various departments. The International Code Council resolves this challenge with its unified Code Enforcement Program, acting as a centralized resource for all your team's training, credentialing and membership requirements.

This comprehensive approach empowers your jurisdiction to cultivate skilled and certified code professionals, ensuring effective enforcement of vital housing, property maintenance, and zoning regulations.

Partner with your planning department to discover the full scope of what ICC offers for your Code Enforcement Professionals.

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Code Official Safety Specialist (COSS)

This Credential of Learning Achievement (CLA) is an international training program for code professionals that focuses on the personal safety of government employees who interact with the public. It provides foundational officer safety skills and covers topics such as Tactical Mindset, Verbal De-Escalation, and Surviving a Violent Encounter.

Learn More
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Training Options

Our robust training program provides flexible ways to learn and grow, with a wide variety of options including self-paced online courses and live virtual events. Topics include an Overview of Code Enforcement, Building Department Operations, and Navigating Digital Solutions for permitting and inspection.

Explore
A Blueprint for Code Enforcement
in Your Community

Code enforcement plays a critical role in fostering community development by ensuring adherence to local laws, regulations, and standards. Through its efforts, code enforcement directly supports several core community values:

Protecting public health and safety

Protecting public health and safety

House_Check

Preserving property values

Enhancing quality of life

Enhancing quality of life

Promoting responsible development

Promoting responsible development

Fostering civic engagement and trust

Fostering civic engagement and trust

Driving economic growth

Driving economic growth

ICC has developed a helpful Blueprint that outlines three hypothetical roles jurisdictions can implement to establish a clear pathway for career advancement and professionalization in the field. Each role includes suggestions for position title and description, core responsibilities and required qualifications.

Technician
Code Enforcement Technician | Neighborhood Preservation Technician

The Code Enforcement Technician is the administrative backbone and public-facing first point of contact for a Code Enforcement/Community Standards Division. This entry-level position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service, processing case information, and supporting the field team to ensure efficient and effective operations. The Technician role is foundational for individuals seeking a career in public service, offering direct insight into municipal codes and community relations.

Core Responsibilities
  • Plan, direct, and supervise the work of all division staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
  • Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency and service delivery.
  • Manage the division's annual budget, including forecasting needs, authorizing expenditures, and monitoring financial performance.
  • Handle complex, sensitive, and high-profile code enforcement cases and citizen complaints.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the City Manager's Office, City Council, Planning Commission, and other government departments.
  • Analyze trends in code violations and develop strategic initiatives, such as targeted outreach or proactive code sweeps, to address systemic issues.
  • Oversee the legal enforcement process, working closely with the City Attorney's office on case preparation and prosecution.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on divisional activities, outcomes, and performance metrics to stakeholders.
  • Review and recommend updates to the municipal code to reflect best practices and community needs.
Required Qualifications

Education

Serve as the primary point of contact for public inquiries via phone, email, and in person, providing information on municipal codes, violation processes, and departmental procedures.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an administrative support, customer service, or records management role. Experience in a municipal government setting is a plus.

Skills

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database software.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.

  • Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conflict and handle inquiries from the public with professionalism and tact.

Certifications

  • Certification as an ICC Code Enforcement Technician or other Code Enforcement related certification (e.g., AACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer, ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector), or the ability to obtain one within twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months of employment.

  • Ability to obtain a Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire.

Officer
Code Enforcement Officer | Neighborhood Preservation Officer

The Code Enforcement Officer is a uniformed field professional dedicated to fostering safe, healthy, and attractive communities. This mid-level role works collaboratively with residents and business owners to achieve voluntary compliance with municipal codes through education, inspection, and, when necessary, formal enforcement action. The Officer balances the roles of educator, mediator, and inspector to preserve and enhance the quality of life within the community.

Core Responsibilities
  • Proactively and reactively conduct field inspections of properties to identify violations of zoning, property maintenance, public nuisance, and other relevant municipal codes.
  • Interpret and apply complex code requirements to a variety of situations in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Document all findings with clear notes, photographs, and evidence, preparing comprehensive case files for potential legal action.
  • Issue verbal warnings, notices of violation, stop-work orders, and citations as authorized.
  • Educate property owners about code violations and provide information on achieving compliance.
  • Maintain meticulous records of inspections, communications, and enforcement actions in the official record management system.
  • Prepare cases and testify as a witness in administrative hearings or court proceedings.
  • Participate in community meetings and neighborhood outreach programs to promote code compliance.
Required Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, building inspection, law enforcement, planning/zoning, or a similar investigative or regulatory field.

Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and explain complex legal codes and site plans.
  • Proficient technical writing skills for detailed and accurate report generation.
  • Ability to work independently and manage diverse caseloads effectively.

Certifications

  • Possession of a valid state driver's license.
  • Certification as an ICC Code Enforcement Officer or other Code Enforcement Officer certification (e.g., AACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer, ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector) or the ability to obtain one within twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months of employment.

Manager
Code Enforcement Manager | Neighborhood Preservation Manager

The Code Enforcement Manager is a leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, administration, and operational oversight of the division. This management-level position blends management of personnel with high-level program development, policy implementation, and interdepartmental collaboration. The Manager is accountable for the division's effectiveness in upholding community standards and serves as the principal advisor to city leadership on code compliance matters.

Core Responsibilities
  • Plan, direct, and supervise the work of all division staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
  • Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency and service delivery.
  • Manage the division's annual budget, including forecasting needs, authorizing expenditures, and monitoring financial performance.
  • Handle complex, sensitive, and high-profile code enforcement cases and citizen complaints.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the City Manager's Office, City Council, Planning Commission, and other government departments.
  • Analyze trends in code violations and develop strategic initiatives, such as targeted outreach or proactive code sweeps, to address systemic issues.
  • Oversee the legal enforcement process, working closely with the City Attorney's office on case preparation and prosecution.
  • Prepare and present regular reports on divisional activities, outcomes, and performance metrics to stakeholders.
  • Review and recommend updates to the municipal code to reflect best practices and community needs.
Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Criminal Justice, Business Management, or a closely related field. A master's degree is highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal code enforcement or a related regulatory field.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

Skills

  • Proven leadership, team building, and personnel management skills.
  • Expert-level knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices, and legal precedents.
  • Strong strategic planning, budget management, and policy development abilities.
  • Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.

Certifications

  • Possession of a valid state driver's license.
  • Certification as an ICC Code Enforcement Manager or other certification such as the Master Code Enforcement Professional (MCEP) from AACE or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months of employment.

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