Code Compliance Officer
Department: Planning and Zoning
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Planning and Zoning Administrator
General Definition of Work
Performs responsible technical, investigative, and field inspection work to promote the safe, orderly, and sustainable development of Halifax County. The Code Compliance Officer administers and enforces the Halifax County Code, Zoning Ordinance, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
This forward-thinking role combines responsive enforcement with proactive community education, early intervention, technology-supported inspections, and collaborative problemsolving. The employee investigates complaints, conducts site inspections, documents violations, issues enforcement notices and stop work orders, and monitors compliance with approved development plans, conditional use permits, renewable energy facilities, and other complex or emerging land uses.
The employee exercises considerable independent judgment while promoting voluntary compliance whenever appropriate and applying enforcement measures fairly and consistently when necessary. The position requires professionalism, diplomacy, sound judgment, and a customer-service approach when working with property owners, contractors, developers, attorneys, elected officials, County staff, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are representative of the work performed. This list is not intended to be allinclusive, and other related duties may be assigned.
Promotes a fair, consistent, educational, and solutions-oriented approach to code compliance while taking timely enforcement action when circumstances require it.
Identifies emerging compliance concerns and recommends proactive strategies, policy improvements, and practical solutions before concerns become significant community issues.
Responds promptly and professionally to citizen complaints involving zoning, building, nuisance, property maintenance, land use, and other potential code violations.
Investigates alleged violations of County ordinances and applicable state regulations and conducts field inspections to determine compliance with approved permits, plans, and development approvals.
Works with property owners, businesses, contractors, and developers to explain requirements, establish clear corrective-action expectations, and encourage voluntary compliance whenever appropriate.
Issues Notices of Violation, Notices to Comply, civil citations, and other enforcement documents within the scope of assigned authority.
Prepares and issues Stop Work Orders when construction or land disturbance occurs without required approvals or in violation of County regulations.
Documents inspections and violations through clear written reports, photographs, maps, measurements, correspondence, and electronic case records.
Maintains complete, accurate, organized, and confidential enforcement files and monitors cases from initial complaint through final resolution.
Conducts follow-up inspections to confirm corrective actions and coordinates complex or recurring enforcement matters with appropriate County departments and legal counsel.
Investigates zoning concerns involving unauthorized land uses, setback violations, illegal signs, accessory structures, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, home occupations, junk and debris, outdoor storage, and temporary uses.
Conducts required safety inspections of licensed short-term rental properties and documents compliance with applicable County requirements.
Verifies compliance with approved site plans, zoning permits, development conditions, and related approvals.
Performs periodic and risk-based inspections of properties operating under Conditional Use Permits and verifies ongoing compliance with conditions approved by the Halifax County Board of Supervisors.
Monitors Conditional Use Permit requirements involving hours of operation, buffers and landscaping, noise limitations, traffic conditions, screening, and site improvements; documents and reports noncompliance to the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
Maintains organized records that support consistent, transparent, and long-term monitoring of approved conditional uses.
Monitors utility-scale renewable energy facilities and other emerging or complex development projects, including solar energy facilities, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), data centers, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), substations, and associated infrastructure.
Inspects approved screening, vegetative buffers, landscaping, access roads, fencing, signage, security measures, and related site improvements throughout construction, operation, and post-construction phases.
Coordinates renewable energy and complex-development inspections with developers, engineers, operators, third-party consultants, regulatory agencies, and other County departments.
Monitors changes in technology, development practices, and regulatory requirements and recommends improvements to inspection procedures, monitoring practices, and compliance documentation.
Conducts field inspections of construction activities when necessary and within the scope of assigned authority; verifies required permits and approvals and investigates reports of unpermitted construction.
Coordinates building and construction enforcement activities with the Building Official, Planning and Zoning Administrator, and other County departments, emphasizing early communication to prevent avoidable violations and project delays.
Investigates reports of unsafe, dangerous, abandoned, or deteriorated structures; documents observable conditions; and coordinates corrective-action and unsafe-building procedures with the Building Official.
Investigates complaints involving junk vehicles, illegal dumping, overgrown properties, unsafe structures, illegal land disturbance, floodplain violations, zoning violations, building violations, renewable energy facilities, and Conditional Use Permit compliance.
Evaluates complaints objectively, establishes priorities based on public safety and community impact, maintains confidentiality when required, and communicates case status in accordance with County policy and applicable law.
Prepares clear, complete, and well-organized evidence, affidavits, inspection reports, case summaries, and legal documentation for court or administrative proceedings.
Testifies professionally in General District Court, Circuit Court, and other legal or administrative proceedings and coordinates enforcement efforts with the County Attorney and other legal representatives.
Explains County ordinances, regulations, permitting requirements, and compliance procedures to citizens in clear and understandable language.
Builds constructive working relationships with citizens, property owners, contractors, developers, County departments, state agencies, utilities, emergency services, and other public or private organizations.
Uses GIS mapping, permitting, inspection, mobile, and case-management technology to improve the accuracy, responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency of field operations.
Assists in developing inspection forms, checklists, standard procedures, educational materials, performance measures, and reports regarding complaint trends, inspection activity, enforcement outcomes, and compliance rates.
Participates in training and professional development to remain current on legal requirements, technology, inspection practices, conflict resolution, and emerging development trends.
Represents Halifax County professionally during meetings, inspections, public interactions, court proceedings, and other assigned activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of Virginia zoning and land-use principles, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, local government code compliance practices, site development and construction practices, and legal procedures related to enforcement.
Knowledge of effective inspection, investigation, documentation, evidence-management, customer-service, conflict-resolution, and community-engagement practices.
Knowledge of emerging development trends, including renewable energy facilities, data centers, energy storage systems, and other technology-based land uses.
Skill in conducting thorough, objective, and consistent inspections and investigations and preparing clear, accurate, and legally sound notices, reports, correspondence, and case documentation.
Skill in using GIS applications, electronic permitting and case-management systems, mobile inspection tools, cameras, measuring devices, and standard office technology.
Ability to interpret and consistently apply County ordinances, policies, approved conditions, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Ability to balance education, voluntary compliance, and formal enforcement based on the circumstances and legal requirements of each case.
Ability to communicate complex regulatory information clearly, professionally, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage multiple cases and deadlines, maintain accountability, and work effectively with minimal supervision.
Ability to resolve conflicts, de-escalate difficult interactions, and remain professional in sensitive or potentially confrontational situations.
Ability to maintain complete, accurate, organized, and confidential inspection and enforcement records.
Ability to testify clearly and effectively in court and other formal proceedings.
Ability to recognize emerging compliance issues, analyze trends, and recommend practical, progressive, and forward-thinking solutions.
Ability to adapt to changes in technology, regulations, development practices, and community needs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, property owners, developers, elected officials, County staff, regulatory agencies, legal representatives, and community partners.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required.
Associate degree in Planning, Construction Technology, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Building Inspection, or a closely related field is preferred.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, planning and zoning, building inspection, law enforcement, construction, engineering, or a related field.
Experience using GIS, permitting, inspection, or electronic case-management systems is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Physical Requirements
This position requires work involving a combination of office and field activities. Duties require frequent walking over uneven, sloped, wooded, or unimproved terrain; navigating active construction sites; standing or walking for extended periods; and occasionally lifting and carrying materials or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to safely operate County vehicles and use computers, mobile devices, cameras, measuring equipment, and other inspection tools. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment
Work is performed in both office and field environments and requires regular travel throughout Halifax County to inspect residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, construction, and renewable energy sites. The employee may encounter uneven or difficult terrain, adverse weather, construction hazards, abandoned structures, animals, insects, vegetation, dust, noise, and occasionally confrontational situations. The employee must follow established safety procedures and consistently exercise professionalism, situational awareness, diplomacy, and sound judgment. Occasional evening meetings, court appearances, or other work outside normal business hours may be required.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to travel throughout Halifax County and, when required, the surrounding region for inspections, meetings, training, court proceedings, and other assigned activities.
Must obtain and maintain certifications or specialized training required by Halifax County or applicable law within established timeframes.
Must attend the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Core Module training and obtain the Virginia Property Maintenance certification within eighteen (18) months of employment.
Continued professional development in code compliance, zoning administration, inspection practices, conflict resolution, legal procedures, technology, and emerging development trends is expected.
Disclaimer
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Halifax County reserves the right to revise, amend, or assign additional duties as organizational needs, technologies, regulations, and community priorities evolve. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Pay: $46,381.00 - $86,825.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
