Responsible for overseeing the City’s code enforcement and rental licensing programs to ensure compliance with property maintenance standards and housing regulations. This role supervises staff, provides training and performance feedback, and manages the rental licensing process. In addition, this position responds to complex code complaints, directs inspections and enforcement actions, and ensures accurate legal defensible documentation

Manages, coordinates, and evaluates the City’s code enforcement and rental licensing program.
Identifies opportunities to improve city codes, programs and processes. Leads research, analysis and develops updates to ordinances and regulations for consideration by Commissions, City Council and other decision-making bodies. Evaluates program performance, implements goals and objectives and recommends improvements to operations and procedures.
Supervises and provides guidance, training and performance feedback to assigned staff responsible for rental licensing and code enforcement.
Supports the Community Development Director with strategic planning, preparation, and management of the department’s annual budget.
Leads and collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders on code compliance and rental licensing initiatives.
Monitors community complaints to direct education and enforcement activities.
Oversees the rental licensing process, including application review, documentation verification, fee collection, and monitoring of license renewals and expirations.
Ensures inspections of rental properties are conducted in accordance with the Property Maintenance Code and Rental Housing Ordinances; including follow up on violations and coordinate enforcement actions as needed.
Responds to escalated or complex code complaints and works with property owners, tenants, and community members to resolve issues.
Conducts and oversees field inspections, investigations, and collection and proper documentation of evidence.
Ensures appropriate enforcement actions are taken, including issuance of notices, citations, and coordination of nuisance abatements.
Maintains accurate records, prepare reports, and ensure documentation aligns with legal and regulatory standards.
Monitors Federal and State laws to ensure that rental and code enforcement practices are administered in accordance with legal requirements and best practices.
Leads the development and implementation of public education campaigns and materials.
Prepares graphics for a variety of reports, plans, publications, and meetings. Maintains and updates department webpages.
Represents the City at local, regional and state agency meetings, on committees, and in community engagement efforts.
Coordinates with legal counsel including county and city attorneys to prepare enforcement cases, ensure proper legal documentation, and represents the City at court proceedings related to code violations.
Ability to work evenings and attend special events, which may be on weekends, as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including performance management and delegation.
In-depth knowledge of state statutes, municipal codes, zoning, enforcement practices and resources available to customers.
Ability to identify potential legal risks and ensure enforcement actions are consistent with due process and applicable laws.
Working knowledge of legal procedures and documentation required for code enforcement cases, including affidavits, subpoenas, citations, and court filings.
Understanding of civil legal processes, timelines, and standards of proof applicable to code violations and property-related offenses.
Strong program management skills, including the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate code enforcement and rental licensing programs in alignment with legal standards and community goals.
Proficiency with technology, including case management software, word processing, and mapping tools.
Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage complex cases and prioritize tasks.
Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to solve problems and facilitate dispute resolution.
Experienced in educating and engaging stakeholders on code-related issues.
Able to work independently and collaboratively within and across departments.
Understand and apply data privacy laws and maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to equity and inclusion in community engagement and enforcement practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in code enforcement, rental licensing, housing inspection, zoning, or a related field.
At least two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience in a municipal or regulatory environment in code enforcement, rental licensing, housing inspection, zoning, or a related field.
Experience coordinating with legal counsel or preparing documentation for administrative or judicial proceedings is strongly preferred
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within a reasonable timeframe.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, planning, housing, environmental health, construction management, law enforcement or a related field.
Certification in code enforcement, housing inspection, or rental licensing (e.g., ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector).
Proficiency in a second language that is commonly spoken in the community.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPerform other related work as assigned.

CONDITIONS OF WORKPossible exposure to inclement weather conditions and to hazardous situations. While performing the duties, the employee may be required to deal constructively with conflict and in developing effective resolutions. Low degree of physical effort with the ability to lift 20 pounds. Substantial contact with the public, agencies, and other City employees. Refer also to Physical Demands Supplement for additional information.

RENTAL LICENSING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT

Physical Demands And Job Description Supplement

WORK ENVIRONMENTPHYSICAL DEMANDS

Normal shift = eight (8) hours for five (5) consecutive days.
Work indoors and outdoors, in both a controlled environment and inclement weather
Exposure to unsanitary conditions, damaged structures, and may involve areas with poor footing and falling materials.
Other environments are common office surroundings with quiet noise levels.
Position demands driving in all conditions.

Type of ActivityFrequencyWalking/standing:SSitting:SStanding in One Place:OClimbing:OPulling/Pushing:OCrawling/Kneeling/Squatting:OBending/Stooping:OTwisting/Turning:ORepetitive movement:MLifting waist to shoulder; knee to waist; floor to knee:MDangerous and Hazardous Situations:MDriving/Travel:M

S = Significant M = Moderate O= Occasional

City of Savage

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Code and Rental Licensing Manager