Code Official

Code Official

Salary

$74,707.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

Location

Community Development, VA

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Job Number

09461

Department

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Function

A career about community-Are you a professional looking for a career where you will have a direct impact on the growth of a community? Do you have an interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, collaboration?

If you answered "yes" then the City of Hampton has an opportunity for you! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits. Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring.

The City of Hampton is seeking a Code Official to manage and oversee the Citys property maintenance/zoning enforcement program to ensure compliance and enforcement of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances. Serves as the Citys Code Official and assists the director in planning, coordinating and directing the activities of the Community Development Department.

This position serves as a member of the department leadership team and performs duties under the limited supervision of the Director of Community Development who provides guidance, advice and assistance as necessary. Requires independent judgement in accomplishing assigned duties.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED, supplemented by some technical, vocational or trade school courses.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Public or Governmental Administration or related field of study preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years direct work experience as an inspector in one or more of the following codes compliance or building inspection areas: structural, land use, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building, zoning or property maintenance.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience as a supervisor in one or more of the areas listed above.
• A combination of education and experience considered in lieu of the qualifications outlined above.
• Thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances related to zoning, codes compliance and property maintenance code compliance and enforcement; thorough knowledge of legal procedures as related to the enforcement and administration of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Must possess a Certified Zoning Official certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) or a Zoning Inspector certification issued by the International Code Council and possess or obtain a Certified Zoning Administrator certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) within twelve (12) months of employment in this position.
• Must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment in this position the following certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD): Property Maintenance Official.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to an offer of employment or promotion.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, blueprints and specifications; ability to foster effective working relationships with diverse populations of contractors, property owners, city officials, general public and other City personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to effectively plan, implement and communicate goals and objectives, schedule and assign work and motivate and develop personnel.
• May be subject to call-out in order to respond to calls for service after normal business hours.
• Requires extensive travel throughout the local area.
• Requires tact, diplomacy and patience in dealing with citizens on points of law and regulations not readily understood or accepted.
• Requires attendance at meetings held after working hours.
• This is an exempt position.

The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click here for a complete job description.

Examples of Work

What YOU will be doing:

• Works collaboratively with the Zoning Administrator and Building Official to interpret and clarify zoning ordinances, property maintenance codes, city ordinances, and rules and regulations in order to provide clear and consistent enforcement guidance for team members.
• Coordinates the Citys demolition program to include review of structures for demolition and oversight of compliance and scheduling requirements.
• Develops departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs). Trains inspectors in the proper methods and procedures for ordinance and code interpretations and inspection enforcement protocols.
• Creates scope of work and administers the Citys weed and debris, towing and overgrowth contracts.
• Oversees inspection of relevant codes and ordinances associated with site plans and subdivisions to ensure compliance with approved plans. Requires tracking and oversight of all new development within the City.
• Serves as the Citys Code Official.
• Provides oversight of the Consolidated Enforcement Team.
• Oversees environmental inspections and enforcement. Requires technical environmental knowledge and skills related to wetlands and Chesapeake Bay Preservation District regulations.
• Supervises, coaches and mentors inspectors by providing leadership, guidance and clearly communicating performance expectations and providing performance feedback to team members. Initiates and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, employee evaluations, training and employee discipline and counseling.
• Consults with inspectors to interpret ordinances and codes, and reviews code violations. Mediates resolution of conflicts between inspectors and citizens, permit holders and contractors.
• Serves as an integral member of the departments emergency response team. Serves as the field coordinator for the Damage Assessment Teams and assists the Building Official and Director in managing the departments damage assessment responsibilities during emergency response.
• Assists in development and administration of the departmental budget; initiates appropriate adjustments, as necessary, throughout the fiscal year. Assists in evaluating existing administrative policies, practices and techniques and recommends improvements.
• Attends a wide variety of meetings and serves on various task forces and committees such as Public Nuisance Abatement Team, Night Club Task Force and Strategic Acquisition Review Committee.
• May represent the department on City Code, Virginia Maintenance Code and Zoning Ordinance matters before various Boards and Commissions, community groups, business groups and City Council, as well as testifying at the General Assembly on matters related to property maintenance on behalf of the City.
• Demonstrates punctuality and regular attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Features

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts
• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA
• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
• Maternity Leave
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Care for Sick Parent Leave
• Birthday Leave
• Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Years Day

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Presidents Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

• Employees birthday

• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.

• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.

• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit Mission Square.

• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.

• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.

• Employees are covered for Workers Compensation where appropriate.

• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see the Guidance Resources Website.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• High school graduate or GED completed
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02

Which of the following best describes your direct work experience as an inspector in one or more of the following codes compliance or building inspection areas: structural, land use, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building, zoning or property maintenance?

• less than one year
• 1-2 years experience
• 3-4 years experience
• 5-6 years experience
• 7+ years experience

03

Of the years of experience noted above, which options best describes your experience working at a manager/supervisory level in the following codes compliance or building inspection areas: structural, land use, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building, zoning or property maintenance.

• less than one year
• 1-2 years experience
• 3 - 4 years experience
• 5 or more years of experience

04

I understand that I must possess a Certified Zoning Official certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) or a Zoning Inspector Certification issued by the International Code Council and possess or obtain a Certified Zoning Administrator certification issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) within twelve (12) months of employment in this position.

• Yes
• No

05

I understand that I must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of employment in this position the following certification issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD): Property Maintenance Official.

• Yes
• No

06

Which of the options below best describes your knowledge of all federal, state and local laws and related ordinances related to zoning, codes compliance and property maintenance code compliance and enforcement?

• No knowledge
• Basic knowledge
• Thorough knowledge
• Extensive knowledge

07

This position requires that you possess a valid drivers license and have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hamptons criteria. Failure to provide your drivers license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your drivers license number by entering it below:

08

I understand that I must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that this position requires extensive travel throughout the local area and attendance at meetings held after working hours.

• Yes
• No

10

I understand this position is exempt.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hampton

Address 22 Lincoln Street

Hampton, Virginia, 23669

Phone (757) 727-6407

Website http://www.hampton.gov/hr