Zoning and Code Enforcement Official

Summary

Salary: $50,822.00 - $76,232.00 Annually
Location : 1003 N. Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00159
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
Under the supervision of the Planning Director. Primarily responsible for inspection and enforcement of the Town's Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance relating to land use, zoning, minimum housing, and property maintenance. Acts as a resource to the general public in all planning, permitting, and code enforcement related matters.

Detailed Work Activities

Duties and Task

1. Regularly observe all areas within the Town limits and extra territorial jurisdiction to ensure that no violations of the regulations set forth in the Zebulon Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance exist as they relate to planning issues.
2. Receive and respond to citizen complaints and inquiries; explain applicable regulations, suggest corrective actions, facilitate solutions, and provide education to residents and property owners regarding Town ordinances and neighborhood maintenance expectations.
3. Build positive relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations, and community partners to promote voluntary compliance, educate the public on Town regulations, and identify neighborhood issues before they become enforcement concerns.
4. Issue notices of violation when necessary and track corrective action ensuring compliance in a timely fashion. Enact corrective measures as needed.
5. Inspect construction sites to measure setback distances of foundations, future structure, signs and other features. This position will also be responsible for inspections before the certificate of Occupancy is granted to assure compliance with approved plans.
6. Perform zoning and minimum housing inspections as needed.
7. Enforcement of sign ordinance, to include permit review and issuance, field location of sign footing, and removal of illegally placed signs throughout planning jurisdiction.
8. Compile and maintain statistical data and statistics regarding violations and enforcement actions.
9. Responsible for identification and resolution of violations of the Code of Ordinances. This includes but is not limited to regulation of nuisance violations, tall grass and weeds junked or nuisance vehicles, illegal signs, minimum housing, and non-compliance to the Unified Development Ordinance.
10. Maintain database and records of code enforcement cases, including daily updates of inspections, communications, and document preparation.
11. Coordinate with other staff to update information on the Town's online code enforcement dashboard.
12. Backfill Development Services Manager on an as needed basis with the issuance of building and trade permits.
13. Assist with neighborhood outreach initiatives, community engagement activities, and other programs that support neighborhood revitalization, beautification, and code compliance.
14. Performs all other duties as required.

(This listing is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Qualifications
Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
2. Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.
3. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze written or computer data, depth and color perception, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, observing general surroundings and activities.
4. Must possess the auditory ability to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
5. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by the means of the spoken word.
6. Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.

Desirable Education and Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree supplemented by major course work in urban planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, law enforcement, or a related field.
2. Valid NC State Driver's License
3. Bilingual in Spanish preferred
4. Those with military or law enforcement experience strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are a representation, not an all-inclusive listing, of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.

1. Thorough knowledge of basic planning principles and the Unified Development Code complimented by a basic understanding of common construction practices.
2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form with excellent attention to detail and customer service.
3. Ability to build collaborative relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations, businesses, and other stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and impartial enforcement of Town regulations.
4. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, yet exhibit considerable firmness and fairness in administration of regulations.
5. Employee must work outside part of each day and is subject to adverse weather conditions including rain, heat, and wind.
6. Employee must possess computer skills as they relate to general office functions and common office equipment.

The Town of Zebulon is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families. We offer the following benefits to all full-time permanent employees:

Please note that the following is only a summary of Town employee benefits and policies. For further details and additional information, please refer to the Town of Zebulon Personnel Administration Policy handbook or see Human Resources. This document does not constitute a guarantee of benefits.

1. Annual Leave:Vacation accrues as follows:

Vacation is accrued on the 2nd Payroll of each month. Employees hired on or before the 15th of the month accrue annual leave during that month. Employees hired after the 15th do not accrue annual leave for the month in which they are hired. Employees are not permitted to use their vacation time during their probationary period except when approved by the Town Manager. Employees are permitted to accumulate vacation time with no maximum throughout the year. However, all accumulated vacation time over 240 hours at the end of the calendar year will be transferred to your sick leave.

1. Sick Leave: All employees earn eight hours of sick leave each month. There is no maximum accumulation of sick leave. Any employee hired on or before the 15th of the month accrues sick leave during that month. Employees hired after the 15th do not accrue sick leave for the month in which they are hired.

1. Petty Leave: Each employee earns 14 hours of petty leave per year (1.17 hours per month). Petty leave may be taken by employees with the approval of their supervisor. Any amount after two hours will not be approved as petty leave. Petty leave lapses at the calendar year end.

1. Holidays: The Town follows the basic holidays that the State of NC follows, except we add the employees birthday as a holiday. Each employee receives 13 holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Birthday, Good Friday, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas (3 days), and Employee's Birthday.

1. Maternity/Paternity Leave: Maternity/Paternity leave is composed of approved paid and unpaid time away from work for pregnancy or placing of a child related reasons. A combination of compensatory time, sick, vacation, and leave without pay may be used during this time if the necessary requirements are met.

1. Bereavement Leave: Bereavement leave may be used to attend the funeral for a death in the employee's immediate family, but may not exceed three days for any one occurrence.

1. Civil Leave: An employee called for jury duty or as a court witness for the federal or state governments or subdivision thereof shall receive leave with pay for such duty during the required absence without charge to accumulated vacation or sick leave. Any court fees paid to the employee are allowed to be retained by the employee. While on civil leave, benefits and leave shall accrue as though on regular duty. Employees required to be in court for their own case, defendant or plaintiff, must use compensatory, petty or vacation leave.

1. Military Leave: Any employee who is a member of an Armed Forces Reserve Organization or the National Guard will be granted ten workdays per year for military training. This leave is not charged to annual leave; however, any salary payment that the employee receives from the military shall be deducted from the employee's regular salary paid by the Town.

1. FMLA Leave: Any employee eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act is eligible for 12-weeks of leave. FMLA leave will run concurrently with all workers compensation leave, short term disability, maternity and any other leave that qualifies. The employee is required to notify their supervisor and Human Resources of the need to be out on leave and must also provide Human Resources with the necessary documentation.

1. Social Security Deductions: Employees are covered under FICA (Federal Medicare and Social Security program). The FICA deduction is taken each pay period. The Town of Zebulon matches and contributes this amount to the Social Security Administration.

1. Workers' Compensations Salary Supplement: All full-time employees are covered by worker' compensation. Employees with a job-related injury are paid 66 percent of their salary from the Town via an independent workers' compensation insurance carrier. The employee may elect to use accumulated compensatory time, vacation or sick leave to augment workers' compensation pay.

1. Credit Union: Employees may join the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Federal Credit Union. For information contact the Credit Union at 919/269-5477 or refer to the NCLGFCU packet.

1. Health Insurance: The Town provides health insurance coverage for all full-time employees. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Spouse, dependent, or family coverage is also available. Employees are responsible for paying additional premiums for any dependent coverage. See your health care package for further details.

1. Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is provided for Town employees at no cost to the employee. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Spouse, dependent, and family coverage is also available. Employees are responsible for paying additional premiums for any dependent coverage. See your dental care package for further details.
2. Vision Insurance: Vision insurance is provided for Town employees at no cost to the employee. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Employee has the opportunity to purchase vision insurance for their family members.

Note: As part of the Town's cafeteria plan you may choose to not be carried under the Town health insurance plan, provided you can show proof of some other type of group health coverage. You also may opt out of the dental insurance plan. If you choose not to be carried under the plan, you may receive a portion of the premiums that would be paid if you selected to be covered under the Town's plan. Any opt out pay is determined by the Board of Commissioners.

1. Supplemental Insurance: Various supplemental insurance policies, including accident, cancer, and hospitalization insurance, are available through Colonial Life at the cost of the employee. See your Colonial Life packet for further details.

1. Disability Insurance: Full-time employees have short-term disability insurance provided by the Town of Zebulon. Disability Insurance pays an employee 66 percent of their weekly salary when supported by medical documentation of disability and department head verification of known disability. The employee may elect to use accumulated compensatory time, vacation or sick leave to augment disability pay. Disability insurance begins paying on the sixth workday of any disability and/or after all accrued vacation, compensation time and sick time is exhausted. Maximum duration of short-term disability leave is 26 weeks. The Town does not offer long-term disability.

1. Long Term Disability Insurance: Long Term Disability Insurance is available to employees at their own expense. This insurance is through Hartford Insurance.

1. Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): The Town pays for employee individual term life insurance and AD&D at one time their annual salary. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Employees also have the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for them self or their family members through Hartford Insurance. Employee is responsible for paying all premiums for family and additional coverage.

1. Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees have the opportunity (after six months of employment) to have amounts deducted from their pay pre-tax and placed in a flexible spending account. Please speak to the Finance Department staff if you have questions or are interested in participating in this program.

1. Death Benefit: An employee with one year of service time in the NC Local Governmental Employees Retirement System is covered by a death benefit paid to his or her beneficiary. It is equal to the employee highest 12-month salary not to exceed $150,000.

1. Retirement System/Deductions: All full-time employees are members of the State Retirement System. Police officers are members of the Local Law Enforcement Retirement System while other employees are members of the Local Government Retirement System. All Town full-time employees are required to contribute six percent of their salary to the retirement system and the Town contributes to the system based on rates determined by the state. Employees are vested after five years in the State Retirement System.

1. Supplement Retirement: The Town contributes additional retirement equal to five percent of the employee's salary to a supplemental plan for each full-time employee. All full-time employees are members of the Prudential NC 401(k) program. Employees are not required but also may contribute additional amounts to these plans, including a Roth 401(k) plan. See your Prudential handbook for further details.

1. NC529 Plan: Employees have the opportunity to have amounts deducted from their pay and sent to the College Foundation of NC National College Saving Program. Please refer to the College Foundation handout for more information.

1. COBRA: All full-time employees are covered under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, meaning that, upon leaving employment with the Town, they can continue to be covered under the Town's health and dental plans at their own cost.

THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY AND IN NO WAY CONSTITUTES A GUARANTEE OF BENEFITS TO BE OFFERED
01

In your opinion, what is the primary purpose of a code enforcement officer in a growing community?
02

A homeowner is upset after receiving a notice of violation and insists the Town is "just picking on them." How would you handle the conversation?
03

Describe a time you solved a problem by building a relationship rather than relying on rules or authority. What was the outcome?
Required Question

Job Description

Salary: $50,822.00 - $76,232.00 Annually
Location : 1003 N. Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00159
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
Under the supervision of the Planning Director. Primarily responsible for inspection and enforcement of the Town's Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance relating to land use, zoning, minimum housing, and property maintenance. Acts as a resource to the general public in all planning, permitting, and code enforcement related matters.

Detailed Work Activities

Duties and Task

1. Regularly observe all areas within the Town limits and extra territorial jurisdiction to ensure that no violations of the regulations set forth in the Zebulon Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Ordinance exist as they relate to planning issues.
2. Receive and respond to citizen complaints and inquiries; explain applicable regulations, suggest corrective actions, facilitate solutions, and provide education to residents and property owners regarding Town ordinances and neighborhood maintenance expectations.
3. Build positive relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations, and community partners to promote voluntary compliance, educate the public on Town regulations, and identify neighborhood issues before they become enforcement concerns.
4. Issue notices of violation when necessary and track corrective action ensuring compliance in a timely fashion. Enact corrective measures as needed.
5. Inspect construction sites to measure setback distances of foundations, future structure, signs and other features. This position will also be responsible for inspections before the certificate of Occupancy is granted to assure compliance with approved plans.
6. Perform zoning and minimum housing inspections as needed.
7. Enforcement of sign ordinance, to include permit review and issuance, field location of sign footing, and removal of illegally placed signs throughout planning jurisdiction.
8. Compile and maintain statistical data and statistics regarding violations and enforcement actions.
9. Responsible for identification and resolution of violations of the Code of Ordinances. This includes but is not limited to regulation of nuisance violations, tall grass and weeds junked or nuisance vehicles, illegal signs, minimum housing, and non-compliance to the Unified Development Ordinance.
10. Maintain database and records of code enforcement cases, including daily updates of inspections, communications, and document preparation.
11. Coordinate with other staff to update information on the Town's online code enforcement dashboard.
12. Backfill Development Services Manager on an as needed basis with the issuance of building and trade permits.
13. Assist with neighborhood outreach initiatives, community engagement activities, and other programs that support neighborhood revitalization, beautification, and code compliance.
14. Performs all other duties as required.

(This listing is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Qualifications
Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
2. Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.
3. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze written or computer data, depth and color perception, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, observing general surroundings and activities.
4. Must possess the auditory ability to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
5. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by the means of the spoken word.
6. Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.

Desirable Education and Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree supplemented by major course work in urban planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, law enforcement, or a related field.
2. Valid NC State Driver's License
3. Bilingual in Spanish preferred
4. Those with military or law enforcement experience strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are a representation, not an all-inclusive listing, of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.

1. Thorough knowledge of basic planning principles and the Unified Development Code complimented by a basic understanding of common construction practices.
2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form with excellent attention to detail and customer service.
3. Ability to build collaborative relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations, businesses, and other stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and impartial enforcement of Town regulations.
4. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, yet exhibit considerable firmness and fairness in administration of regulations.
5. Employee must work outside part of each day and is subject to adverse weather conditions including rain, heat, and wind.
6. Employee must possess computer skills as they relate to general office functions and common office equipment.

The Town of Zebulon is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families. We offer the following benefits to all full-time permanent employees:

Please note that the following is only a summary of Town employee benefits and policies. For further details and additional information, please refer to the Town of Zebulon Personnel Administration Policy handbook or see Human Resources. This document does not constitute a guarantee of benefits.

1. Annual Leave:Vacation accrues as follows:

Vacation is accrued on the 2nd Payroll of each month. Employees hired on or before the 15th of the month accrue annual leave during that month. Employees hired after the 15th do not accrue annual leave for the month in which they are hired. Employees are not permitted to use their vacation time during their probationary period except when approved by the Town Manager. Employees are permitted to accumulate vacation time with no maximum throughout the year. However, all accumulated vacation time over 240 hours at the end of the calendar year will be transferred to your sick leave.

1. Sick Leave: All employees earn eight hours of sick leave each month. There is no maximum accumulation of sick leave. Any employee hired on or before the 15th of the month accrues sick leave during that month. Employees hired after the 15th do not accrue sick leave for the month in which they are hired.

1. Petty Leave: Each employee earns 14 hours of petty leave per year (1.17 hours per month). Petty leave may be taken by employees with the approval of their supervisor. Any amount after two hours will not be approved as petty leave. Petty leave lapses at the calendar year end.

1. Holidays: The Town follows the basic holidays that the State of NC follows, except we add the employees birthday as a holiday. Each employee receives 13 holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Birthday, Good Friday, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas (3 days), and Employee's Birthday.

1. Maternity/Paternity Leave: Maternity/Paternity leave is composed of approved paid and unpaid time away from work for pregnancy or placing of a child related reasons. A combination of compensatory time, sick, vacation, and leave without pay may be used during this time if the necessary requirements are met.

1. Bereavement Leave: Bereavement leave may be used to attend the funeral for a death in the employee's immediate family, but may not exceed three days for any one occurrence.

1. Civil Leave: An employee called for jury duty or as a court witness for the federal or state governments or subdivision thereof shall receive leave with pay for such duty during the required absence without charge to accumulated vacation or sick leave. Any court fees paid to the employee are allowed to be retained by the employee. While on civil leave, benefits and leave shall accrue as though on regular duty. Employees required to be in court for their own case, defendant or plaintiff, must use compensatory, petty or vacation leave.

1. Military Leave: Any employee who is a member of an Armed Forces Reserve Organization or the National Guard will be granted ten workdays per year for military training. This leave is not charged to annual leave; however, any salary payment that the employee receives from the military shall be deducted from the employee's regular salary paid by the Town.

1. FMLA Leave: Any employee eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act is eligible for 12-weeks of leave. FMLA leave will run concurrently with all workers compensation leave, short term disability, maternity and any other leave that qualifies. The employee is required to notify their supervisor and Human Resources of the need to be out on leave and must also provide Human Resources with the necessary documentation.

1. Social Security Deductions: Employees are covered under FICA (Federal Medicare and Social Security program). The FICA deduction is taken each pay period. The Town of Zebulon matches and contributes this amount to the Social Security Administration.

1. Workers' Compensations Salary Supplement: All full-time employees are covered by worker' compensation. Employees with a job-related injury are paid 66 percent of their salary from the Town via an independent workers' compensation insurance carrier. The employee may elect to use accumulated compensatory time, vacation or sick leave to augment workers' compensation pay.

1. Credit Union: Employees may join the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Federal Credit Union. For information contact the Credit Union at 919/269-5477 or refer to the NCLGFCU packet.

1. Health Insurance: The Town provides health insurance coverage for all full-time employees. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Spouse, dependent, or family coverage is also available. Employees are responsible for paying additional premiums for any dependent coverage. See your health care package for further details.

1. Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is provided for Town employees at no cost to the employee. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Spouse, dependent, and family coverage is also available. Employees are responsible for paying additional premiums for any dependent coverage. See your dental care package for further details.
2. Vision Insurance: Vision insurance is provided for Town employees at no cost to the employee. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Employee has the opportunity to purchase vision insurance for their family members.

Note: As part of the Town's cafeteria plan you may choose to not be carried under the Town health insurance plan, provided you can show proof of some other type of group health coverage. You also may opt out of the dental insurance plan. If you choose not to be carried under the plan, you may receive a portion of the premiums that would be paid if you selected to be covered under the Town's plan. Any opt out pay is determined by the Board of Commissioners.

1. Supplemental Insurance: Various supplemental insurance policies, including accident, cancer, and hospitalization insurance, are available through Colonial Life at the cost of the employee. See your Colonial Life packet for further details.

1. Disability Insurance: Full-time employees have short-term disability insurance provided by the Town of Zebulon. Disability Insurance pays an employee 66 percent of their weekly salary when supported by medical documentation of disability and department head verification of known disability. The employee may elect to use accumulated compensatory time, vacation or sick leave to augment disability pay. Disability insurance begins paying on the sixth workday of any disability and/or after all accrued vacation, compensation time and sick time is exhausted. Maximum duration of short-term disability leave is 26 weeks. The Town does not offer long-term disability.

1. Long Term Disability Insurance: Long Term Disability Insurance is available to employees at their own expense. This insurance is through Hartford Insurance.

1. Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): The Town pays for employee individual term life insurance and AD&D at one time their annual salary. Insurance coverage becomes effective 30 days after hire date. Employees also have the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for them self or their family members through Hartford Insurance. Employee is responsible for paying all premiums for family and additional coverage.

1. Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees have the opportunity (after six months of employment) to have amounts deducted from their pay pre-tax and placed in a flexible spending account. Please speak to the Finance Department staff if you have questions or are interested in participating in this program.

1. Death Benefit: An employee with one year of service time in the NC Local Governmental Employees Retirement System is covered by a death benefit paid to his or her beneficiary. It is equal to the employee highest 12-month salary not to exceed $150,000.

1. Retirement System/Deductions: All full-time employees are members of the State Retirement System. Police officers are members of the Local Law Enforcement Retirement System while other employees are members of the Local Government Retirement System. All Town full-time employees are required to contribute six percent of their salary to the retirement system and the Town contributes to the system based on rates determined by the state. Employees are vested after five years in the State Retirement System.

1. Supplement Retirement: The Town contributes additional retirement equal to five percent of the employee's salary to a supplemental plan for each full-time employee. All full-time employees are members of the Prudential NC 401(k) program. Employees are not required but also may contribute additional amounts to these plans, including a Roth 401(k) plan. See your Prudential handbook for further details.

1. NC529 Plan: Employees have the opportunity to have amounts deducted from their pay and sent to the College Foundation of NC National College Saving Program. Please refer to the College Foundation handout for more information.

1. COBRA: All full-time employees are covered under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, meaning that, upon leaving employment with the Town, they can continue to be covered under the Town's health and dental plans at their own cost.

THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY AND IN NO WAY CONSTITUTES A GUARANTEE OF BENEFITS TO BE OFFERED
01

In your opinion, what is the primary purpose of a code enforcement officer in a growing community?
02

A homeowner is upset after receiving a notice of violation and insists the Town is "just picking on them." How would you handle the conversation?
03

Describe a time you solved a problem by building a relationship rather than relying on rules or authority. What was the outcome?
Required Question