Code Official/ Senior Code Official

Under the general supervision of the division supervisor, Code Officials provide public protection, safety, health, and well-being by performing inspections, enforcement, and related functions necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and City codes and ordinances (Code). This position involves the on-site inspection of building construction and existing properties within the City of Sun Prairie. Work is performed with a high degree of independence in the field. Decisions within areas of responsibility are made independently, supervision received is general. Overall work plans are discussed with periodic review of progress. There is frequent interaction with the public, contractors, and other City staff.

Career Incentive:
This classification series is structured to provide career progression within the division based upon obtaining and maintaining required inspection credentials, increased expertise and responsibility, experience in and knowledge of City systems and processes associated with the work and demonstrated work performance. See work requirements below. Senior Code Official maximum salary range as of 2025: $99,695.96

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. 
 

• Meet with stakeholders to provide or accept information pertaining to construction requirements and encourage continued development and growth in the City.  
• Provide written or verbal interpretations of Code under the direction of the division supervisor.
• Review plans, drawings and specifications for buildings and structures to ensure conformance with Code.
• Review and approve permits for construction of buildings and structures.
• Conduct on-site inspections of buildings and structures during construction to assure compliance with Code or special requirements.
• Conduct on-site inspections within the built environment in accordance with the City Code; including, but not limited to erosion control, noxious weed and tall grass control, sidewalk snow and ice removal, and safe and sanitary maintenance of property.
• Prepare detailed and concise inspection reports of Code violations, maintain inspection data and records, and can effectively communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Investigate concerns from tenants, landlords, property owners and the public.
• Issue Municipal Citations for certain violations.  Provide expert testimony in municipal or Circuit Court proceedings.
• Independently conduct inspections of all types of buildings and sites with varying degrees of complexity.
• Perform various types of state level (DSPS) plan examination under the supervision of the Director of Building Inspection. 

• Provide training and outreach to the public, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Requirements of Work

Code Official Requirements: 

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a construction related environment where building inspections are performed frequently.
• Extensive technical or specialized training such as that which would be acquired by an associates degree or two (2) years of technical or business school. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain during entire course of employment.
• Must possess two (2) of the following State of Wisconsin certifications within one year of employment:
  • Uniform Dwelling Code Construction Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector
  • Uniform Dwelling Code HVAC Inspector
  • Uniform Dwelling Code Electric Inspector
  • Uniform Dwelling Code Plumbing Inspector

• A minimum of four (4) year of experience in a construction related environment where building inspections are performed frequently.
• Extensive technical or specialized training such as that which would be acquired by an associates degree or two (2) years of technical or business school.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain during entire course of employment.
• Must possess at least two (2) of the following State of Wisconsin certifications:
  • Commercial Building Certification
  • Commercial Plumbing Certification
  • Commercial Electrical Certification

• Must possess one of the following State of Wisconsin Licenses:
• State of Wisconsin Licensed Master Electrician
• State of Wisconsin Licensed Master Plumber

• Working knowledge of building construction principles, practices, methods, and materials.
• Working knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and ordinances.
• Ability to use clear language to write technical reports. 
• Ability to perform detailed work with great accuracy.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight and review of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing,  with a variety of people, including co-workers, other professionals, contractors, developers, elected officials, and the public.

Other Job Functions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in an office setting; Outside work (no effective protection from weather) is 75% of the time. Inside work is 25% of the time.
• The employee must be able to move about over rough and uneven terrain and assume awkward positions while performing inspection tasks; drive a vehicle and occasionally assist with snow removal on sidewalks.
• Physical agility and strength necessary to climb, stoop and access confined spaces to conduct inspections.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture.  These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do.  Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play.  If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.