Code Compliance Supervisor

The City of Tacoma’s Planning & Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as a Code Compliance Supervisor within the Regulatory Compliance group.

This position supervises a team responsible for investigating and resolving complaints related to nuisance conditions, derelict and substandard buildings, vegetation obstructions, commercial noise, and other violations of the Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC). The Code Compliance Supervisor ensures enforcement activities are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with due-process requirements.

The supervisor provides leadership, technical guidance, and operational oversight to Code Compliance Inspectors conducting complaint-driven investigations throughout the City. The role includes case review and quality control, staff coaching and performance management, coordination of complex enforcement cases, and collaboration with other City departments and external agencies.

Tacoma’s Code Compliance program emphasizes education-first enforcement, prioritizing voluntary compliance and clear communication with property owners and community members before escalation to formal enforcement measures. The Code Compliance Supervisor plays a critical role in maintaining consistent enforcement standards, ensuring accurate documentation, and supporting inspectors through complex or high-conflict cases.

This position requires strong leadership, sound regulatory judgment, and the ability to balance problem-solving, community engagement, and enforcement responsibilities while supporting a professional and accountable team environment.

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of municipal code enforcement practices, investigative procedures, and administrative enforcement processes.
• Has experience supervising field staff and maintaining consistent expectations around case management, documentation, and customer service.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with property owners, tenants, contractors, community members, and City staff.
• Balances an education-first approach to compliance with appropriate enforcement actions when voluntary compliance is not achieved.
• Maintains strong organizational skills and attention to detail when reviewing case records and enforcement documentation.
• Demonstrates sound judgment when addressing complex, sensitive, or high-visibility enforcement matters.
• Promotes a respectful and collaborative team culture that emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and equitable enforcement practices.

• Supervise, coach, and provide work direction to Code Compliance Inspectors and assigned staff.
• Assign and monitor enforcement cases to ensure equitable workload distribution and timely case resolution.
• Oversee investigations of complaints related to nuisance conditions, substandard or derelict structures, vegetation obstructions, noise violations, and other Tacoma Municipal Code violations.
• Ensure enforcement activities follow appropriate administrative procedures, including voluntary compliance notices, notices of violation, compliance orders, and penalty processes.
• Provide guidance to inspectors on complex or sensitive enforcement cases, including derelict property determinations and escalated enforcement actions.
• Conduct quality control reviews of enforcement cases to ensure accurate documentation, including inspection notes, photographs, and code citations.
• Ensure staff maintain thorough and defensible records to support enforcement actions and potential appeals.
• Assist in preparing documentation and supporting inspectors in hearings before the Hearing Examiner or other legal proceedings when required.
• Coordinate enforcement activities with internal City departments, including Planning, Environmental Services, Public Works, Tacoma Fire, and Tacoma Police, as well as external agencies when appropriate.
• Ensure inspectors conduct investigations consistent with constitutional requirements, including restrictions on entry onto private property without consent.
• Monitor case timelines and program performance to ensure inspections, follow-ups, and…