POULSBO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY

In 2025, the Poulsbo City Council approved a new Code Compliance Officer position for recruitment in 2026. The position has not yet been filled.

Since that time, staff has evaluated the current code compliance workload and the potential scope of responsibilities for the position. Based on the current volume and complexity of code compliance cases, staff has determined that managing the existing code compliance caseload alone would not require a full-time position.

If Council wishes to retain the position as a full-time position, staff recommends expanding its scope to provide support across the Planning, Engineering, and Building functions. In addition to code enforcement, the position could serve a broader enforcement, permitting, and public education role, including assisting with permit-related activities, responding to code and development questions, conducting field inspections, and providing education and outreach to property owners and the community. 

The budget previously approved for the position did not include funding for a dedicated City vehicle. Staff has determined that a dedicated City vehicle would be necessary for the position to effectively perform field inspections, code enforcement, permitting, and related duties. Staff has therefore proposed a budget of up to $60,000 for acquisition and necessary outfitting of a City vehicle. 

Lastly, Staff has also identified a need to update Poulsbo Municipal Code Chapter 1.16, Code Compliance. The current chapter relies primarily on infractions as the enforcement mechanism for noncompliance. Staff has worked with the City Attorney to draft amendments that would provide additional enforcement tools, including stop work orders and voluntary compliance agreements, allowing the City to respond to violations more effectively and provide clearer pathways to voluntary compliance.

Confirm the hiring of a code compliance officer.