Why have a state-level training program?
Training and certification for code enforcement officers was
mandated by Maine law in 1989. The legislation required a
training program be established by the state to meet the professional
development needs of municipal code officials.
Prior to passage of the legislation, Maine lacked a formal
training program for municipal code officials, most of whom
were enforcing state and local laws. The intent of the legislation
was to promote professionalism, as well as consistency in
administration and enforcement of environmental regulations
and building standards. To a great extent that goal has been
achieved, however, it is a never ending mission as new individuals
enter the profession continually.
The task of meeting this goal is assigned to the State Planning
Office. There are currently two staff assigned to the program.
Their job is to evaluate training needs, develop training
programs, coordinate training delivery, conduct certification
exams, and maintain the necessary records required of a state-level
training program.
Program staff frequently provide consultation to municipal
officials on code-related issues, provide assistance to development
professionals and tradespeople, and answer the questions of
private citizens who have code enforcement problems.
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How to become a certified code officer
Code enforcement officers are municipal officials appointed
annually by the elected municipal officers of a city
or town. State law requires code officials enforcing any regulations
concerned with land use regulation, shoreland zoning, internal
plumbing, subsurface wastewater disposal, and building standards
to hold proper state certification
A non-certified individual may be appointed to enforce shoreland
zoning regulations, land use regulations, or building
standards, however, they must earn state certification
within 12 calendar months of appointment. The same 12-month
grace period does not, however, apply to appointments as local
plumbing inspector. In other words, to be appointed as
an LPI an individual must be state certified prior to assuming
the position.
All certified code officers must maintain their state certification
through continuing education. Failure of appointed code officers
to maintain certification may result in a suspension from
official duties. Even where a suspension is not applied, any
decisions made, or permits issued, by an uncertified code
official may be subjected to legal action.
Re-certification is required on a 5-year cycle. An individual
failing to earn a sufficient number of credits is decertified
and must retake the examination.
An individual who actively participates in the state training
program will earn sufficient credits to re-certify every five
years. Training and testing are provided at various locations
around the state on a monthly basis.
Training sessions are generally held between 8:30 AM and
4:00 PM. The sessions may include lectures, discussions, field
trips, or hands-on practice.
Individuals are not required to attend all state sponsored
training sessions offered, they need only attend sufficient,
creditable and approved training to meet their immediate recertification
needs. Most individuals in the program, however, attempt to
attend as many training sessions as possible so as to enhance
their knowledge and understanding of the profession.
While position turnover in the profession varies by town,
over 500 individuals are typically certified at any given
time and another 300 to 500 individuals are in the process
of preparing for the state exams or simply taking classes.
State Planning Office administrative rules and policies govern
administration of the code officer training program.
For appointed code officers there are no fees for training,
books, or exams. However, a nominal fee is charged of all
others.
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Preparing for the exams
The program training manuals have been developed to assist
individuals studying for the exams. There are specialized
educational objectives for each manual that serve to
guide the student in his or her studies. Very simply, if you
can successfully answer the question(s) raised in each objective
listed you will have little trouble passing the exam.
It is recommended that you first review the manual by skimming
through the material to get familiar with the format and style
of the book. Next review the table of contents and index.
Now take some time and carefully read the book. And finally,
start working through the educational objectives until
you are comfortable answering the questions. Now you are ready
to schedule an exam.
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What sort of work do code enforcement officers perform?
A code enforcement officer or CEO may perform a range of duties
depending upon the specific municipality they work for and
the size of the community. Most CEOs enforce the state's minimum
shoreland zoning regulations. CEOs also enforce local land
use regulations, such as zoning.
In municipalities with more than 2,000 residents CEOs may
also serve as the building inspector. Many of these larger
communities have adopted model building codes which must be
enforced. Many CEOs also serve as the local plumbing inspector
enforcing the state's plumbing code and the subsurface wastewater
regulations. CEOs also work with personnel of various state
agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection,
State Fire Marshal's Office, and Division of Health Engineering.
Many communities entrust their appointed CEOs to prosecute
land use violations in District Court under Civil Court Rule
80-K. CEOs also may apply for Administrative Inspection Warrants
under Civil Court Rule 80-E where property owners are uncooperative
in respect to requests to conduct a legal inspection. The
work of CEOs is varied, demanding, technically challenging,
and very much legal oriented.
CEOs work both outdoors and indoors. The outdoor work may
be conducted in all types of weather conditions in hazardous
construction sites. The indoor work is typically conducted
in a town office or city hall. CEOs frequently attend public
meetings of the zoning board of appeals and planning board.
CEOs may also be called upon to appear in court and to give
sworn testimony. Much of their office time is spent researching
legal questions, answering technical code questions, reviewing
applications for development, consulting with customers, writing
reports, and issuing permits.
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