Sonoma County’s Ryan Pelleriti Awarded “Code Enforcement Officer of the Year”

The County of Sonoma’s Permit and Resource Management Department (Permit Sonoma) today announced that code enforcement officer Ryan Pelleriti was named the 2020 Code Enforcement Officer of the Year by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers. A virtual award ceremony took place Thursday evening, October 15, to celebrate the honor. Ryan is known by colleagues for his good sense of humor and commitment to service, which was exemplified recently when he rescued his neighbor’s children from a house fire.

“Being born and raised in Sonoma County, I have always had an internal drive to work for our local government and the people we serve,” explained Pelleriti. “Sonoma County Code Enforcement provides me with a unique platform to build relationships, interact, and find solutions alongside our great public to the many complex issues the County faces. That to me is the most fulfilling part about being a code enforcement officer.”  

Pelleriti has worked as a Code Enforcement Officer in Sonoma County for six years responding to a myriad of concerns ranging from hoarding to illegal and dangerous cannabis production. Before coming to Sonoma County, he worked for the County of Mendocino in Code Enforcement and the City of Healdsburg as an Animal Control Officer. Often overlooked is the active role Code Enforcement staff play in working with partner agencies to ensure the safety of residents. They play a complex role in coordination efforts to assist individuals and businesses find safe solutions to continue to be active members of the Sonoma County community. In his off time, Ryan is studying to earn his bachelor’s degree and enjoys taking advantage of all Sonoma County has to offer with his wife of 12 years and two children.

“It is with great pride that Ryan received this highly coveted state honor for his work in the County,” explained Code Enforcement Manager Tyra Harrington, “while this award is typically given to code enforcers that have worked decades in the profession, Ryan’s accomplishments in process improvements and community involvement, vaulted him above others.” This follows the Sonoma County Code Enforcement Section being awarded the prestigious, Most Innovative Program Award in the State last year.  

“At the end of the day, it’s the fine group of people I work with at Permit Sonoma that help motivate me to be the best ambassador for Sonoma County that I can be,” said Pelleriti.