Ronald E. Peaks, Gloucester’s director of codes compliance, said Tuesday that he is stepping down from his post for personal reasons, effective Aug. 31. He said he notified county officials of his intentions last Friday.

He said that he wants to spend more time with his family and also is looking forward to working as a consultant in the engineering field.

Peaks, who has been director for 11 years, said he has enjoyed working for the residents of Gloucester and plans to continue residing in the county. Peaks, 57, said that he has seen a lot of changes in his time here, especially as more retail establishments—including big-box stores such as the Walmart Supercenter—have popped up.

In announcing his leaving, Peaks said he wanted to thank his staff and other county employees for their dedication in tough economic times.

Before coming to Gloucester, Peaks worked for a property owners’ association in South Carolina.

Originally from Portsmouth, he graduat...