Zoning Inspector

City of Hamilton, Ohio; Hamilton (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hamilton is seeking a Zoning Inspector to enforce the Zoning Ordinance and lead code compliance across multiple municipal codes. The role requires inspecting properties, evaluating land use, and coordinating with department staff to ensure compliance.

Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Responsibilities include pursuing violations, testifying when necessary, handling inquiries, and maintaining case records.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (minimum)
• Valid Driver’s License
• Four years or more of work experience in code enforcement and/or zoning, or one year plus a Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Communications, Public Administration, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field

Responsibilities

• Enforce Zoning Code, Vacant Property Registration, Property Maintenance Code, and Right-of-Way Ordinance.
• Review and initiate Zoning Code violations and conduct inspections.
• Conduct field investigations and determine remediation approaches.
• Explain complex municipal codes to property owners, tenants, and contractors.
• Coordinate with City staff and external agencies to enforce codes.
• Prepare non-compliance cases and testify in court as needed.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning requirements and compliance.

Skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Active listening

De-escalation

Problem solving

Quick learner

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Communications, Public Administration, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field

Job description

The City of Hamilton is an EEO & AAE. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

This position serves as the City of Hamilton’s primary Zoning Code enforcement official but also will serve as a unified compliance officer responsible for inspecting, investigating, and enforcing all relevant municipal code regulations across the City of Hamilton. The primary responsibility of the Zoning Inspector will be to enforce the Hamilton Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, the Zoning Inspector will serve in a code enforcement leadership role that will require enforcement of the Vacant Property Registration, Property Maintenance Code, and the Right-of-Way Ordinance. Duties include evaluating land use, zoning compliance, right-of-way obstructions/encroachments, and property maintenance issues. Work is performed under general supervision from the Planning Director with leeway granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The position requires exceptional communication skills to establish and maintain close cooperative working relationships with property owners, business owners, residents, interdepartmental City staff, and external public agencies.

• Reviews, receives, and initiates Zoning Code violations, conducting inspections for zoning ordinance violations, interviewing suspected violators and determining the scope and nature of suspected violations.

• Enforces Zoning Code, Vacant Property Registration, Property Maintenance Code, and the Right-of-Way Ordinance as needed, especially when a property is being inspected for violations across multiple municipal codes.

• Conducts field investigations and evaluates property conditions to determine the best approach to facilitate compliance. Selects appropriate remediation strategies ranging from courtesy notifications and voluntary compliance agreements to formal orders or legal citations.

• Responds to and addresses public inquiries, questions, and complaints with tact and diplomacy;

• Explains complex zoning regulations, property maintenance standards, and Right-of-Way ordinances to property owners, tenants, contractors, and the general public;

• Utilizes relevant City software and databases to track cases and keep organized case records;

• Coordinates joint inspections with Property Maintenance Code Compliance Officers, Building Officials, Hamilton Police Officers, and other City staff when required;

• Cites violations as necessary, preparing non-compliance cases for relevant penalties, including filing charges against violators and testifying in court to secure compliance if necessary. This work requires strong collaboration with the Law Department;

• Responds to inquiries from the public, contractors, and architects for information on the zoning of property and related requirements for zoning ordinance compliance;

• Reviews and evaluates development plans for compliance with the City's zoning ordinance and prepares related reports and recommendations;

• Attends meetings, conferences, and workshops as requested and authorized;

• Performs related work as required.

• Thorough knowledge of the City's zoning ordinance;

• Knowledge of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and common Right-of-Way violations;

• Demonstrated capability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Skilled in active listening, de-escalating tense interpersonal conflicts, and explaining complex municipal codes in accessible terms;

• Strong critical thinking and analytical capabilities to assess complex code enforcement issues;

• Effective organizational skills to manage a large caseload;

• Ability to use logical thought processes to develop solutions;

• Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information;

• Ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) (will be verified for finalists); and

• Valid Driver’s License (will be verified for finalists); and

• A minimum of four (4) years of work experience involving code enforcement and/or zoning; or

• A minimum of one (1) year of work experience involving code enforcement and/or zoning; and

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Communications, Public Administration, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field.