Zoning Inspector 1

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Zoning Inspector 1 position with Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County supports enforcement of the Metropolitan Zoning Code and Property Standards Code. You will inspect commercial properties and dwellings to verify regulatory compliance, document findings, and coordinate enforcement actions as needed.

This role emphasizes field inspections, preparation of inspection reports, and interaction with the public.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and five years of inspection or related experience.
• Knowledge of zoning and property standards regulations.
• ICC certification within two years of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for, conducts, and follows up on inspections under Codes Administration jurisdiction.
• Conducts Use and Occupancy inspections for zoning compliance.
• Makes field inspections of signs, fences, and food truck locations for setbacks and parking.
• Inspects billboard locations before permits are issued and documents deficiencies.
• Takes photographs, maintains records, and communicates with the public on zoning issues.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Property standards

Public safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CityWorks

ePermits

Job description

The Zoning Inspector 1 assists in the enforcement of the Metropolitan Zoning Code and Property Standards Code Inspects commercial property and dwellings to determine if conditions comply with regulatory codes and ordinances; recommends rehabilitation or demolition of structures as needed. Conducts inspections in response to requests for service and assists the public with obtaining information pertaining to city codes and ordinances. Performs related duties as required.

The Metro Department of Codes and Building Safety, During the 2025 fiscal year, Codes issued and tracked $3.8 billion in building permits. The department concerns itself with the safety of the public as occupants in homes and buildings throughout the county and promotes beautiful neighborhoods through the enforcement of local codes and zoning regulations. Codes is an exciting and fast paced environment for those passionate about public safety in the construction and planning sectors.

• Prepares for, conducts, and follows up on inspections regarding all applicable ordinances that fall under Codes Administration jurisdiction, with emphasis on the Zoning Code.

• Conducts Use and Occupancy inspections to ensure compliance with the Zoning Code.

• Makes field inspections on sign and fence locations to ensure they meet the required set-back and size requirements.

• Makes field inspections of permanent food truck locations to ensure they meet the required set-back and parking requirements.

• Inspects billboard locations before permits are issued.

• Follows-up with re-inspections to verify compliance with regulations.

• Takes photographic evidence and documents each deficiency in detail.

• Takes corrective actions against code violators and requests civil warrants and/or issues citations for failure to comply with the code.

• Makes court appearances to prosecute code violators.

• Coordinate inspection activities with other Metro agencies to include Fire, Police, Social Services, and Metro Health.

• Assists with the Property Standards and Zoning Appeal process.

• Attends training sessions and stays current with technical publications.

• May represent the department by attending various intra-government, neighborhood, and community meetings.

• Explains applicable sections of the city code as necessary to enforce zoning and property standards regulations.

• Conducts title checks for property ownership.

• Maintains accurate records and files.

• Prepares daily field inspection reports.

• Follows-up on phone calls pertaining to zoning inquiries and complaints.

• Communicates with the public on issues related to zoning and property standards codes.

• May be required to issue permits.

High School Diploma and five (5) years of inspection, code enforcement, development services, city planning, engineering, and/or related experience.

***Additional education may be considered In lieu of some experience (1:1 Ratio)***

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

LICENSES REQUIRED

Valid Driver License

Certified by the International Code Council (ICC), as follows:

Certified Code Enforcement Technician (CE-T)

Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CE-O)

Any employee appointed to this classification shall obtain such certification within two (2) years from the effective date of his/her appointment to said classification.

Failure to meet the certification requirements within the two (2) year period shall result in disciplinary action.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations in the Metro Zoning Code and Property Standards Code.

• Knowledge of CityWorks and ePermits systems.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.