Zoning Inspector I/II

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Virginia Beach is recruiting for a Zoning Inspector I/II in the Planning & Community Development department. The role focuses on enforcing the City Zoning Ordinance with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and inspections.

Duties include reviewing site plans, issuing permits, answering inquiries, testifying in court when needed, and maintaining accurate records in Accela. Ideal candidates will have VAZO CZO certification or equivalent and solid customer service skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in zoning inspections, plan review, or related field.
• Ability to read maps and development codes.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Based on the minimum qualifications, the II level requires CZO certification.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and enforce the City Zoning Ordinance.
• Review residential site plans and surveys for compliance.
• Issue approvals for peddlers, signs, containers, and other permits.
• Answer inquiries from citizens via phone, email, or in person.
• Maintain records in Accela and document inspections and findings.
• Testify in court on zoning violations when required.
• Meet with property owners and developers to resolve violations.

Skills

Zoning enforcement

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Education

High School GED

CZO Certification (VAZO)

Driver's license

Tools

Accela

Job description

Job Posting End Date:October 15, 2026Department:PLANNINGCompensation Grade:G22Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range:Zoning Inspector I: G20 $44,907.20 - $69,971.20Zoning Inspector II: G22 $49,504.00 - $77,147.20Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range.Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):NoScheduled Weekly Hours:40About Us:Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:The City of Virginia Beach is recruiting for a Zoning Inspector I/II as part of the Zoning Administration division within the Planning & Community Development department. This position will perform the normal responsibilities of a zoning inspector with emphasis in the field and enforcement. This position will focus on the enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance. Responsibilities will include a mixture of general zoning responsibilities and assisting the zoning field supervisor. This position will be filled as either a Zoning Inspector I or Zoning Inspector II depending on the qualifications of the selected applicant.The associated pay grades are as follows:Zoning Inspector I: G20 $44,907.20 - $69,971.20Zoning Inspector II: G22 $49,504.00 - $77,147.20Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:Interpretation and Enforcement of City of Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance.Review all residential site plans and site surveys to ensure developments comply with all the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.Issue approvals for peddlers, signs, portable storage container, and all other permits as needed.Answer telephone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries from citizens.Participate in City-wide task forces and/or other committees as requested by the Field Inspector supervisor.Assist in training other field inspectors.Inspecting existing properties and premises and note violations; document findings with photographs and descriptive evidence and input in City databases; determine validity and scope of violations; and issue notices of violation or court summons, whichever is appropriate.Meet with property owners, homeowners, complainants, contractors, landlords, and development consultants in the office or on-site to identify possible violations and explain the requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance; and work with said persons to find the most reasonable solutions to avoid or correct violations.Research properties to obtain all pertinent information, including but not limited to: Conditional Use Permits, Change of Zoning, and other City Council actions, previous and outstanding violations, real estate assessor information, Board of Zoning Appeal actions, Commissioner of Revenue business license and other information as needed.Answer telephone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries from citizens, recipients of notices of violations, complaints, and property owners and provide the necessary requested information.Maintain VAZO.Issue notices of violation as appropriate to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance; and if violation still exists, swear out summons, pursue legal action through the court system or with appropriate City appointed boards.Testify in court on violations of the Zoning Ordinance.Properly document and manage files in the Accela automated documentation system and keep all records current, documenting all inspections, findings, and future actions; and document all site visits and inspections.Regularly inspect properties for compliance of conditions and/or proffer agreements approved by City Council.Meet with civic leagues when necessary to address issues within their neighborhood.Remove temporary signs from the right-of-way; and issue notice of violations as needed.Duties of a Zoning Inspector II may also include:Assist and mentor the Zoning Inspector I position as needed.Participate in City-wide task forces and/or other committees as requested.Ideal Candidate:ICC Certified Zoning Inspector certification or Certified Zoning Official (CZA) certification from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO).Strong customer service experience in person, over the phone, and via email.Must possess interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.Ability to be adaptable, as job duties and tasks may sometimes change based on need.Experience with building development codes and permitting process and zoning enforcement.Experience reading/interpreting maps, surveys, site plans, and development codes.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.Experience with data management/permitting software (ex: Accela).Experience conducting field inspections and reconciling plans to conditions.Additional requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: No• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoMinimum Requirements:Zoning Inspector I Minimum Qualifications: High School GED plus four (4) years of experience in zoning inspections, plan review, building construction, real estate, home inspections, architecture, engineering, property management, property maintenance or other related field. • Must have a current and valid driver’s license.Zoning Inspector II Minimum Qualifications: High School GED plus five (5) years of experience in zoning inspections, plan review, building construction, real estate, home inspections, architecture, engineering, property management, property maintenance or another related field. Must possess certification as a Certified Zoning Official (CZO) from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO), or an equivalent certification from another state. If certified in another state, must obtain CZO from VAZO within eighteen (18) months of hire. Must have a current and valid driver’s license.Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. All employees are expected to work 8 AM to 5 PM, unless an alternate schedule is needed to provide necessary job functions and is approved by the supervisor.Skills:Zoning EnforcementWorking Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P9581.pdfOfficial Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.