HOUSING AND ZONING INSPECTOR

DEFINITION:

Under direction, performs field and office work to ensure compliance with 
housing and property maintenance ordinances and zoning codes; including 
conducting inspections to eliminate blight and restore and/or eliminate 
substandard housing accommodations; conducts inspections to ensure 
compliance with zoning codes or any of its related or sub codes; does 
related work as required.

NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. 
A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this
job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be
listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Inspects buildings for violations of applicable housing, property maintenance, 
and zoning requirements/codes.

Confers with individual property owners relevant to service of notices and 
violations.

Conducts re-inspections of houses/buildings after completion of repairs 
to assure compliance with regulations.

Inspect hotels and or multiple dwellings to detect and eliminate fire hazards 
and enforce the provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations.

Inspect the interior and exterior of premises for safety hazards and unsightly 
or unsanitary conditions such as loose and overhanging objects, accumulation 
of ice, excavations, projections, obstructions and so forth.

Inspect exteriors of structures to see that they are maintained in a good repair 
and that they are free of broken glass, loose shingles, peeling paint, or crumbling 
stone, brick or cement.

Inspect signs and outdoor light poles and stanchions for conditions.

Conducts field inspections and special investigations to ensure compliance with 
various municipal ordinances relating to Housing, Property Maintenance & Zoning.

Presents inspection findings in court cases.

Initiates and enforce rules and regulations in relation to enforcement of various 
municipal ordinances relating to Housing, Property Maintenance & Zoning

Receives complaints and inspects business or residential premises for display 
of proper license/permits. Check licenses/permits for validity and if no 
license/permits is displayed or license validation had expired, issues a written 
notice of violation or contact the appropriate division.

Responds to complaints, inspects sites where garbage, refuse, and or debris 
have accumulated and orders that matter be abated or issues notices of 
violations of local code pertaining to same.  

May initiate legal action against violators of various municipal ordinances 
relating to Housing, Property Maintenance & Zoning

Attends meetings of municipal agencies as requested.

Appear and testify in the municipal court or other appropriate boards and 
agencies to obtain compliance with all laws and ordinances relating to Housing, 
Property Maintenance & Zoning

Prepare a schedule of proposed systematic inspection of all properties in the 
municipality including interiors of business and multifamily premises as well as 
schools and places of worship and assembly.

Prepare periodic reports of inspections and investigations.

Submit monthly reports of inspections made including names and addresses 
of owners, occupants, or lessees of premises, dates of inspection, code 
violations found if any, notices of violation served, complaints filed with courts 
or agencies and dates of compliance or disposition of cases.

Coordinate inspection of occupancies requiring joint inspection with other public 
agencies such as the health department, building department, police department, 
and other appropriate bodies and agencies.

May coordinate agency functions with other concerned agencies.

Maintains records and files.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual 
recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

REQUIREMENTS:

CERTIFICATION:

Applicants must possess a license as an Inspector Multiple Dwellings, issued 
by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Applicants must submit proof of successful completion of a Zoning Administration 
and Enforcement certificate. 

EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of experience in building inspection, building repair, building 
maintenance, construction, construction inspection, and/or inspection and 
enforcement of zoning/building construction laws and regulations. 

NOTE:  Successful completion of a course in Principles of Housing Inspection 
may be substituted for six months of the work experience.

NOTE:  Possession of a current and valid Fire Inspector Certification issued 
by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs may be required.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey 
only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary 
to perform essential duties of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of approved inspection methods involved in preventing and 
eliminating blight and restoring and/or eliminating subnormal housing 
accommodations.

Knowledge of state and municipal housing codes and zoning ordinances.

Knowledge of basic inspection tools and test methods.

Knowledge of provisions of local building codes and zoning ordinances.

Ability to perform inspection work involved in preventing and eliminating 
blight and/or substandard housing accommodations.

Ability to perform inspections work involved with assuring compliance 
with Town zoning ordinances including post-construction inspections.

Ability to research, interpret and implement the housing, property 
maintenance and zoning codes. 

Ability to meet with people and deal effectively with their housing inspection 
problems.

Ability to participate in community affairs.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to provide guidance and assignments to assigned employees.

Ability to maintain records and files.

Ability to present inspection findings in court cases.

Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording 
and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English 
sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.  American Sign Language 
or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they 
can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable 
accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be made because it would 
cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.