Building Inspector ​/ Code Enforcer

NATURE OF WORK:

The Building Inspector portion of the position involves conducting thorough inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures throughout all phases of construction. The inspector verifies that work aligns with approved plans, adopted building codes, and all applicable permit requirements. This includes evaluating structural components, electrical, and mechanical installations for proper design, materials, and workmanship. The inspector documents findings and communicates deficiencies to contractors and property owners.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex code provisions while maintaining clear, professional communication on job sites.

The Code Enforcer portion focuses on applying North Chicago’s housing and property maintenance codes in a fast-paced, customer-service-oriented environment. The inspector identifies violations, issues citations when necessary, and provides clear guidance to property owners and tenants. This role emphasizes respectful communication, consistent enforcement of adopted codes, and collaboration with other City departments when addressing property conditions.

Work involves traveling from City offices by vehicle to locations located within the City for the purpose of inspecting buildings, structures or premises, and to assess the condition of such locations in relation to the codes enforced by the City. Inspections are performed in locations that include the exterior, or interior of any site that may be below grade, or inspection of rooms, halls, stairs, roofs or any other structure or building component.

Employee uses judgment in determining code violations and the immediacy of the needed repairs. Employee is responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Guidance is provided via the City Code, City policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring that housing code initiatives are met.

Work in support of inspections is performed in City offices. Legal action is initiated by this position with the need for court or hearing testimony presented under oath. Safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes, are worn as well as other safety equipment as needed, and inspection equipment such as recorders, computers, tape measures, circuit testers, smoke detector testers, and other equipment is carried by the inspector on inspections.

This position requires on call availability during the heating season to respond to emergency calls.

Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, customer service skills, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization and the general public.

The Building Inspector/Code Enforcer work is performed under the direction and comprehensive guidance of the Building Inspections Manager.

The position has daily contact with property owners, City employees, tenants, contractors, and elected officials. Employee will work with other departments in the course of inspections which may include Police and Fire Departments. Employee will provide positive customer services to residents of community and landowners in understanding City ordinances, codes and regulations.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee will be required to work in outside conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and may range from moderate to extreme in the field. Employee may be exposed to various environments that require use of safety equipment and knowledge to identify and properly handle safety hazards.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

• Obtains permission from owners and tenants to enter dwellings.
• Visually examines all areas to determine compliance with ordinance standards for heating, lighting, ventilating, and plumbing installations.
• Measures dwelling units and rooms to determine compliance with ordinance space requirements, using tape measure.
• Inspects premises for overall cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage and rubbish and signs of vermin infestation.
• Prepares notice of violation letters advising property owners and tenants of possible violations and time allowed for correcting deficiencies.
• Reviews case and notice of violation reports and revisits dwellings at periodic intervals adhering to Division policy requirements to verify correction of violations by property owners and tenants.
• Explains requirements of Property Maintenance Codes and City ordinances to property owners,…