Business District Inspector

Job Summary

Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, performs routine on-site inspections of establishments (i.e., bars, clubs, restaurants, pubs, taverns, eateries, retail stores, etc.) to ensure compliance of issued Special Exception Permits and issued Encroachment Permits. Conducts certificate of occupancy inspections during hours of operation and ensures code compliance. Works with the Technical Advisory Committee and Board of Zoning Appeals on compliance issues with Central Business District (CBD) businesses.

Builds relationships and rapport with CBD business owners and managers, emphasizing the development of a safe, healthy and active downtown. Enforces ordinances related to street performers, noise, unlawful use of power, loitering, etc. Documents and maintains inspections using an approved City database/information sharing system. Performs administrative tasks associated with inspections.

• Conduct Field Inspections: Conduct routine on-site inspections of establishments (i.e., bars, clubs, restaurants, pubs, taverns, eateries, retail stores, etc.) to ensure compliance of issued Special Exception permits and issued Encroachment permits. Check all encroachment permits on a weekly basis for compliance. Review and approve new or renewing encroachment permits. Perform certificate of occupancy inspections during hours of operation and ensure compliance with building codes.
  
  Ensure businesses are in compliance with occupancy load to assure the safety of visitors. Work collaboratively with business representatives to explain compliance requirements, address concerns, and develop corrective action plans when violations are identified. Coordinate with enforcement officers from various departments when necessary to ensure timely resolution of safety or code-related issues. Conduct proactive patrols of the downtown district to inspect, record, and report streetlight outages, sidewalk obstructions, or right-of-way maintenance issues, and communicate findings to the correct City department or entity for corrective action.
  
  Identify ordinance violations, public safety hazards, and quality-of-life issues, including blocked sidewalks, unauthorized signage, illegal vending, and improper use of public space. Observe and report crowd management, queuing practices, and pedestrian flow during peak hours, and special events to ensure public safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. Provide follow-up as needed to ensure reported issues are resolved.
• Enforce Select CBD Ordinances: Enforce ordinances related to street performer management. Monitor performer and business noise levels and document in accordance with the City’s noise ordinance. Check street performers for the appropriate permits, time duration, and location duration. Check compactor/dumpster enclosures for illegal dumping, address any unlawful use of power, loitering, etc. Identify, record, and submit documentation to the Planning & Development Department on temporary signage, temporary use installations, or window coverings and work with businesses for compliance.
  
  Remove illegal snipe signs in the CBD, notify abusers of illegal snipe sign use, and work with business owners to identify projects or areas that need certificate of appropriateness. Identify, tag, document and submit bags, suitcases or other personal belongings in public space for storage.
• Perform Administrative Tasks: Document and maintain inspections using an approved City database/information sharing system. Communicate and coordinate with the Block by Block Ambassador team on downtown operational needs. Generate work orders and service requests via City Works for maintenance related issues. Perform administrative tasks associated with inspections by entering data into the Encroachment Inspection report for the Engineering Services Department and the Business License Division.
  
  Communicate with City personnel and business representatives as needed to ensure compliance with City ordinances. Report violations to the City’s Technical Advisory Committee and Planning & Development Department regarding…