Property Code Inspector

The City of Madison is hiring a Property Code Inspector

This position involves technical and inspection work to enforce City rules related to environmental issues and zoning. These issues may include weed control, snow removal, graffiti cleanup, removal of dead trees, keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions, addressing vision obstructions, and removing junk or trash. Zoning concerns may involve inoperable vehicles, or front yard parking. The job includes both independent fieldwork and office duties.

You will respond to property complaints, conduct inspections, identify violations, gather information, issue notices to violators, and follow up with additional inspections until the issue is resolved. You may also coordinate seasonal contractors who handle grass cutting, tree removal, graffiti removal, and snow removal in different areas of the City. You will work under the supervision of the Housing Inspection Supervisor, who will ensure that City policies and procedures are followed and will provide guidance on more complex enforcement cases.

Movement to a Property Code Inspector 2 will depend on workload demands and will be accomplished by internal or external competition.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Investigate property maintenance complaints from the public and conduct survey inspections regarding grass and weed control, snow removal, erosion control, graffiti, junk, trash and debris, tree concerns, zoning restrictions, right of way obstructions, vision clearance violations, trash bin storage, and other specialized inspection projects.
• Conduct other property maintenance inspections as authorized.
• Conduct onsite code conferences with property owners/management companies explaining in detail observed violations that have resulted in official notices being issued.
• Coordinate abatement action to comply with notices (i.e. trees, mowing, junk, trash and debris, graffiti, right of way obstructions, etc).
• Enter result of inspections into Accela.

• Write Official Notices, extension, citations, letters and referrals to City Attorney resulting from observations made during field work inspections.
• Answer email questions and respond to telephone inquiries from property owners, property management companies, contractors, other City’s agencies and residents in general.
• Issue re-inspection fees.
• Maintain accurate records and files of inspections conducted.
• Review resident concerns and create cases as needed.
• Research properties past history for relevant information regarding all previous cases.
• Refer relevant exterior property maintenance and repairs issues to various City and government agencies when applicable.
• Coordinate and train on work of seasonal snow removal staff in assigned areas of the City.

• Respond to questions regarding property maintenance and relevant City ordinances governing property maintenance.
• Respond to questions about past majority maintenance cases and property histories.

• Participate in legal action referral process as requested by City Attorney. Appear in court as witness for property maintenance non-compliance cases.
• Collaborate with city programs and initiatives (i.e. Neighborhood Resource Teams and Racial Equity & Social Justice).
• Educate residents, tenants, property owners, property management companies, contractors and organizations.
• Train and assist less experience inspectors in the field and office.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the field or office as needed.
• Participate in trainings as assigned.

Perform related work as…