Property Maintenance Enforcement Inspector

The City of Richmond Department of Planning & Development Review is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Inspector.

This class provides compliance and enforcement of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code as adopted by City ordinance. Incumbents provide inspections of buildings and structures in accordance with standard procedures and protocols, and serve as enforcement officers. As assigned, work may include: reviewing permit applications and plans; approving plans and permits that correct code violations; preparing structural and other reports;

recommending approval of corrective proposals; coordinating contractor work; interpreting and explaining codes, rules, and regulations; corresponding and meeting with property owners, attorneys, architects, and other organizations to coordinate inspections and referrals; preparing Certificates of Occupancy, construction, and demolition permits; processing liens for properties demolished or boarded; maintaining databases and files and generating reports from the database; preparing, using, and serving court summons, subpoenas, and administrative appeals;

researching ownership data through legal documentation; inspecting properties for nuisance and environmental violations, unlawful vegetation, and unlawful vehicles; and attending mandatory in-house and local training.

Exercised:
This classification typically does not supervise other employees. Received:
Depending upon assignment, this classification typically reports to an Inspection Field Supervisor or other similar level position.

Other reporting relationships may apply.

• Conducts field inspections and follow up inspections. Inspects buildings for code compliance. Inspects properties for nuisance and environmental violations, unlawful vegetation and unlawful vehicles.
• Performs routine case management activities. Enters and retrieves data from database. Reviews permit application. Approves plans/permits to ensure work meets existing code. Prepares/records official documents. Issues and serves summons, subpoenas and appeals to present cases before judicial hearings. Updates and enters new case information in computer system. Reviews existing and old case files for updates and enters new data. May create photos and other documents and upload to case files.
• Performs administrative and customer service duties. Reviews phone messages and emails from internal/external customers; responds to phone calls from citizens or other City workers; and provides clarity for complaints and issued notices of violation. Attends meetings.
• Creates, prepares, and maintains documentation such as magistrate summonses or other information required for court cases, demo files, and contractor abatement files. May discuss case dispositions with relevant City personnel (e.g. City Attorney), and attend court on behalf of City of Richmond Code Enforcement.
• Conducts case file research and investigations such as searching derelict property for ownership, utility, or tax status. Utilizes available resources to search for, identify, and locate owners.

• Construction materials, methods, and techniques
• Maintenance codes and applications
• Inspection techniques, including judgments regarding seriousness of violations and risks to the public
• State statutes and local ordinances related to building maintenance
• General terms associated with housing construction and trades
• Current and obsolete construction codes
• Enforcement techniques, preparation of Notices of Violation, court summonses, and inspection warrants
• Standard construction/building equipment
• Building inspections
• Microsoft Office Suite

• Computer proficiency
• Research methods
• Critical thinking and reviewing
• Documenting and reporting
• Strong customer service and Interpersonal skills
• Effective oral and written communication
• Time management, organization, and prioritization
• Collaboration
• Initiative
• Creative problem-solving

• Interpret construction codes, Virginia Property Maintenance Codes, and City of Richmond Municipal Codes
• Conduct on-site inspections of residential/commercial properties in a variety of conditions and environments
• Work professionally with diverse populations in potentially difficult or hostile situations
• Be a strong team player and maintain good working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to communicate with clarity and conciseness
• Explain City and international building codes
• Prepare documentation and testify in district/circuit court hearings
• Learn, adapt to, and use inspection and tracking software
• Work and utilize time effectively with limited direct supervision
• Identify, locate, and contact property owners, including evasive persons
• Find alternative solutions and continue with enforcement…