Zoning Officer #2304-6531-01

The Office of Building Inspection and Enforcement is focused on customer service, safety, and providing the best possible advice and inspection services to homeowners, contractors, and developers.

We administer the permits for residential and non-residential construction within the community. Permits are administered according to state and local building codes. Our goal is to ensure the safety of the public by requiring building construction projects adhere to these codes. The department is also instrumental in creating an environment in which high quality construction and development can occur in New Haven’s neighborhoods.

This is responsible technical work enforcing compliance with zoning ordinance and related building codes.

Work involves interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance, review of construction plans for compliance with ordinance, inspection and follow up on complaints and administration of zoning records. Complex situations or interpretations related to enforcement are referred to the Building Inspector. However, the incumbent performs work independently with latitude for technical discretion and professional judgement in examining a variety of projects.

The incumbent also works closely with staff in the City Plan Department to ensure clarity and consistency of interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance at all stages of the land use and development process.

Hybrid remote work options for some aspects of the work may be available once work routine are established.

• Inspects all plans and interviews permit applications for compliance with Zoning Ordinance;
• Coordinates with other departments, such as Traffic, Transportation & Parking, Fire Department and Police Department and others as needed in examining compliance with Zoning Ordinance and/or effective resolution of matters concerning code compliance in general;
• Interprets and explains Zoning Ordinance to the public as necessary;
• Assists applicants to the Board of Zoning Appeals on technical requirements;
• Organizes a schedule of city-wide inspections by Assistant Building Inspectors for zoning violations and oversees/manages record system that maintains data on these inspections inclusive of zoning enforcement-related matters including complaints and inquiries from the general public as well as a tracking mechanism for resolution of such matters;
• Ensures that any special conditions established by the Board of Zoning Appeals are complied with;
• Inspects zoning related complaints and performs follow-up tasks/actions to resolve issues central to complaints submitted;
• Attends evening meetings, notably Board of Zoning Appeals, as may be necessary;
• Performs other related work as required.

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in planning, urban planning supplemented by, major course work or graduate training in city or regional planning, architecture, or a related field; or 3 to 5 years of experience in code enforcement or certification by the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials.

Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Knowledge of zoning codes and related laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the general functions and requirements of other code enforcement-related departments and agencies and the ability to work and coordinate with the action of these departments.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications to determine conformity with zoning and related ordinances. Ability to establish systems for field inspections, including the keeping of records of investigations and of the processing of violations.
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other government officials, property owners, contractors, real estate agents, lawyers and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service and communication skills.

This is a General Fund, "Tested" position. 

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; the salary is within Local 884, Range 11.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 9% of pay.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening, and (3) a 120-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.t.