Inspector: Zoning & Licensing - BNS

Role overview

The Zoning & Licensing Inspector is a code enforcement role focused on understanding, applying, and enforcing local land-use rules and related ordinances through technical review and field inspection. In this position, you will serve as a knowledgeable resource on the relevant codes, regulations, and adjudication procedures.

About the department

The Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS) works to protect and enhance the quality of life for people and animals in Indianapolis. It is the City of Indianapolis and Marion County’s primary department for business licensing, residential and commercial permitting, and enforcement of the Consolidated City and County’s Revised Code of Ordinances. The department also manages Indianapolis Animal Care Services. DBNS supports this mission by maintaining a productive, collaborative, and compliant workplace that helps meet community needs.

Equal opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status. The city values diversity in experiences and viewpoints among both staff and residents.

What you will do

• Read, explain, and apply local ordinances, and help others understand their requirements.
• Inspect residential, commercial, industrial, and other property types to verify compliance with land-use regulations and related ordinances.
• Review land-use petitions, permits, and case files connected to investigations.
• Use zoning maps, site plans, plats, and legal property records during research.
• Start enforcement actions by issuing citations, preparing case documentation, and providing testimony in court.
• Represent BNS in court hearings, neighborhood meetings, and communications with City/County Councilors, government agencies, and community stakeholders on code-related matters.
• Be available for rotational on-call coverage for one week at a time, 24 hours per day, to handle after-hours investigations or inspection requests when needed.
• Perform other after-hours inspections as required by department policy.
• Develop deep expertise in the applicable codes, regulations, ordinances, and related adjudication processes.
• Carry out any other duties that management may reasonably assign.

Qualifications

Applicants should either hold a college degree or bring at least four years of work experience in a role requiring customer service, conflict management, public administration, or the interpretation and application of technical content. A mix of education and related experience totaling four years is also acceptable.

The job calls for strong customer service and communication abilities, including comfort speaking in public settings and answering questions. The inspector will also act as the department’s expert witness in environmental court related to investigations.

Strong conflict management skills are important, along with the ability to solve practical problems using tact, diplomacy, and persuasion when working with diverse groups in different situations. Although supervision is available by phone, email, or messaging, most of the workday will be spent independently in the field.

Sound judgment and critical thinking are essential because the role involves working alone for much of the day and making independent decisions. Poor judgment could create regulatory, budgetary, or legal consequences for the department.

Attention to detail is critical, as the job involves researching properties, permits, petitions, and ordinances; documenting inspections accurately; taking photographs; and compiling investigation reports.

Candidates must be able to read, understand, interpret, and explain local ordinance requirements to others.

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain Special Police Powers issued by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).

A valid Indiana driver’s license is required, along with the ability to operate and take home a City-issued vehicle.

The incumbent must earn the appropriate department-approved certifications after hire and keep them current to remain employed; these certifications are not required before starting.

Proficiency with computers, smartphones, and standard office equipment is required. Day-to-day tools include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, GPS software, and general internet use, and training will be provided on internal systems.

Preferred experience

Prior experience interpreting zoning ordinances and laws is preferred. Familiarity with city streets is helpful, although using GPS software is sufficient.

Hiring process note

If your qualifications match the posted role, your application will be sent to the hiring agency. After that, all interview and selection communication will come directly from the agency. You should keep the contact details of the person scheduling your interview, since City-County HR will not have access to that information and is not involved in the interview process. City-County HR can only confirm whether an application has been referred. Once a final candidate is chosen, HR will issue the formal employment offer.