Building & Zoning Inspector

Salary : $53,394.75 Annually Location : Building Department Ste 216 Municipal Building Florence Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 03032026 Department: Building Opening Date: 03/03/2026 Closing Date: 3/10/2026 11:59 PM Central Job Summary The Building & Zoning Inspector is a combination inspector responsible for the enforcement of many varied aspects of the City of Florence Zoning Ordinance, the International Building Code and the International Residential Code adopted by the City of Florence. The Building & Zoning inspector performs inspections and/or conducts investigations regarding all of the above, as well as Board of Zoning Adjustment and Planning Commission cases. The incumbent is required to prepare agenda for the Board of Zoning Adjustment and to assist the Building Official, when requested, in the preparation of amendments or changes to various codes and regulations. The inspector also prepares and testifies in court cases when required and represents the Building Department at Planning Commission meetings and at the City Council meetings when requested by the Building Official. Incumbent, working under the general supervision of the Building Official, is responsible for inspecting building construction and structural work during all phases and types of construction (residential, industrial, and commercial) for conformity with Municipal and technical codes. Inspects building and structures and enforces zoning regulations to ensure compliance with zoning regulations. Approves or disapproves installations and certifies approved installations. Approves issuance of certificates of occupancy for completed structures and changes in use of existing structures. Reviews drawings and specifications of proposed construction with the Plans Coordinator and works with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors. Assist Building Official with conforming to laws and regulations regarding Building and Zoning regulations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities and Supervision Required Enforces Sign Ordinance Communicates with members of the sign contracting industry, the business community, developers, the general public and officials of other municipalities regarding sign regulations. Reviews all applications for sign permits. Reviews/examines blueprints, drawings and specifications of signs that are proposed within the City of Florence and its zoning jurisdiction for compliance with regard to density, type, area, height, etc. Confirms zoning classification of proposed signs. Inspects site of proposed and/or existing signage. Issues sign permits. Maintains records of permitted signs. Inspects signs, during and after installation for compliance with approved drawings and permit. Inspects and surveys existing signage to alleviate possible hazards. Notifies responsible party to remove prohibited/illegal or hazardous signs. Removes signs from public right-of-way and/or city property. Issues court citations when necessary, and represents Building Department in legal proceedings. Assists with technical information in the formation of amendments to the sign regulations. Enforces Landscaping Ordinance Communicates with members of the landscaping industry, the business community, developers, the general public and officials regarding landscaping regulations. Reviews/examines site plans, drawings and specifications regarding landscaping requirements for new developments within the City of Florence and its Zoning jurisdiction for compliance with the Landscaping Ordinance. Communicates with applicable party regarding findings upon review of plans/drawings, and requests revised plans/drawings when necessary, requiring changes in plantings or more plantings if necessary. Confirms zoning classification of proposed development. Inspects development site with regard to required landscaping area. Maintains landscape drawings on file. Inspects landscaping during and after installation for compliance with approved drawings and the landscape regulations. Makes final inspection of landscaping for approval, prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. Coordinates and makes annual landscaping inspection, and notifies responsible party to remove dead plantings and implement new plantings when necessary. Assists with technical information in the formation of amendments to the landscaping regulations. Enforces Zoning Regulations (Chart of Permitted Uses, District Regulations, Supplementary Regulations, etc.) Receives inquiries regarding zoning classifications and various regulations from business owners, developers, appraisers, realtors, etc. Asks pertinent questions regarding proposed businesses. Determines zoning classification of properties in question. Creates zoning verification letters upon request. Receives and investigates complaints regarding alleged zoning violation, and takes appropriate action. Sends proper notification to responsible party. Consults with Building Official, when necessary, regarding course of action. Consults with Building Official regarding various cases for both the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Historical Board. Enforces Home Occupation Ordinance Interviews and explains Home Occupation Ordinance to potential applicants. Determines whether or not the ordinance criteria for a Home Occupation can be met. Inspects premises of proposed home occupation when necessary. Upon determining approval, issues Home Occupation Permit. Maintains records of the Home Occupation Permits issued. Investigates alleged complaints regarding home occupations, and takes appropriate action. Recording Secretary for the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) Speaks with inquiring/potential applicants regarding variances and special exceptions. Explains procedure/process for requesting variances and special exceptions. Processes all BZA applications/cases, prepares agenda. Prepares legal notices for newspaper publication. Notifies Street Department Sign Shop to post sign's on BZA properties. Sends certified-mail notices to all adjoining property owners. Sends certified-mail notices to all applicants as confirmation of hearing. Forwards agenda to BZA members for their review prior to meetings. Attends all BZA meetings, takes minutes, records vote. Notifies applicants of the Board's decision in writing. Maintains BZA case files. Prepares minutes of the meetings and certifies minutes, when required, for court. Inspects new and existing residential, commercial, industrial and public Buildings to enforce municipal building codes and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Approves/disapproves installations; interprets municipal codes, zoning regulations, and building code requirements for contractors and property owners. Certifies approved installations, checking design and function. Makes inspections after hours when requested by Building Official. Provides damage assessments of public and private properties in Emergency conditions to Emergency Management. Investigates complaints of substandard buildings and properties. Issues correction notices and court citations involving Building Codes and Zoning Regulations. Assist in representing the Building Department in court matters involving violations. Meets with public and answers questions relative to construction. properties, projects and problems associated with building. Prepares inspection reports Fills out report in the field on each inspection daily, noting type of inspection and results, i.e., changes made and changes recommended, compiling and submitting the reports periodically. Leaves copy of inspection report with owner/contractor and provides a copy to the Building Department to be filed. Follows up on required corrections to ensure compliance. Keeps abreast of the latest technological developments in the construction industry Attends seminars and other continuing education courses to remain current on building technology and standards. Informs contractors of latest developments. Attends hearings (Code change hearings) and presents views on changes to the Technical Codes Studies yearly code changes to keep abreast of latest in building materials and methods. Informs contractors, architects and engineers of any changes made in the Technical Construction Codes. Serves as a consultant to various Municipal Boards (Housing and Construction Codes Appeal Board) involved in enforcing codes. Assists in the revision of codes and preparation of amendments. Examines blueprints and specifications with Plans Coordinator of new construction or remodeling of existing structures to assure compliance with the Technical Codes and works with architects, engineers, contractors and owners to prevent potential problems. Operates permit and inspection software requiring knowledge of Microsoft Access). May occasionally supervise a part-time or temporary employee. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Experience, Training, & LicenseHigh school diploma or GED. Two years of college or equivalent training or experience preferred. Must have eighteen months to three years of experience in a related field. Construction field preferred. Certification by International Code Council as a Building Inspector or Building Plans Examiner or be certified within one year of employment. Certification must be maintained for continued employment. Must have a current and valid driver's license. Required Knowledge Skills AbilitiesThorough knowledge ofthe City of Florence Zoning Ordinance and applicable sections of the Florence City Code. Also thorough knowledge of one of the following: International Building Code or the International Residential Code adopted by the City of Florence. Ability to prepare correspondence, (letters, notices, reports) using good grammar and proper sentence structure. Ability to issue court citations, and permits and stop work orders. Ability to assist with writing amendments to codes, ordinances and regulations. Also, ability to prepare resolutions for same. Ability to speak, advise and deal courteously with the general public and with professionals involved in the construction industry with poise, voice control and confidence, possessing tact. Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently. Ability to read and comprehend complicated construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications. Ability to maintain effective working relationship with other employees. Ability to make presentations to various individuals, groups, boards, etc. Ability to read and comprehend landscape, sign drawings and specifications. Computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Word) and ability to use application software concerning Building Department operations. Ability to represent the Building Department in court proceedings. Knowledge of existing standards and methods of plumbing, gas and electrical or structural installations to assist contractors and owners in repairing and altering these installations to bring into compliance with and Municipal codes. Must regularly work at heights, occasionally extreme heights, such as rooftops of houses, buildings and other structures. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports. Must have a general knowledge of other Technical Codes, such as Electrical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Mechanical. Must be able to work in and around vehicular and construction traffic and equipment. Physical Demands (with or without reasonable accommodation): Requires moderate physical activity. Involves desk work and field work, which includes driving a City vehicle. Has above average mental pressure, stress or strain. Sometimes required to walk on uneven terrain. Ability to perform inspections in adverse weather conditions and hazardous construction sites. Must be able to see well enough to accurately inspect. Vision can be with or without corrective lenses. Equipment/Tools Used: Engineer/Architect scale, calculator, personal & laptop computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, fax machine, communications system, text messaging, internet, email, digital and video cameras, measuring equipment, mechanical and electrical testing equipment. Operate motor vehicle. For similar job postings, applications may be used for up to ninety (90) days. The City of Florence, Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, retirement, deferred compensation plans, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. 01 Do you have a high school diploma or a GED certificate? Yes No 02 Do you have a current and valid driver's license? Yes No 03 Do you have at least 18 months of experience in a related field? If so, please list the details of your experience and where you obtained it in the text box provided. 04 Are you currently an employee of the City of Florence, Alabama? Required Question

Created: 2026-03-05