Zoning Inspector (Port Arthur, TX)
SALARY: $28.6999 - $35.5112, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 10/14/2025
CLOSING DATE: 10/20/2025, Open Continuous until Filled Externally
DEFINITION
To perform field and office inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A), subdivision regulations, sign code, and related municipal codes; to investigate zoning and land use complaints; to provide technical support to the development process; and to assist the public, contractors, and developers in understanding zoning regulations and compliance requirements.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full journey-level classification in the zoning inspection series. A Zoning Inspector is expected to perform the full range of zoning, land use, and code compliance inspections with limited supervision. The position requires knowledge of planning and zoning regulations, site plan review, and municipal enforcement procedures.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Planning & Development Services Manager or designee.
May exercise technical guidance over temporary staff or interns as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct field inspections to ensure properties comply with zoning, subdivision, signage, buffering, landscaping, and site plan requirements.
Investigate complaints of alleged zoning violations; gather evidence, take photographs, and prepare inspection reports.
Issue courtesy notices, Notices of Violation, and citations in accordance with City Code; track cases until resolution.
Review plats, site plans, and zoning maps for compliance with approved permits and zoning classifications.
Provide information to property owners, developers, contractors, and the public regarding zoning regulations and compliance requirements.
Prepare and present reports and evidence for the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), municipal court, or administrative hearings.
Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments, including Building Inspections, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, and Police.
Maintain accurate case files, inspection records, and computer-based reports using permitting/code case software, as well as GIS.
Participate in continuing education, professional development, and applicable training related to zoning and land use enforcement.
Support the City’s disaster response efforts by conducting zoning-related inspections and temporary land use determinations in emergencies.
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Texas Local Government Code Chapters 211 (Zoning) and 212 (Subdivision).
Principles, practices, and techniques of municipal planning and zoning enforcement.
Land use classifications, zoning districts, and development standards.
Procedures for interpreting plats, site plans, and legal descriptions.
Principles and practices of municipal code enforcement.
Techniques for inspection, investigation, and report writing.
Accepted standards for signage, parking, landscaping, and land use buffering.
Basic knowledge of FEMA Floodplain Maps (FIRMs) and flood hazard areas.
Customer service and conflict resolution practices.
Ability to:
Apply zoning regulations and procedures consistently and fairly.
Conduct zoning and site inspections independently and accurately.
Read and interpret zoning ordinances, maps, site plans, and plats.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate notices, correspondence, and reports.
Maintain accurate records and case documentation.
Operate a motor vehicle and field inspection equipment, including GPS-enabled devices.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, developers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Work independently with limited supervision and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and professionalism.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two (2) years of responsible experience in zoning enforcement, code enforcement, building inspection, municipal planning, or a related field.
Experience in a Texas coastal/industrial municipality preferred.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Associate’s degree in planning, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Construction Technology, or a related field preferred.
Licensure or Certification:
Must possess or be able to obtain within twelve (12) months a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) Code Enforcement Officer Registration.
Must possess or be able to obtain within eighteen (18) months an ICC Zoning Inspector Certification.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is desirable.
Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license.
Working Conditions:
Physical Conditions:
Walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing in outdoor environments for extended periods.
Operating assigned equipment, including motor vehicles and inspection tools.
Environmental Conditions:
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction sites, and industrial environments.
Occasional evening or weekend work is required.
Development Services – Zoning Inspector, #25-071.
OPENING DATE: 10/14/2025
CLOSING DATE: 10/20/2025, Open Continuous until Filled Externally
DEFINITION
To perform field and office inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to ensure compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A), subdivision regulations, sign code, and related municipal codes; to investigate zoning and land use complaints; to provide technical support to the development process; and to assist the public, contractors, and developers in understanding zoning regulations and compliance requirements.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full journey-level classification in the zoning inspection series. A Zoning Inspector is expected to perform the full range of zoning, land use, and code compliance inspections with limited supervision. The position requires knowledge of planning and zoning regulations, site plan review, and municipal enforcement procedures.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Planning & Development Services Manager or designee.
May exercise technical guidance over temporary staff or interns as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct field inspections to ensure properties comply with zoning, subdivision, signage, buffering, landscaping, and site plan requirements.
Investigate complaints of alleged zoning violations; gather evidence, take photographs, and prepare inspection reports.
Issue courtesy notices, Notices of Violation, and citations in accordance with City Code; track cases until resolution.
Review plats, site plans, and zoning maps for compliance with approved permits and zoning classifications.
Provide information to property owners, developers, contractors, and the public regarding zoning regulations and compliance requirements.
Prepare and present reports and evidence for the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), municipal court, or administrative hearings.
Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments, including Building Inspections, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, and Police.
Maintain accurate case files, inspection records, and computer-based reports using permitting/code case software, as well as GIS.
Participate in continuing education, professional development, and applicable training related to zoning and land use enforcement.
Support the City’s disaster response efforts by conducting zoning-related inspections and temporary land use determinations in emergencies.
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Texas Local Government Code Chapters 211 (Zoning) and 212 (Subdivision).
Principles, practices, and techniques of municipal planning and zoning enforcement.
Land use classifications, zoning districts, and development standards.
Procedures for interpreting plats, site plans, and legal descriptions.
Principles and practices of municipal code enforcement.
Techniques for inspection, investigation, and report writing.
Accepted standards for signage, parking, landscaping, and land use buffering.
Basic knowledge of FEMA Floodplain Maps (FIRMs) and flood hazard areas.
Customer service and conflict resolution practices.
Ability to:
Apply zoning regulations and procedures consistently and fairly.
Conduct zoning and site inspections independently and accurately.
Read and interpret zoning ordinances, maps, site plans, and plats.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate notices, correspondence, and reports.
Maintain accurate records and case documentation.
Operate a motor vehicle and field inspection equipment, including GPS-enabled devices.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, developers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Work independently with limited supervision and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and professionalism.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two (2) years of responsible experience in zoning enforcement, code enforcement, building inspection, municipal planning, or a related field.
Experience in a Texas coastal/industrial municipality preferred.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Associate’s degree in planning, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Construction Technology, or a related field preferred.
Licensure or Certification:
Must possess or be able to obtain within twelve (12) months a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) Code Enforcement Officer Registration.
Must possess or be able to obtain within eighteen (18) months an ICC Zoning Inspector Certification.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is desirable.
Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license.
Working Conditions:
Physical Conditions:
Walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing in outdoor environments for extended periods.
Operating assigned equipment, including motor vehicles and inspection tools.
Environmental Conditions:
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction sites, and industrial environments.
Occasional evening or weekend work is required.
Development Services – Zoning Inspector, #25-071.
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Department: Development Services
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position
Requisition Number: #25-071