This is field and related office work in the investigation, inspection and enforcement of a minimum standards ordinance for dwelling structures.

Employees in this class are responsible for obtaining information concerning the physical condition of dwelling units, rooming houses, hotels, motels and similar structures used for human habitation. Work involves determining the structural adequacy, number of occupants and sanitary condition of housing facilities used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating. Duties require rendering technical advice and assistance to owners and tenants by recommending construction methods by which minimum housing standards may be achieved. Work is performed independently in the field, incumbents must exercise tact and judgment in explaining code requirements to tenants, landlords, agents and contractors. Supervision is received from a superior inspector who reviews work upon completion for accuracy and thoroughness by review of reports and discussions.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Inspects dwelling units such as rooming houses, apartments, hotels, motels, mobile homes, temporary shelters and other types of structures used for human shelter.

Determines structural and sanitary adequacy for human habitation; inspects water supply and sewer system, cooking facilities, garbage disposal facilities, lighting and ventilation, insect and vermin protection, minimum living space requirements, cleanliness, electrical system and related housing standards.

Completes reports on violations of building code, housing code, zoning regulations, fire prevention code, public health laws, and any unlawful activity carried on within the premises; advises State Hotel and Restaurant Commission on suspected violations by licensed commercial establishments.

Advises owners, property managers, contractors, attorneys and others on demolition or modifications and repairs necessary to comply with the law; conducts follow-up investigations to ascertain that all work is completed as required.

Advises tenants of various local welfare agencies rendering social service assistance; refers suspected diseased persons to public health officials.

Appears in court and before minimum housing appeals board as a witness in prosecution for non-compliance with housing code violation citations.

Maintains inspection records and reports, initiates various notification letters, sends referral memoranda to other governmental agencies involved in housing and urban renewal.

Recommends demolition of structures considered unsafe and beyond repair.

Coordinates inspection and enforcement effort with available related programs of governmental and private organizations.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the various building trades including construction, modification and repair methods and materials.

Knowledge of the local building, zoning and public health codes and ordinances pertaining to housing standards for human habitation.

Knowledge of the various services administered by public and private agencies to indigent, informed and dependent persons.

Ability to learn and enforce a minimum standards housing code for private and commercial dwelling structures.

Ability to deal with the public tactfully and to provide information and assistance as requested.

Ability to perform field assignments with a minimum of supervision in all types of neighborhoods.

Ability to keep simple records and submit accurate reports of field inspections.

Ability to train others in housing inspection work.

REV 4-82