Short Term Rental Zoning Inspector

The City of Virginia Beach is recruiting for a Short Term Rental Zoning Inspector I/II. This position will focus on Zoning Code Compliance for the Short Term Rentals within the City as part of the Zoning Administration division within the Planning and Community Development department.

The position may be classified as a Zoning Inspector I or Zoning Inspector II depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

• Zoning Inspector I: $44,678.40 - $69,243.20
• Zoning Inspector II: $49,254.40 - $76,336.00

This position is a hybrid role consisting of approximately 65% administrative work and 35% field work. On the administrative side, responsibilities include monitoring short-term rental listings on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, issuing violations for non-compliance, compiling evidence for court, processing permits, responding to public inquiries, and maintaining accurate records. The field portion of the role involves reviewing required STR signage and parking plans, as well as conducting life safety inspections.

The position requires strong attention to detail, sound organizational skills, and the ability to balance a large case load.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Inspecting existing properties and premises and note violations; document findings with photographs and in writing and input in City databases; determine validity and scope of violations; and issue notices of violation or court summons, whichever is appropriate; specifically relating to Short Term Rentals.
• Review site plans for zoning compliance and respond to customer inquires via phone, email, and at the service counter.
• Meet with property owners, homeowners, complainants, landlords, and development consultants in the office or onsite to identify possible violations and explain the requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance specifically relating to short-term rentals; and work with said persons to find the most reasonable solutions to avoid or correct and violations.
• Research properties to obtain all pertinent information, including but not limited to:
  Conditional Use Permits, Change of Zoning, and other City Council actions, previous and outstanding violations, real estate assessor information, Board of Zoning Appeal actions, Commissioner of Revenue business license and other information as needed.
• Answer telephone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries from citizens, recipients of notices of violations, complaints, and property owners and provide the necessary requested information.
• Issue notices of violation as appropriate to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance; and if violation still exists, issue summons, pursue legal action through the court system or with appropriate City appointed boards.
• Testify in court on violations of the Zoning Ordinance.
• Properly document and manage files in the Accela automated documentation system and keep all records current, documenting all inspections, findings, and future actions; and document all site visits and inspections.
• Regularly inspect properties for compliance of conditions and/or proffer agreements approved by City Council.
• Meet with civic leagues when necessary to address issues within their neighborhood.

Duties of a Zoning Inspector II may also include:

• Assist and mentor the Zoning Inspector I position as needed.
• Participate in City-wide task forces and/or other committees as requested.

The City offers a generous benefits package such ashealth, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.