Director of Code Enforcement

Deliverable to residents :

The Director of Code Enforcement is responsible for ensuring safe, healthy, and livable neighborhoods by enforcing municipal codes related to property maintenance, public safety, zoning, blight, and quality of life. This role safeguards the community from unsafe structures, environmental hazards, and negligent property conditions, while advancing accountability in neighborhood revitalization.

Charter authority & scope : Oversee all functions of the Department of Code Enforcement as outlined in the New Orleans City Charter (2025 amendment). Enforce municipal codes related to property standards, nuisance abatement, blighted property, and zoning violations. Ensure due process in adjudication hearings for property owners in violation of city codes.  Coordinate with other charter-mandated departments, including Sanitation, Safety & Permits, and Health to address cross-cutting violations. Performs additional duties assigned by the Mayor.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead inspectors, adjudication staff, and administrative personnel to ensure fair investigations and hearings.
• Oversee nuisance abatement, demolitions, and liens on non-compliant properties.
• Develop proactive inspection programs in collaboration with neighborhood priorities.
• Ensure and streamline coordination with municipal court, law department, and state / federal partners for complex enforcement actions.
• Prepare and present annual performance and compliance reports to the Mayor, City Council, and the public.
• Represent the City in public forums, community meetings, and intergovernmental collaborations related to code enforcement and neighborhood health.
• Prioritize neighborhood revitalization by targeting chronic blight and vacant properties.
• Integrate enforcement with housing and affordability strategies to return properties to commerce and expand affordable housing supply.
• Partner with community organizations and neighborhood associations for proactive inspections and public education.
• Utilize technology to streamline complaints, inspections, and enforcement for greater accountability.  In partnership with CIO and CAO, build performance dashboards to measure progress on inspections, abatements, demolitions, and compliance rates.
• Support fairness in enforcement to ensure all neighborhoods receive consistent attention, not just those with higher visibility.
• Establish a “customer-first” culture ensuring residents and property owners experience clear, fair, and timely services.

Requirements

Benefits

Benefits information will be available in the future.