Director of Safety & Permits

Job Description

Job Description

Deliverable to residents :

The Director of Safety & Permits ensures that buildings, homes and construction projects in New Orleans meet safety standards. This role protects residents by enforcing building, electrical, and mechanical codes; regulating permitting and licensing; and ensuring responsible development that strengthens neighborhoods while upholding fairness, efficiency, and public trust. The Director advances public confidence in development oversight through clear processes, fair enforcement, and proactive engagement with residents and businesses.

Charter authority & scope :

Administers all permitting, licensing, inspections, and code enforcement functions as established in Article IV (§ 4-702) of the City Charter. Oversees the issuance and enforcement of building, zoning, and occupancy permits; and coordinates with the Departments of Public Works, Sanitation, and Code Enforcement to ensure safe and lawful development. Acts as the City’s principal building official, ensuring compliance with local and state construction and safety regulations. Maintains clear communication channels with the Chief Administrative Officer, City Attorney, and City Council to provide enforcement guidance, policy input, and regulatory oversight. Performs additional duties assigned by the Mayor.

Key Responsibilities :

• Oversee all permitting, licensing, inspections, and enforcement activities defined in the City Charter.
• Manage zoning and building safety compliance for residential, commercial, and public projects.
• Enforce blight and nuisance-abatement policies in coordination with the Departments of Code Enforcement, Sanitation, and Law.
• Ensure compliance with building, electrical, and mechanical codes, upholding due process in enforcement actions.
• Streamline permitting for housing and business projects in ways that prioritize in-person service, responsive staff, and modernize digital permitting and inspection systems. Incorporate the core principles of honesty, service, and fairness for all applicants.
• Lead, develop, and manage inspectors, plan reviewers, and administrative staff to ensure consistency, accountability, and service excellence.
• Build cross-departmental collaboration with Housing, Economic Development, and Public Works to align permitting with citywide priorities.
• Develop quarterly performance reports and data-driven benchmarks for service delivery and compliance.
• Promote fair enforcement and access to permitting resources across all neighborhoods.

Requirements

Benefits

Benefits information will be available in the future.