Question: What is the City Manager’s intentions for the $83,595 budgeted to support the Night/Weekend Zoning Inspector Position? How will this position relate to a broader rethinking of the organization of civil enforcement capabilities across City government? (Mayor Wilson)

Response: 

City Council adopted an updated noise ordinance in December 2021. Because the ordinance implemented policy changes such as permissible times for do-it-yourself construction and noise levels for plainly audible sound, staff proposes to use this position on an interim basis to provide added support for noise management efforts. The position would, on an interim basis, be assigned to the Office of Environmental Quality in the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) with an initial emphasis on evenings and weekends. In addition to supporting noise enforcement, the position could also support Special Use Permit (SUP) enforcement, property maintenance (Code), street lighting concerns, and other duties as assigned. The position would work collaboratively with staff from the Alexandria Police Department (APD) when responding to noise complaints. The proposed interim approach would add limited T&ES staffing coverage to after-hours (evening and weekend) periods in support of APD. 

Staff are in the process of interviewing for the Evening and Weekend Noise Inspector position now. This position is currently intended to have the primary function of conducting noise enforcement after hours. T&ES staff has recently completed noise code training with the Alexandria Police Department, and this position will help to support the APD regarding noise enforcement. 

The City Manager’s Office is currently evaluating alternatives for civil enforcement cross-departmentally, including noise complaints. This position will be incorporated into any future enforcement approach that is ultimately developed. 

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