Zone Inspection Model

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is responsible for air quality inspections covering 9,226 square miles. The number of miles driven per inspector while covering the entire county was significant until a Zone Inspection Model was implemented in July 2012. The method consists of one supervisor and five inspectors in a geographical area that function as a team for that zone. The areas were reviewed for number of permits, inspection frequency and travel time and, based on these data, the areas were divided into six zones. By studying a control group of 17 inspectors who performed inspections during a study period of fiscal years 2012 – 2014 (July 2011 – June 2014), it is clear that implementation of the zone model has increased inspector efficiency. Reduction of areas of responsibility within zones has allowed inspectors to perform more inspections in their assigned area rather than driving all over the county. This has decreased mileage driven per inspector, thereby improving air quality. The Zone Inspection Model has saved an average of 177 pounds of pollution, per year, since its implementation.