The mission of the Department of Licenses and Inspections is to administer and enforce the City's code requirements for the enhancement of public safety, including building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, property maintenance, business, and zoning regulations. The Department is responsible for regulating the conduct of businesses and persons by issuing licenses, by conducting inspections, and by enforcing applicable codes and regulations.

In addition, the Department is empowered to take lawful actions necessary to correct dangerous and unlawful conditions, including making necessary emergency repairs to properties, cleaning and sealing abandoned buildings, and demolishing vacant buildings that pose a threat to public safety. In support of its larger mission, the Department seeks to generate revenue sufficient to cover the cost of its activities through the sale of permits and licenses and by the collection of costs expended for demolition and clean and seal actions.