The head of New Orleans Safety and Permits department has been demoted, according to a report by WWL-TV, for "unconscionable" abuses and lack of proper oversight.
According to the report, New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano said new leadership is needed in the department, which is the subject of a federal criminal investigation as well as a lot of public scrutiny since the Hard Rock hotel collapse.
The department is down to four inspectors after retirements, resignations, and suspensions.
Montano said he reassigned Zach Smith Monday, but must keep him on staff at least temporarily because Smith serves as the city's "chief building official," a state-designated job that is required to perform inspections.