The Zoning Specialist reviews zoning plans; conducts technical research and analysis on zoning issues and initiatives; interprets zoning codes and ordinances to public officials, general public, and other departments’ staff; coordinates, prepares, processes and presents zoning applications to the Planning & Zoning Board; and assists with the enforcement efforts of the Development Services Department.
Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and RegistrationsEducation / higher education: Bachelor's Degree
For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Business or public administration, urban and regional planning, or directly related discipline.
Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Any combination of education and/or experience totaling four years may substitute for the required minimum education.
Education and/or experience preferences: None
Driver’s License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None
Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.
Required certifications, licenses or registrations: None
Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: Certified Zoning Official designation.
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge: Zoning codes and ordinances. Public speaking and public relations methods to persuade, negotiate, and mediate issues.
Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment. Interpretation of oral, written, mathematical, legal, statistical and regulatory information dealing with zoning ordinances, regulations and enforcement. Clear concise oral and written communication skills to prepare and present technical training, reports, and the operation of a personal computer using word processing and spreadsheet applications, ArcView, Paradox and HTE.
Abilities: Read, interpret and work from field notes, survey data, blueprints and specifications and read, analyze, and interpret zoning codes and ordinances, technical reports, governmental regulations, professional journals, and technical procedures. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Work with mathematical concepts to analyze problems, interpret data and apply to practical situations found in the workplace. Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, customer departments, vendors, contractors, regulatory and funding agencies, Planning & Zoning Board, City’s governing body and the general public.
Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works with department managers on new construction and remodel projects that may affect City operations. External: Works with vendors and contractors to insure new construction and remodeling projects are completed per specifications following local, state, and national building codes and regulations.
Essential FunctionsThe following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Processes and evaluates zoning application requests for compliance with appropriate regulations, ordinances, and City policies.
- Conducts pre-application meetings with residents, engineers, attorneys, architects and developers on zoning issues and applications.
- Interprets land use management ordinances for public and private agencies.
- Issues administrative permits to include sign permits, nonconforming use permits, and zoning approvals for business registrations.
- Conducts research on properties and writes informational or formal zoning letters, when requested, for the general public, City departments, appraisers, developers or related interested persons.
- Perform various functions related to zoning activities in support of the Planning and Zoning Board and City’s governing body. Involves, but not limited to:
- Participates in the review and preparation of recommendations regarding zoning activities and various development projects.
- Prepares staff reports on hearing items to be heard before the Planning and Zoning Board and Governing Body, researches data, analyzes property via site inspections and plats, coordinates solicitation of comments from other departments, and drafts written recommendations.
- Prepares staff reports on hearing items to be heard before the Planning and Zoning Board and Governing Body, researches data, analyzes property via site inspections and plats, coordinates solicitation of comments from other departments, and drafts written recommendations.
- Creates maps, using ArcView for zoning reference, for use by the Planning and Zoning Board in review of zoning applications.
- Prepares and coordinates mailing of Planning and Zoning Board agenda packets, legal and property owner notices.
- Assists in the preparation of monthly reports detailing department activity for City Administration and Planning and Zoning Board review.
- Performs and/or assists in plan reviews and field inspections in technical, complex or sensitive situations.
- Assist customers at the front desk as required.