Basic Function

Under the supervision of the Planning Manager perform a variety of zoning-related customer service duties such as responding to zoning inquiries, reviewing development plans and applications for Zoning Code compliance, preparing related reports and correspondence, participating in application submittal meetings, and analyzing and preparing reports, information, and presentations related to zoning and land use planning.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Responds to land use and zoning inquiries, assists customers in maintaining compliance of site development plans with City codes and ordinances; utilizes knowledge of zoning and subdivision codes, regulations, and policies to assist the public in finding alternative solutions to site development problems.
• Serve as primary staff representative and makes presentations to appointed Boards and Commissions as directed.
• Performs detailed technical checks of development permit plans and applications for compliance with zoning and other codes.
• Process zoning applications including Conditional and Special Use Permits, and Variances; perform field and development inspections; gather information to prepare staff reports on zoning applications; prepare public hearing notices; post signs on sites for public hearings.
• Apply the sign regulations ordinance, reviewing sign permit applications.
• Apply the flood hazard regulations ordinance, reviewing building permit applications for determination of location relative to the 100-year flood plain and for compliance with such regulations.
• Maintains current knowledge of land use and environmental law, site planning, and development practices.
• Recommend modifications to City permitting procedures and codes.
• Research a variety of projects from a variety of sources.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED
• Any combination equivalent to a bachelor's degree in urban or land use planning or an acceptable related field and one (1) year of zoning code administration experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Driver's License

Competencies

Knowledge Of:

• Customer Service and code administration and compliance techniques.
• Current land use and development management trends.
• Personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, permits, and databases.
• Software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• City zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, and specialized regulations.
• Policies related to permit issuances and inspections.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations.
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability To:

• Demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Use correct English in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Facilitate processing of applications.
• Resolve zoning complaints amicably.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff and officials, with customers and with representatives of other government agencies.
• Analyze and interpret data and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and interpret maps, blueprints, and legal descriptions for proper zoning.
• Understand classifications, setbacks, and height restrictions.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with little direction.

Skill In:

• Microsoft Suite.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Work Environment

• Office setting
• Work is sedentary in nature, but does require a high degree of concentration.
• Site development inspections, field trips, and posting signs on sites for public hearings are a necessary part of this position.
• Driving site to site to conduct work.
• Seasonal heat and cold.

Working Conditions

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
• Seeing to monitor computer screen and to read and review zoning codes, etc.
• Dexterity of hand and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
• Walk over uneven and/or steep terrain.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposure to airborne particles.

Travel

Regular travel within the City and County; Occasional travel outside of local area.