Zoning Compliance Officer

 City of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

JOB DESCRIPTION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 

Zoning Compliance Official I

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to enforce City codes and ordinances, including investigation of complaints and violations and inspection of existing properties to ensure adherence to local, state, federal building codes, ordinances, and regulations. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of the City's zoning code of ordinances and other applicable ordinances, ensuring strict compliance with all regulations and ordinances; provides information and technical assistance with code requirements to property owners, business owners and other City Departments; responds to questions or complaints concerning zoning code compliance; conducts research associated with code compliance activities as needed.
• Patrols the City daily to inspect for potential code violations; determines compliance or non-compliance with applicable codes on public, residential and commercial properties; meets with property and/or business owners to discuss violations; investigates and processes the removal of derelict vehicles from private property; addresses and removes illegal signs from City right-of-way; investigates and determines compliance with landscaping, Community Appearance Board, permitted signage, lighting, parking requirements and regulations; assists in storm damage assessments of residential and commercial properties including documentation of damaged signs and buildings. 
• Issues code compliance notices, stop work orders and official correction notices to inform violators of discrepancies and compliance deadlines; issues citations/summonses to cite violators to court; serves citations via certified mail, in person or by process server; represents the City and/or testifies in court as needed; and performs follow-up site inspections as needed.
• Assists in the review of various City permit applications and documents for zoning code compliance including surveys, site plans, tree surveys, architectural drawings, exterior elevation renderings; assists various City committees/board meetings with the preparation of agendas, public notices, presentations and attends meetings to assist and address questions from the committee/board members and/or the public.
• Inspects oceanfront encroachments and processes notices of annual renewals, inspects outdoor café encroachments for zoning compliance.
• Maintains records of enforcement and activities; enters data into computer system; takes and files photographs to document violations; creates reports and evidence packets used in court.
• Prepares reports for City officials and supervisors listing outstanding cases and disposition of complaints; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, code violation history reports, citations, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, business applications, zoning maps, code books, ordinances, standards, manuals, publications, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, City officials, residents, property owners, businesses, contractors, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new products, methods, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Operates a personal computer, motor vehicle, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs other related duties as required, requested and assigned. 

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED.  Associate degree in business administration, accounting, construction management or related field preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.  

Special Requirements: 

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of code, ordinances, and other laws and regulations pertinent to job duties.
• Knowledge of field inspection procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Knowledge of City's building permit and business license requirements.
• Knowledge of related safety procedures.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in planning.
• Skill in organizing.
• Skill in performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; calculating decimals, percentages, and fractions; and interpreting graphs.
• Skill in photography.
• Skill in investigating complaints.
• Skill in developing and delivering presentations.
• Skill in gathering information before taking action.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Ability to build rapport.
• Ability to listen.
• Ability to give clear directions.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. 
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions. 
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally requires:   balancing, handling, hearing voices and distinguishing among sounds, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, visual acuity in data/color/operating equipment/inspect defects or measurements, and walking. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors where performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, or rude/irate customers. Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

The City of Myrtle Beach has the right to revise this job description at any time. This 

 description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

City of Myrtle Beach Benefits

No Cost Health, Dental & Vision Insurance for Fulltime Employees

401K & 457 Plans Available

State Retirement

Employee Wellness Clinic

Flex Spending Account

Employee Assistance

And much more

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Myrtle Beach commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The City's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, political affiliation, veteran's status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, to include transgender status, disability or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law.