Zoning Official

Under general supervision, performs technical, professional planning, and administrative work in the enforcement of the City ordinances, and other related codes concerning zoning and planning matters. Work involves conducting inspections, performing research to determine property ownership and responding to inquiries and complaints from the general public on zoning matters.

Employee may perform the duties of the Assistant Zoning Administrator and Enforcement Coordinator. during his/her absence and assists other departmental staff as needed. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in completing other assigned tasks. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with property owners and the general public.  Reports to the Zoning Administration and Enforcement Manager.

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.

Prepares and presents technical reports to the Zoning Administrator and Enforcement Manager, Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and other agencies.

Researches, prepares, and develops studies, designs, and plans for assigned areas and reports findings to City Council.

Works closely with Zoning Inspectors, new and existing employees on zoning issues; assists in the interpretation and determination of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to zoning matters.

Performs administrative and technical work in the enforcement of the UDO, City ordinances, and other related codes concerning zoning matters.

Conducts inspections, performs research to determine property ownership and responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public on zoning matters.

Assists Zoning Inspectors in day-to-day operations.

Enforces the UDO related to zoning, by surveying, inspecting and investigating complaints and reviewing permit requests for zoning, occupancy requirements, business licenses, home occupations and site plans for new commercial construction.

Performs administrative duties by preparing notices of code violations, forms and letters advising owners and tenants of violations and time requirements, preparing and maintaining inspection and related reports, ascertaining and verifying the correction of violations, and explaining the requirements of zoning standards and ordinances to property owners, building contractors and other interested parties.

Provides comments concerning site plan review and rezoning and conditional use permits reviews.

May assist the Assistant Zoning Administration and Enforcement Coordinator in the research and analysis of administrative and technical work in the enforcement of the UDO, City ordinances, and other related codes concerning zoning matters.

Reviews and coordinates reviews of plans and physical surveys with Permit Technicians to ensure compliance with the UDO and other pertinent City ordinances.

Communicates with other city departments to coordinate and exchange work, information and develops solutions to interdepartmental development issues.

Attends meetings related to land use and development and Board of Zoning Appeals pre-application meetings, as well as provide general zoning support for code interpretations in Zoning Administration and Enforcement Manager's absence.

Researches and prepares written zoning determinations on behalf of the Zoning Administration and Enforcement Manager for land use and zoning compliance.

Tracks Cityworks work progress through performance reports and indicators.

Assists the Assistant Zoning Administration and Enforcement Coordinator and Zoning Administration and Enforcement Manager with design review for new construction of subdivisions.

Maintains knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; read professional literature; maintain professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Issues permits for building and zoning; schedules inspections; conducts field inspections of more complex zoning enforcement cases as needed.

Initiates notices of violations of the UDO as it relates to zoning matters.

Performs other related duties as required.

High School degree required. A Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field is preferred as well as 1-2 years of experience in urban planning, land use, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Requires certification the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) as a certified zoning officer within 18 months of hire. Employees hired prior to December 2008 are not subject to the time period required to receive the VAZO certification. Requires a valid driver's license.