Zoning Administrator

Chesterfield County, VA; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County Planning Office seeks a Zoning Administrator to provide technical advice on land use, zoning and subdivision. You will render interpretations, prepare determinations, and evaluate proposals for consistency with the comprehensive plan and ordinances.

You will lead zoning reviews, prepare presentations for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, and collaborate with multiple county departments on policy and implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field (minimum). Master’s preferred.
• Experience with zoning, subdivision and land use planning.
• Strong writing and communication skills for reports and public hearings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and regulatory advice on land use, zoning and subdivision.
• Render opinions and interpretations of zoning ordinances and policies.
• Prepare written determinations on zoning matters.
• Evaluate staff proposals for conformity with ordinances and plans.
• Prepare documents and presentations for decision makers.
• Lead reviewing teams for zoning reviews.
• Present to Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
• Assist with policy development and ordinance amendments.
• Support cross-department collaboration on land use initiatives.
• Train staff on ordinance interpretation and application.
• Participate in management team and cross-functional projects.

Skills

Zoning expertise

Subdivision knowledge

Site plan review

Research and analysis

Oral and written communication

Project management

Public policy interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Leadership and facilitation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture or related field

Master’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture or related field

Job description

Would you like to work with a dynamic team of Planning professionals helping to make Chesterfield County a First Choice Community through innovative land use planning? If so, the Chesterfield County Planning Office has an exciting opportunity for you! Chesterfield County, a fast-growing community adjacent to Richmond, VA, is seeking a highly-motivated person to become our Zoning Administrator.

This position will work closely with many of the various sections of the Planning Department as well as other County Departments such as County Attorney’s Office, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Engineering, and Utilities.

General Duties

• Provide technical, regulatory and professional advice on land use, subdivision and zoning;
• Render and write opinions and interpretations of the zoning and subdivision ordinance, policies and related cases or variances;
• Render and write Written Determinations on zoning and subdivision matters;
• Evaluate decisions by staff and proposals by applicants to determine conformity with established ordinances, policies, applicable cases, plans and the comprehensive plan;
• Research and prepare documentation, reports and presentations for decision making purpose;
• Serve as leader/facilitator of reviewing team in the consideration of zoning;
• Maintain files for policies, interpretations, regarding the zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments;
• Research and write ordinances and policy as required by state code and as directed by the public need, comprehensive plan, county administration, county attorney, and members of the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission;
• Prepare and make presentations to Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, citizen groups and the public on land use, subdivision, zoning and comprehensive plan issues, policies and ordinance amendments;
• Research codes, regulations and other sources on issues involving land use, zoning and subdivision development to ensure the policies and ordinances remain in conformance with applicable state and federal regulation, as well as changing land use trends;
• Assist members of the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission in the decision-making process related to zoning and other land use matters;
• Train staff on appropriate interpretation, implementation and application of the zoning and subdivision ordinances and development related policies;
• Review and evaluate existing practices and policies, prepare recommendations to the Planning Department, Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors;
• Review zoning cases, zoning opinions and attend Zoning Opinion, Pre-Application and Technical Review Committee meetings and provide comments;
• Meet with and advise citizens, developers, staff, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors members on land use, zoning and subdivision matters;
• Serve as Special Area Plan team member as reviewer of land use and development standards and assist in the writing of ordinances for implementation of such area plans;
• Serve as project manager for cross departmental teams on various policy, process, and land use related initiatives such as Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance and implementation steps of the comprehensive plan;
• Serve on Planning Department management team;
• Performs other work as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Substantial experience and superior knowledge regarding Zoning, Subdivision, and Site Plan review practices
• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state (Virginia) and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers
• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial political situations
• Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines

Preferred Certifications

• AICP, ASLA PLA, CZA, CNU, LEED or similar certification

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture or related field and five or more years of planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture or related field is preferred.

Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty‑six months. Out‑of‑state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre‑employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; meetings before or after hours are required.