Zoning Enforcement Officer

Gloucester County; Gloucester (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Gloucester County is seeking a Zoning Enforcement Officer in the Planning & Zoning Department to ensure compliance with all applicable Zoning Ordinances. The role involves interpretation, inspection, and enforcement of land-use regulations, coordinating with owners and various departments to achieve voluntary compliance.

Under supervision, duties include inspecting properties, reviewing plans and records, investigating complaints, maintaining case files, and preparing material for proceedings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required with coursework in paralegal studies, criminal justice, or related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible administrative and customer service experience are required.
• Preferred experience in code enforcement, land-use regulations, customer service, and public engagement.

Responsibilities

• Inspect properties for compliance with conditions of land-use approvals and zoning permits.
• Review site plans, surveys, plats, and GIS information for zoning enforcement.
• Conduct field inspections to verify conditions and compliance with permits.
• Investigate complaints and violations; prepare case materials for proceedings.

Skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Customer service

Administrative support

Education

Associate degree with paralegal/criminal justice coursework

CZO certification within 2 years

Job description

Gloucester County's Human Resources Department is seeking to fill the position of Zoning Enforcement Officer within the Planning & Zoning Department. The Zoning Enforcement Officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance of properties within the county with all applicable Zoning Ordinances. The preferred candidate possesses strong problem-solving and collaborative skills and demonstrates the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic, results-driven environment.

Under general supervision, the Zoning Enforcement Officer performs responsible technical, administrative, and field work involving the interpretation, application, inspection, and enforcement of the County’s Zoning Ordinance and other applicable land-use regulations. Reviews zoning permit applications and supporting documents, conducts site inspections, investigates complaints and alleged violations, maintains enforcement case records, and works with property owners to obtain voluntary compliance. When necessary, prepare notices of violation case information and evidence needed for legal proceedings. Employee must exercise sound judgment, initiative, tact, firmness, consistency, and impartiality when applying and explaining County regulations to property owners, other stake holders and the general public.

Reports to the Assistant Zoning Administrator or Director of Planning and Zoning.

• Inspects properties for compliance with conditions associated with conditional use permits, special exceptions, variances, rezoning proffers, approved site plans, and other land-use approvals.
• Reviews site plans, surveys, plats, property records, GIS information, building layouts, setbacks, use information, and supporting application materials.
• Conducts field inspections to verify property conditions, structure locations, setbacks, approved uses, permit requirements, and compliance with issued zoning permits.
• Researches property ownership, zoning classifications, permit history, recorded plats, approved plans, prior enforcement activity, and other information necessary to investigate zoning matters.
• Communicates with property owners, tenants, contractors, applicants, and other responsible parties to explain zoning requirements and obtain voluntary compliance.
• Prepares case chronologies, reports, photographs, exhibits, certified-mail documentation, and other evidence for administrative or judicial proceedings.
• Assists with obtaining summonses and other legal process as authorized.
• Coordinates cases involving overlapping responsibilities with Building Inspections, Environmental Programs, the Health Department, Animal Control, Social Services, law enforcement, and other appropriate agencies.
• Responds to questions from applicants, property owners, real estate professionals, contractors, and members of the public concerning zoning classifications, permitted uses, setbacks, signs, accessory structures, permit procedures, and enforcement matters.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly, annual, and special reports concerning zoning permits, inspections, complaints, violations, enforcement activity, and case outcomes.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive enforcement and property information appropriately.
• Attends training to remain knowledgeable about changes to local ordinances, state enabling legislation, court procedures, enforcement practices, and land-use requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Possession of an associate's degree, supplemented by college course work in paralegal studies, criminal justice administration or related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative and customer service experience.
• Preferred experience in code enforcement, land use laws, zoning regulations, customer service, administrative duties and public engagement.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

• Possession of a valid driver's license; possess and maintain a driving record that meets established Gloucester County Driving Standards.
• Possession of Certified Zoning Official (CZO) designation from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO), or obtain within two (2) years of employment.

Gloucester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace

OUR Community: Gloucester County