Zoning Officer I

County of Davidson; Penn Hills (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Davidson County is seeking a Zoning Enforcement Specialist to interpret and enforce the Zoning Ordinance and Solid Waste Ordinance, handling complaints, investigations, and advisory actions under the Planning & Zoning Director. You will issue compliance permits, process rezonings, special use permits, and variances, using GIS tools to map properties and assign addresses.

Occasional fieldwork and coordination with the County Attorney may be required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, watershed and flood prevention ordinances.
• Ability to read maps and orthophotos.
• General knowledge of GIS technology and planning software.

Responsibilities

• Issue zoning compliance permits and addresses; ensure land use is permitted.
• Enforce Zoning and Solid Waste Ordinances; respond to questions from the public and officials.
• Investigate violations, notify violators, and coordinate with County Attorney for action.
• Assist with addressing problems, maps, and land use analyses; prepare maps and analyses.
• Attend Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Commissioners meetings; prepare staff analyses and recommendations.
• Assist with revisions to zoning and subdivision text amendments; prepare meeting agendas and presentations.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Communication skills

Map reading

GIS technology

Education

Bachelor degree in planning or related field

High School Diploma with relevant experience

Tools

GIS software

Job description

$22.26 - $28.39 Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible professional work enforcing Zoning Ordinance and Solid Waste Ordinance.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is responsible for interpreting and enforcing Zoning Ordinance and Solid Waste Ordinance, including receiving complaints, investigating zoning violations, advising on corrective measures and discussing legal action if necessary. Work generally requires the employee to issue zoning compliance permits as needed, process rezoning, special use permits and variance applications. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Planning & Zoning Director.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Issues zoning compliance permits on an as need basis and ensures that all information is correct; issues new addresses, if needed, and ensures that the land use is permitted within the district located.
• Enforces the Zoning Ordinance and Solid Waste Ordinance. Responds to daily questions concerning zoning, subdivision, watershed and sewer issues from citizens, developers, government officials, etc.
• Receives complaints and conducts field investigations to determine if zoning and solid waste violations exist; notifies violators and provides advice regarding corrective measures; conducts follow-up inspections and meets with County Attorney for legal action, if necessary.
• Assists, as needed, with issuing addresses and with addressing problems that involves site visits and maps; uses computers, maps and other information to determine the correct address for lots to be built on.
• Supports watershed enforcement by ensuring that lots are in compliance with watershed regulations.
• Uses GIS database to run aerial photography, locate property, issue addresses and prepare maps.
• Assists the public with obtaining information regarding floodplains; verifies properties located in flood areas.
• Assists the public with questions and inquiries regarding subdivisions and ordinances.
• Assists the public in preparing applications for zoning amendments, special use permits and variances; processes applications, identifies property owners with the Tax Office database and prepares legal advertisements.
• Reviews plans to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Assists in the preparation of staff analysis and staff recommendation on rezoning and special use permit requests given to Planning Board and Board of Commissioners.
• Assists with revising text amendments for the zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Attends Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Board of Commissioners, and public hearings to participate in answering technical questions from Board members and the general public.
• Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Assists in the preparation of Meeting Agendas for Both Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.
• Prepares power point presentations for both Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings.
• May provide or assist in Web Administration for the Planning Department.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

• General knowledge of Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, watershed protection ordinance, and flood prevention ordinance.
• General knowledge of general statutes related to land use regulations.
• Ability to read maps and orthophotos.
• General knowledge of all software applications pertaining to planning and zoning.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex legal and land use regulations to help determine courses of action.
• General knowledge of GIS technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with developers, realtors, architects, engineers, consultants, government officials, other County employees and departments and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, perform extensive reading and use measurement devices.
• May be subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions; extreme cold (temperatures below 32 degrees) and extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees) for periods of more than one hour.
• Worker may be subject to noise.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college with a four-year degree in planning, geography, law enforcement, or related field and some experience in planning; or a High School Diploma with considerable experience in law enforcement, or land use related field.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid North Carolina Driver License.

At Davidson County we are devoted to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, providing efficient services and responsible governance. Our team is at the heart of achieving our goals and making Davidson County a great place to both live and work. As a local government we serve our citizens in diverse ways, including public safety, recreation, community development, and many other public services. The employees of Davidson County are integral in ensuring that these services are provided in a diligent and conscientious way. Davidson County strives to create a working environment that fosters growth, development and teamwork. By joining our team, you’ll be contributing to a position where you can make a positive impact in your community. Explore the many opportunities to be a part of our great County!