Zoning Plans Examiner

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake is seeking a Zoning Plans Examiner I to interpret the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance, respond to public inquiries, and review site plans for compliance.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field and at least two years of experience, with possible state certifications and a driver’s license. The position offers a competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum two years of full-time equivalent experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record compliant with City standards.
• Preferred: 3+ years’ experience with development ordinances related to plan review.

Responsibilities

• Understand the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance and respond to questions from the public concerning interpretations and explanations of the code, zoning policies and procedures, and relevant historical information.
• Gain proficiency in applicable computer programs including: the Accela permitting system, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the City’s GIS system, and other related applications.
• Develop the ability to review Site Plans for compliance with the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance related to all types of development projects.
• Possess the ability to provide both written and verbal professional review comments and discuss zoning requirements for development projects with a wide range of customers, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, developers, tenants, and property owners.
• Develop the ability to assist customers through the permitting process, including reviewing and processing permit applications and issuing zoning permits at the customer service counter.
• Provide quality customer service, clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to foster a cohesive team environment with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in an organized and highly efficient manner.
• Gain an understanding of the development approval process, including Proffers and Stipulations, both physical and cash, Conditional Use Permits, Rezonings, and Board of Zoning Appeals variances and how they relate to permit processing.
• Learn the responsibilities of the Zoning Plans Examiner III and Zoning Operations Manager positions and provide back-up in the absence of staff.
• Complete any required State training and pass certification exam(s) within 18 months of hire.

Skills

Plan review experience

Development ordinances knowledge

Customer communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Accela Permitting System

Microsoft Office

City GIS system

Job description

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department DEVELOPMENT AND PERMIT

Division

Division DEV & PERM NEIGHB SVC

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026472

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE11

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

Starting Range: $55,854 – $83,083
Actual starting salary rate depends on education and relevant experience.

Job Description

Our Development & Permits department is seeking a motivated and dedicated Zoning Plans Examiner I.

• Gain an understanding of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance and be able to respond to questions from the public concerning interpretations and explanations of the code, zoning policies and procedures, and relevant historical information.
• Gain proficiency in applicable computer programs including: the Accela permitting system, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the City’s GIS system, and other related applications.
• Develop the ability to review Site Plans for compliance with the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance related to all types of development projects.
• Possess the ability to provide both written and verbal professional review comments and discuss zoning requirements for development projects with a wide range of customers, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, developers, tenants, and property owners.
• Develop the ability to assist customers through the permitting process, including reviewing and processing permit applications and issuing zoning permits at the customer service counter.
• Provide quality customer service, clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to foster a cohesive team environment with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in an organized and highly efficient manner.
• Gain an understanding of the development approval process, including Proffers and Stipulations, both physical and cash, Conditional Use Permits, Rezonings, and Board of Zoning Appeals variances and how they relate to permit processing.
• Learn the responsibilities of the Zoning Plans Examiner III and Zoning Operations Manager positions and provide back-up in the absence of staff.
• Complete any required State training and pass certification exam(s) within 18 months of hire.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Benefits

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards . Special skills or equipment certification will be required such as State Plans Examiner, Building Inspector, Fire Protection Plans Reviewer, and others.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum 3 years’ experience working with development ordinances as it relates to plan review.

Job Open Dates

Job Open Date 10/08/2026

Job Close Date 10/22/2026

Open Continuous

No

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Handling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling N = Never

Crouching

Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Twisting

Twisting Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Climbing

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls N = Never

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Office computer, scanner, copier, telephone, scaled ruler, books and manuals

Protective Equipment Required

None

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases N = Never

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

Other N = Never

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust N = Never

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures N = Never

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration N = Never

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors N = Never

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity N = Never

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations N = Never

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

Noisy/Distracting Environment Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review position requirements for details.
  • Yes
  • No