Description

General Summary:
Under the general direction of the City Manager, administers, analyzes, and enforces zoning ordinance provisions. Assists with developing, maintaining, and implementing the City’s Master Plan. Enforces City codes related to blight prevention and all other ordinances as required.

Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties that the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1.      *Issue all notices and orders to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances and recommend prosecution as necessary.

2.      *Process all applications related to zoning compliance, site plans, special land use permits, and zoning variances.

3.      *Prepare documents, agendas, and supporting information for the planning commission and zoning board of appeals meetings. 

4.      *Assess all planning and zoning fees authorized by State law, city ordinance, or city resolution.

5.      *Perform all other duties as may be prescribed by state law, and the ordinances and resolutions of the City Council, or as directed by the City Manager.

6.      Assists the City Manager with various administrative tasks in support of zoning and development activities, preparing resolutions, memorandums, and correspondence. Advises and assists the City Manager on special projects and development concerns as requested. 

7.      Develops a checklist of zoning requirements for public use, responds to requests for information.  Assists residents in completing building permit and site plan applications.  Evaluates, approves, and forwards building and site permit applications.

8.      Maintains all zoning-related records, including a current, codified copy of the zoning ordinance, district map, variance requests, and records of complaints. Researches and drafts ordinances and prepares recommendations for zoning ordinance amendments.

9.      Interprets, administers, and enforces zoning ordinances. Investigates complaints and determines compliance through site inspections and document review. 

10.   Processes requests for the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission and ensures that all information is available prior to discussions concerning the request.

11.   Serves as the City staff representative for the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and other governing bodies as required. Conducts research, develops meeting agendas, publishes legal notices for public hearings, and records, transcribes, and files meeting proceedings. Performs research and evaluation of community and zoning barriers; identifies, recommends, and initiates planning, zoning, building, or project management solutions. 

12.   Enforces all codes and ordinances as required. Follows up on complaints and proactively enforces codes.  Writes citations, re-inspects sites, and issues additional citations if required.  Maintains related records.

13.   Coordinates projects with City Building Inspector and reviews building permits for zoning compliance. Develops understanding of all city departments and works closely with the management team to coordinate resources and procedures to ensure efficient exchange of information and project updates.

14.   Assigns and changes addresses, coordinates address changes with the Post Office and 911 system.

15.   Represents the City and serves as department representative, in a professional manner, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with business and property owners, developers, contractors, citizens, City officials, employees, and other interests. Conduct site visits and meetings as needed.  

*As required by City Charter Sec. 7.12. Zoning Administrator.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

• Education requirements include a bachelor’s degree in planning, land use/zoning, public administration, or related field, or equivalent.
• Experience requirements include one (1) year in municipal planning or zoning.
• A valid Michigan driver’s license is required.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal zoning administration.
• Thorough knowledge of planning and land-use issues.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting site plans, blueprints, and specifications.
• Skill in creating and drafting alternative design plans.
• Skill in operating office equipment, including computers and related software.
• Ability to compile and maintain City zoning records.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with City officials, developers, project contractors, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with difficult people and situations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a wide variety of records and reports according to accepted standards.
• Ability to work effectively under stress and changes in work priorities.