Manager: Zoning and Residential Plan Review

The Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS) protects and improves the quality of life for all residents in the City of Indianapolis. DBNS is the principal department responsible for business licenses, residential and commercial permits, and enforcement of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the Consolidated City and County.

About the role

This position supervises employees and processes related to permitting for Class 2 Residential Structural, 1-2 Family Residential Drainage, Heating & Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical, Class 1 and Class 2 Wrecking, and all Zoning Permits. The role provides zoning research and verification, coordinates with the Department of Metropolitan Development, the Department of Public Works, and internal/external partners, and ensures efficient review and issuance of related permits. This position serves as an expert in these areas, directly impacting life safety and quality of life for Indianapolis residents and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Provides training, direction, supervision, and disciplinary action for direct reports.
• Oversees day-to-day review processes for Class 2 residential plan review, Class 1 and 2 Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Permit application review, and all commercial and residential Wrecking and Improvement Location Permit plan review.
• Monitors productivity, analyzes data trends, and identifies process improvements for efficient and effective services.
• Coordinates with peer management on broader permitting workflows and service delivery issues.
• Applies conflict management skills to solve practical problems with tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness in various situations.
• Recommends ordinance changes to the Administrator and Deputy Director as needed.
• Handles interviewing and hiring for positions reporting directly to this role.
• Assists with technology system requirements discovery and testing related to permitting and workflows.
• Attends occasional City-County Board, Commission, or Council meetings, which may be held outside normal working hours.
• Testifies before trade boards and in court proceedings when necessary.
• Ensures staff adherence to HR City-County Handbook guidelines and telework policies.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, or at least four (4) years of work experience in supervision, customer service, conflict management, public administration, and/or interpretation and application of technical content. A combination of education and related work experience totaling four (4) years is acceptable.
• Excellent and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Indiana Driver’s license and ability to operate a City-issued vehicle when necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, GPS software, general internet use, and office equipment. Training on internal software programs will be provided.

Working Conditions

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.