Zoning Inspector

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

This work involves oversight for zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, critical areas (wetlands, flood plain, coastal zone management, etc.), and tree legislation. This position involves the coordination of several types of duties including field and office work, public contact and written assignments stemming from on-site or special investigations.

Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Counsels on land use and zoning regulations to the general public.
• Conducts on-site inspections for alleged zoning violations, documenting and maintaining detailed investigation findings and evidence.
• Sends notices of violations and keeps complainants and other interested parties informed.
• Maintains zoning violation files; organizes all material, correspondence, map information, and other paperwork which accompanies a land use violation informed.
• Prepares violation cases for legal action to the State's Attorney's Office, the Office of Law, or the Board of Appeals.
• Answers questions and provides information on all types of land use matters to the general public.
• Gives talks and seminars to community groups on Land Use Enforcement.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of zoning, land use, and related regulations and standards.
• Considerable knowledge of interviewing and field inspection techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of established procedures related to approvals, denials, and appeals of zoning cases.
• Ability to analyze facts and develop recommendations regarding proposed or existing land uses.
• Ability to conduct field inspections and interviews to establish relevant facts.
• Ability to work from maps and legal land descriptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relations with fellow employees, property owners and representatives, and the public.
• Ability to communicate routine information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to operate basic office and maintenance equipment and software.
• Ability to respond attentively to internal and external customer problems and requests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school with some college-level course work in planning or a related field.
• One (1) or more years of experience in land use enforcement or related work.
• A valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Supplemental Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills with an ability to handle multiple cases concurrently.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate land use and zoning regulations to the general public.
• Ability to work with a variety of databases in managing and tracking data.