Zoning Administrator

Position: Zoning Administrator

Department: Development Services

Employment Status: Permanent - Full Time - Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm with monthly meetings for the Board of Zoning Appeals and other community meetings that may arise.

Compensation: Grade 6 – Starting Salary is $19.97/hour

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the City Planner, this position is responsible for performing administrative and managerial work related to the processing of building permits for compliance with the City’s Planning and Zoning Code. More specifically, the Zoning Administrator processes applications for variance relief, conditional use permits, administrative appeals, temporary use, and signage permits. The Zoning Administrator is the primary staff person for and provides staff and technical assistance to the Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals. In this capacity, the Zoning Administrator regularly collaborates with the City’s Permit Technician and Engineering Technician.

The Zoning Administrator reports directly to the City Planner and has direct interaction with the public. The position also regularly collaborates with other staff and City Agencies that have purview in the plan review and development process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS - ABILITIES

• Interprets and applies local zoning ordinances with respect to potential development projects and provides written determinations.
• Reviews and approves building permit applications for compliance with the local zoning code requirements.
• Processes applications for variance relief, conditional use permits, temporary use permits, signage permits, zoning verification letters and administrative appeals.
• Investigate and respond to alleged zoning code violations and complaints.
• Works with the appropriate staff or offices to prepare, publish, post, send and/or deliver public notices and/or meetings and hearings.
• Provides staff and technical assistance to the Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Works with the City Planner and Director of Development Services to update and maintain the Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) regulations.
• Write and/or assist in writing formal and technical reports, working papers, correspondences, ordinances, regulations, and operating procedures.
• Prepare and present reports and other findings to staff, Board of Zoning Appeals, Administrative Board of Appeals.
• Coordinates the enforcement of the zoning ordinance with the enforcement of other related land use statutes and codes by active cooperation with other appropriate agencies.
• Attend community meetings and gatherings (as necessary) throughout the week.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Well-developed knowledge of land use development principles, practices, and administration.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of quantitative and qualitative research and data collection techniques.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs including Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, database management, internet applications, etc.
• Ability to review permits and apply provisions of the zoning code and determine compliance with such regulations.
• Capable of multi-tasking and project management.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information and resolve less well-defined practical problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relations at various levels and to resolve complaints.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sedentary Work – Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Field Work – Depending on assignment, the position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle and walk on uneven surfaces. Experience with computer data analysis and field analysis (e.g., weather, meeting notes, times, etc.).

USE OF TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

• General office equipment is frequently used, including but not limited to computers, laptops, telephones and cell phone, printers, scanners, and cameras.
• A motor vehicle is frequently used.

CONTACT & SUPERVISION

• Reports directly to the City Planner.
• Collaborates with the City Agencies that have review/approval responsibilities as it pertains to building permits.

The City of Morgantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a closely related field.

Certification/License:

• Valid Driver’s License

Experience:

• One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in city/urban planning, zoning code enforcement, public administration, or related field.
• A combination of experience and education that meets the acceptable requirements may be substituted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four (4) to Six (6) years of experience in administrating local zoning codes, processing building permits or similar work-related experience that involves the application and enforcement of local land use and development regulations.
• Zoning Inspector Certification from the International Code Council (ICC) and/or or Certified Planner Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).