City of Middletown - Zoning Administrator

City of Middletown – Zoning Administrator

The City of Middletown is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator is the principle staff person responsible for administration and enforcement of the City of Middletown's Development Code. Under general supervision, the Zoning Administrator is a professional position with a high degree of independence and responsibility for assuring compliance of City zoning regulations.

Position Title: Zoning Administrator Department/Division: Community & Economic Development/Planning & Zoning Reports To: Assistant Director Classified or Unclassified: Classified (Exceptional Appointment) Exempt or Non-exempt: Non-Exempt Union or Non-union: Non-union Salary Range: $52,681 to $76,073 annually plus benefits

Position Summary

The Zoning Administrator is the principle staff person responsible for administration and enforcement of the City of Middletown's Development Code. Under general supervision, the Zoning Administrator is a professional position with a high degree of independence and responsibility for assuring compliance of City zoning regulations.

The Zoning Administrator is knowledgeable about all aspects of the local development review process, and is familiar with the regulatory and review procedures of state agencies that may also have jurisdiction for a given development project. The Zoning Administrator must be comfortable working with the public and be able to work effectively in any given situation. The position must have good written and verbal skills, strong customer service orientation, and be highly organized. The Zoning Administrator will be the staff liaison for The City of Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals, requiring the Zoning Administrator to attend the meetings. The Zoning Administrator is supervised by the Assistant Director and works with other elected and appointed municipal officials where needed, on both planning and zoning issues.

Position may require various types of physical activity both indoors and outdoors. The work environment includes exposure to noise, dust, grease, and dirt with extended periods of walking, bending, and crouching for inspections, carrying lightweight to medium items (50 pounds or less) such as tools, equipment, litter/trash, books, and supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor Degree in Planning, Public Administration or closely related field and/or a minimum of two (2) years of equivalent experience in municipal planning, zoning, or public administration.

Zoning Inspector Certification or Zoning Inspector Certification within 6 months of hire date through the International Code Council.

Ability to initiate and perform detailed work with minimal supervision.

Ability to interpret zoning, sign, and lot maintenance regulations and ordinances.

Ability to organize, prioritize, maintain multiple tasks and deadlines, and to manage time effectively.

Able to research property history and access data using computer databases.

Able to locate property using legal descriptions and maps.

Able to deal with the general public in adverse situations, exercising a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and persuasion.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings, and/or present findings and recommendations on planning/zoning matters to Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Commission, and/or City Council.

Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License.

Duties and Responsibilities (For Performance Appraisal)

Reviews plans for conformance to Middletown Development Code and answers inquiries about the zoning code regulations regarding items such as building setbacks, minimum lot size, number of required parking spaces, sign requirements, zoning appeals, etc.

Reviews zoning compliance permits and issues permits and certificates related to zoning (fences, pools, signs, sheds, etc.)

Assists and works closely with the Code Specialists and other local officials with regulatory obligations and municipal ordinances governing zoning issues.

Answers inquiries from architects, attorneys, realtors, building contractors, and the general public regarding land usage, zoning issues and related ordinances.

Receives and responds to complaints from local residents; and follow up with inspections and issues the appropriate letters.

Maintains official records of all businesses and activities, including complaints of violation(s) along with photographs of the violation and the actions taken.

Conducts field investigations to determine compliance of properties with the codes and issues notices of violation or citations for non-compliance.

Researches, investigates and resolves complaints and violations with the complainant and violators.

Converses with complainants and violators in person, on the telephone, by E-mail, or by written correspondence.

Generates notices and case history by computer data entry.

Maintains records of complaints, violations, rechecks, and dispositions.

Follows up all complaints and violations until resolved.

Attends and testifies at City court hearings.

Removes signs from the public right-of-way.

Coordinates public hearings and prepares reports as needed for the City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Architecture Review Board.

Researches, investigates, determines answers and responds to public and inter-departmental inquiries, requests, and needs pertaining to zoning inquiries.

Consults with and advises developers, contractors, members of the general public, various organizations and agencies, elected officials and attorneys on planning related issues and legal matters relating to planning functions.

Reviews and approved subdivision plats and lot splits and consolidations for recording in County Auditor's Office.

Participates in budget and annual report preparation.

Directs the administration of the Middletown Development Code; directs the issuance of certificates of zoning compliance, conditional use permits, and variance approvals.

Coordinates with other City Departments and community leaders and groups, a wide range of planning projects in process, under consideration, or established as community objectives

Attends meetings, seminars and training sessions as required to remain knowledgeable of job operations and to promote improved job performance.

Researches and issues zoning verification letters.

Assists other city staff as needed on special projects.

Serves as acting City Planner in his/her absence.

Maintain regular and timely attendance.

Perform related work as required by supervisor.