Title

Zoning Specialist

Open Date

8/6/2024

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt

Bargaining / Non-Bargaining

Non- Bargaining

Division

Community Investment

Location

Community Investment

Reports To

Director of Planning and Community Resources

Schedule

40 hours a week

Pay Rate

$58,000 - $62,000 Annually

Description

Salary Range: $58,000 to $62,000 annually

POSITION SUMMARY:The Zoning Specialist (ZS) works with the Assistant Director of Planning and the Zoning Team to administer, regulate, monitor, and enforce land use ordinances, including the zoning ordinance. The ZS makes recommendations to the South Bend Plan Commission and the South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals on zoning-related petitions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:Not applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals by explaining policies, procedures, objectives, and actions on specific cases according to legal requirements. Responds to inquiries, provides technical assistance, and assists in the preparation and distribution of minutes, agenda, meeting notices, related documents, and reports as required
• Interprets and applies knowledge of zoning regulations and comprehensive plan to applications, such as rezoning, variances, special exceptions, improvement location permits, and appeals
• Assists in preparation of zoning certifications and permits, including researching computer records, codes, and maps, reviewing documentation, inspecting sites as needed, and explaining procedures and legal requirements
• Reviews land development and subdivision proposals for compliance with land use ordinances
• Analyzes sign permits against applicable development regulations
• Enforces zoning ordinance by responding to inquiries and investigating formal complaints of non-compliance with codes, including reviewing site plans, making on-site visits, measuring setbacks, calculating areas, ensuring compliance with ordinances, researching computer and printed records, and explaining procedures and legal requirements
• Represents Plan Commission at various meetings and serves as a commission liaison to related Divisions within the Department of Community Investment, including Building and Growth and Opportunity, as well as the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and Police Department and those at other levels of government
• Periodically reviews ordinances for possible amendments as needed
• Conducts special projects and studies as needed
• Schedules and attends meetings and hearings, including those outside of normal working hours
• Assists in maintaining current and permanent records of minutes, zoning ordinances, maps, amendments, variances, appeals, permits, applications, and other files for public access
• Assists property owners, developers, neighborhood organizations and the general public as needed to answer questions on zoning and subdivisions, assist in the completion of forms/applications, and resolve problems
• Develops and maintains public information, including website, to inform individuals, developers, and the media of regulations and processes
• Maintains current knowledge of land use regulations and issues by reading professional publications and occasionally attending training seminars and conferences to integrate ideas and concepts into planning activities

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:Additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in urban planning, urban design or related field
• Two years experience in zoning and land use planning a plus, AICP a plus

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:

Must have or be able to obtain an excellent understanding of the South Bend Zoning Ordinance

Ability to read, interpret, and explain zoning and subdivision ordinances, property legal descriptions, plat maps floodplain maps, and aerial photos

Thorough knowledge of and ability to make practical application of ordinances, policies and procedures, subdivision control, land development, and urban design

Ability to interact with a highly charged public environment

Ability to interact with Attorneys, Architects, Engineers and the public

Ability to effectively manage the work day, multiple projects and deadlines, and be attuned to the importance of the attention to detail

Ability to present technical information in a clear and effective manner at public meetings

Must be self-motivated, pleasant, professional demeanor and ability to work with contractors,developers, and property owners

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and the ability to prepare detailed reports, public presentations, and clear written correspondence

Must be able to lead and achieve goals set by department concerning budgeting, tracking and management

Must have upper level experience with Excel, Word, and O