Zoning Code Enforcement Officer/Planner at City Of Henderson – Henderson, North Carolina

Performs a variety of administrative support and records processing: works independently performing duties requiring the ability to interpret and apply departmental rules and regulations to a variety of situations. Position is not remote.

Employees in this class perform a wide variety of administrative support and office management duties. Work generally requires employees to independently handle certain activities such as information processing, fiscal controls, computer systems administration, or a special aspect of a program of office activity. The administrative support duties require considerable tact and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential matters. Work requires a broader knowledge of more specialized office operations so that the role shall be performed at a competent level in representing the supervisor or manager. Work requires more independence and self-initiative in activities and may include more independence in communications, both written and oral; may provide technical assistance to other support positions. Guides may include a variety of verbal instructions, written manuals and instructions, as well as comprehensive rules, statutes, and regulations. Work is performed under the supervision of the Development Services Director and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Enforces the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and Code of Ordinances.
• Detects and investigates zoning violations, identifies and researches property owners; resolves zoning violations through appropriate procedures.
• Identifies and researches property owners, obtains and documents evidence, and prepares, issues, resolves, and maintains notices of violation and other files for zoning, public nuisance, abandoned vehicles, and abandoned structures.
• Schedules and conducts meetings to provide information and guidance for code compliance and violation notices.
• Answers questions from citizens, contractors, and builders concerning ordinance provisions and enforcement regulations.
• Interprets, issues, and reviews, sign permit applications.
• Conducts residential planning department lot finals for site plan compliance.
• Works with other departmental staff to resolve and analyze complaints, violations, and enforcement issues.
• Performs periodic weekend zoning compliance enforcement.
• Conducts tree protection inspections for development projects.
• Enforcement involves, but is not limited to, conducting site inspections for potential violations, taking photos, speaking with potential violators, building case files, and issuing notices of violation.
• Supports Current Planning efforts and responsibilities towards Zoning Enforcement and Zoning Compliance, and provides storm water inspection support to the Planning and Inspections Department.
• Assists with daily inquiries from the public on interpretation of zoning and land use questions; refers technical and precedent setting questions to planners; receives complaints, investigates, and enforces compliance.
• Reviews site plans for zoning requirements, parking, landscape screening, etc.
• Establishes and maintains records of daily work activities and follow-up actions.
• Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments.
• Documents and processes inspections, permits, complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions in the City’s permitting system.
• Maintains records through the use of permit software for review and code enforcement cases.
• Receives and responds to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of the Unified Development Ordinance and applicable codes and ordinances, and follows up appropriately with complainants and witnesses.
• Schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance, including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances, issue citations and notices of violation as necessary.
• Research code enforcement practices and procedures.
• Secures information via telephone or personal contact; selects appropriate materials to answer questions and often handles the inquiries independently.
• Appropriately handles confidential or sensitive information; may require verbal or written reports on more complex issues.
• May serve as administrative support to one or more boards by developing agendas, making meeting arrangements, and taking and transcribing minutes.
• Interprets a variety of rules, regulations, and information on the organization's activities.
• Operates a computer with related data files and generates correspondence, statistics, minutes, and reports; reviews work for compliance, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; proofreads final copies.
• May be responsible for assisting in providing or locating resources for skills enhancement; may be involved in updating an office website.
• Reviews and verifies records and reports for correct information; processes documents, including timesheets for payroll; files and retrieves materials; performs periodic follow-up activities.
• Requests information using forms or direct contact; compiles information from data or statistics from technology sources and from specialized files developed by higher-level program specialists.
• Maintains sensitive activity records and files; initiates appropriate follow-up or further action based on the status of program activity.
• Based on review of office records or reports, identifies potential inconsistencies; determines the cause; and resolves with staff and outside personnel.
• May be responsible for the intake and organization of permits.
• Assist with public outreach and public education.

Additional Job Duties

• May organize and direct special programs and activities for the organization.
• May be required to pick up and deliver documents and related items to different facilities.
• Serves as back-up for positions within the department.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Enforces the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and Code of Ordinances.
• Detects and investigates zoning violations, identifies and researches property owners; resolves zoning violations through appropriate procedures.
• Identifies and researches property owners, obtains and documents evidence, and prepares, issues, resolves, and maintains notices of violation and other files for zoning, public nuisance, abandoned vehicles, and abandoned structures.
• Schedules and conducts meetings to provide information and guidance for code compliance and violation notices.
• Answers questions from citizens, contractors, and builders concerning ordinance provisions and enforcement regulations.
• Interprets, issues, and reviews sign permit applications.
• Conducts residential planning department lot finals for site plan compliance.
• Works with other departmental staff to resolve and analyze complaints, violations and enforcement issues.
• Ensures the status of complaints received is updated.
• Performs periodic weekend zoning compliance enforcement.
• Conducts tree protection inspections for development projects.
• Thorough knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge and ability to use grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
• Considerable knowledge of working with data, statistics, figures, and arithmetic.
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, which includes Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of computer operating systems and phone operating systems.
• Working knowledge of City functions to which assigned and related policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Working knowledge of mapping systems and asset management.
• Ability to be tactful and courteous in communicating information to customers and citizens.
• Ability to use judgment in organizing and establishing priorities and work assigned.
• Ability to record information, handle cash deposits, and balance figures.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with supervisors, employees, and the public.
• May need the ability to plan, organize, monitor, evaluate, and delegate duties to others.
• Positive attitude with critical thinking and self-starting skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in both office and outside settings.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, operate a computer, do extensive reading, use measurement devices, and operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a typewriter or computer terminal, and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. Some positions may be required to take and transcribe dictation and minutes.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Associate degree in related field and moderate experience in construction; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver's License upon hire.
• Must obtain NC Zoning Administrator’s certification within two years of employment.