Planning & Zoning Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Planning & Zoning Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Building Department

RATE CLASS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Building Official

SHIFT: 8AM-5PM, M-F (May be changed at the discretion of the City of Freeport)

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED. Some College Preferred. Must have a valid Texas driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within 90-days of hire.

Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish); 3 years of experience filing legal documents with state or local government agencies; ICC Permit Technician Certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

JOB SUMMARY: The intent of position takes request for inspections and notifies the Building Official of requested inspections: maintains calendar of inspections for Department. Responsible for reviewing and approving permits for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Researches and prepares agenda and provides staff presentation for Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning. Schedules meeting times and locations for Board of Adjustments and Planning & Zoning. Enters all building permit data to the computer software and prints certificates of occupancy upon the satisfactory completion of all required inspections. Prepares monthly reports of permits issued. Receives code enforcement complaints from public and monitors status of complaints. Issues and ensures payments for building permits, Fire Department, and Code Department. Verifies that contractors possess the required licenses, ensures compliance with codes and ordinances, enters permit data to the computer, and maintains files (scan) for issued permits. Ensures compliance with codes and ordinances enters data to the computer software and maintains licensure files. Performs other related duties as assigned, i.e., secretarial duties for P&Z, and BIA.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Proficient use of office equipment and PCs. Excellent interpersonal communication skills as well as highly skilled writing and phone etiquette abilities are required. Must have a demonstrated ability to work well with the public and be able to maintain confidentiality. Knowledge of laws and proper court room etiquette and of warrant and court processing laws.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides information to contractors, developers, architects and citizens on zoning requirements and model codes as they apply to residential projects.
• Researches and prepares Board of Adjustment packets.
• Researches and prepares Planning and Zoning packets.
• Presents staff recommendations at meetings; coordinates with other departments as required.
• Meets with the general public to explain residential projects (new and additions), receives complaints and assists public in identifying solutions to problems.
• Reviews residential projects for compliance with all applicable building, fire, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes and zoning requirements.
• Gather, compile, and analyze departmental data where required
• Prepare reports as required
• Maintain all files and documentations in compliance with all laws, policies, and procedures
• Assist general public where required and address citizen inquiries and complaints where applicable

OTHER DUTIES: This job description is intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Planning & Zoning Coordinator and is not intended to be all-inclusive. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor; furthermore, working hours may be extended in times of necessity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Applicable codes and ordinances, including but not limited to zoning and building codes.

Skills in: Reading and understanding construction drawings, plans, and documents; communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; providing effective training and leadership to assigned staff.

Preferred/Desirable

Qualifications: Supplemental coursework in construction technology and blueprint reading are highly desirable. Zoning Assignment: Municipal inspection, plan review, and planning experience are preferred.

Communication: Communicates in person and by telephone with the general public, permit applicant, the public, other City employees, management, contractors, public officials, real estate executives, bankers, developers, government agencies, in order to explain and administer provisions of development requirements and codes. Prepares written documents (staff recommendations and plan review reports) with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise permit applicants of plan and design corrections. Explains technical problems in layman's terms, communicates with applicants regarding proper building structure, and recommends (using negotiating skills) solutions for meeting proper building or zoning codes. May communicate with the public, business owner, or customer under considerable pressure or in stressful situations.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical: Maintain a valid Class C Texas Driver's license and be able to travel. Must be able to lift a minimum of 45 lbs. Must also be able to sit, stand, type, and/or write for extended periods of time.

Mental: Must maintain the ability to work well with others as well as the general public in a variety of situations. Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize. Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts. This position requires the ability to make independent and sound judgments.

All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work.

• Must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and successfully complete a background check.