Senior Zoning Inspector

We have a new job opportunity for a Senior Zoning Inspector. This position is responsible for performing intermediate technical work in securing and maintaining compliance with ordinances and regulations relating to zoning, signage, and nuisances within the City. This is code enforcement and urban planning work requiring the application of both general and specialized knowledge, methods, and techniques to ensure compliance with the City’s zoning code. Incumbent is responsible for interpreting and administering zoning regulations, including ensuring developments comply with zoning regulations; investigating complaints and violations; and proactively ensuring compliance with the City’s sign ordinance. This includes coordinating and communicating with the general public, contractors, and development professionals; analyzing approved development plans (including site plans, building plans, etc.); performing independent field inspections; gathering evidence; writing reports and maintaining records; drafting correspondence; issuing notices of violation and citations; preparing cases; testifying in court (as necessary); and proactively enforcing sign regulations. The work is responsive and proactive. The incumbent's work has a meaningful impact on specific cases and is subject to general supervisory review by the Deputy Zoning Manager.

Plan inspections

•Exercise considerable knowledge of the City’s zoning and sign ordinance, combined with site plan and building plan reading and interpretation, to administer and enforce City regulations;

•Perform site inspections of major commercial, industrial, and residential development projects that are under construction and/or close to completion to ensure compliance with zoning requirements and conditions of site plan approval;

•Perform inspections of minor construction, including fences, signs, and accessory buildings, including accessory dwelling units, to ensure compliance with zoning requirements, including height, area, and location limitations;

Complaints and Violations

•Respond to and investigate complaints from the public regarding zoning code violations in a timely manner;

•Educate property owner, business owners, developers, and the general public about zoning requirements to aid in achieving continued compliance;  

•Work with property owners, business owners, developers, and the general public to resolve violations;

•Produce and issue Notices of Violation (NOVs) and citations for municipal infractions;

Proactive enforcement

•Proactively enforce regulations, including regularly patrolling residential and nonresidential areas to identify noncompliance issues and to remove signs from the right-of-way;

•Regularly perform site inspections of existing properties for continued conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and approved site plans.

General administrative duties

•Maintain electronic case files and permit information.

•Draft emails, inspection reports, and formal correspondence related to duties described above.

•Coordinate with the Chief of Zoning, Deputy Zoning Manager, and development review staff on interpretation, compliance, and enforcement actions.

High school degree; and four (4) years of progressively responsible work in urban planning, zoning enforcement or related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

Possession of or the ability to attain certification by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Zoning Inspector is required. Possession of a valid driver's license.

•Considerable knowledge of the City of Rockville's Zoning Ordinance, sign regulations, and the Maryland Accessibility Code.

•Considerable knowledge in the interpretation of City codes, ordinances, and regulations.

•Ability to read and interpret site plans and building plans.

•Ability to measure, scale, and annotate plans in Bluebeam or similar.

•Ability to take measurements in space, including with a measuring wheel and measuring tape, and confirm on relevant plans.

•Excellent customer service skills, including ability to explain complex zoning matters in plain language.

•Ability to describe code-related conditions in detail and maintain extensive records on case histories.

•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with homeowners, business owners, architects, developers, contractors, colleagues, and the general public.

•Ability to be tactful but firm during contentious circumstances.

•Ability to be effective and concise in oral and written communication.

•Ability to input data into a computer system.

Salary : $69,378 - $114,474