Zoning Compliance Officer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Zoning Compliance Officer works with the public and other County staff to achieve zoning code compliance for all property within unincorporated Guilford County and towns with which the County has interlocal agreements.   

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs administrative and field inspection work focusing on compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Work involves responding to zoning complaints from the public and investigating potential zoning violations, informing property owners and the public about ordinance requirements, and working toward the goal of voluntary compliance. This work includes investigating zoning and land use complaints on site, documenting findings, initiating prescribed enforcement procedures, and monitoring property following initial inspections to ensure compliance. Position may also assist with other local code compliance activities where they may overlap with zoning issues. Initiative, organization, discretion, and sound judgement are required in the interpretation and enforcement of the UDO. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative supervisor and is evaluated by reports, conferences with supervisor, and analysis of overall results obtained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Investigates complaints for potential zoning violations by making site visits to properties to verify compliance with regulations for land use and building location.
• Conducts site inspections to verify compliance with conditions of approved plans and permits, as needed.
• Explains zoning requirements to property owners and presents alternatives for compliance.
• Enters data to document zoning complaints, inspections, and violations into land-use management data base.
• Issues Notices of Violation or civil penalty letters.
• May periodically serves as back-up for Board of Adjustment assignments; assist in meeting set-up and preparation of evidentiary hearing cases as part of professional development.
• Attends Board of Adjustment meetings, as needed, to present field photographs of the site and other visuals, as needed, and to explain the conditions in violation cases.
• Prepares documents to present as evidence in appeals cases of staff actions/interpretations to the Board of Adjustment.
• Prepares and posts public and evidentiary hearing notice signage for Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and Board of Adjustment.
• Assesses impacts and enforceability for potential ordinance amendments, as needed.
• Interacts with other divisions of Planning and Development Department, the County Attorney's Office and the Sheriff’s Office in the performance of duties.
• Coordinates with Environmental Enforcement Officer on code enforcement cases. 
• Monitors the administrative status of Performance Guarantees accepted by the County.
• Coordinates with Inspections Services team to investigate and prepare Minimal Housing Code and Abatement of Nuisance Mobile Home Ordinance violations.
• Provides zoning verifications of specific properties and certifies Bona Fide Farm properties.
• Other duties as assigned.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of local governance processes including County zoning and land use regulations and ordinances and ability to read and interpret zoning maps.
• Working knowledge of State and local laws relative to zoning enforcement.
• Working knowledge of investigative methods relative to zoning enforcement.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to deal courteously, tactfully, and professionally with citizens, property and business owners, contractors, developers, and appointed and elected officials.
• Ability to effectively deal with potential conflict and seek reasonable solutions. 
• Ability to interpret and explain County zoning requirements clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite and ability to learn land management software.
• Ability to effectively use technology and software resources to successfully organize work.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work is preformed both indoor and outdoor and is subject to exterior environmental conditions. Routine safety precautions are provided such as hard hats, ear plugs, safety shoes, and shelter from inclement weather. 

Minimum Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and three years of experience in zoning code and/or land use compliance and inspections or related work

OR

Associate degree in Planning or related field and one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire date
• Spanish/English bi-lingual

Driving is Essential 

Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct County business.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the County’s driving criteria. 

If a personal vehicle is operated for County business, proper insurance must be maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy. 

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its job functions and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that specific position.  Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process.   They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.

Salary : $46,060 - $54,121