Zoning Administrator

Job Summary

Provides leadership, management, and direction to professional and support staff in the functional area of growth management, land-use planning, zoning administration, code compliance, and development project reviews. Other functions include managing development with the land-use plan of the county, all zoning regulatory functions, compliance for all land-use permits, septic and hazardous waste compliance, public involvement processes and advisory committees, neighborhood interests, elected officials, and the County Board. Works directly with decision-making authorities by providing direction for changes to land-use ordinances and rules and to implement the goals, strategies, and objectives of the county, and the policies of the County Comprehensive Plan and County Ordinances.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages the Zoning Administration work unit resources, including hiring, supervision, training, coaching, and evaluation of assigned staff, preparation of work plans, schedules, correspondence, and communication.
• Provides detailed comprehensive plan and ordinance interpretation services and advises developers, contractors, attorneys, architects, consultants, site evaluators, surveyors, engineers, wetland delineators, elected officials, and public by phone, meetings, written correspondence, and at the counter on land-use issues.
• Influences and provides leadership and technical planning assistance to advisory commissions and elected officials on development projects in the unincorporated area, including attendance at Board meetings and workshops to influence decision-making.
• Initiates and directs the preparation of zoning and subdivision ordinance updates and documents, including using the County Geographic Information System (GIS) to create maps.
• Oversees Zoning Administration staff in the review of administrative subdivisions, building, grading, and sign permits, and other administrative permits for compliance with adopted ordinances.
• Directs staff and makes final decision on complex enforcement and legal proceedings of the work unit relative to specific issues or projects. Confers with the County Attorney's Office and/or Code Compliance Officer as appropriate. Provides court testimony as needed on all land use and compliance cases. Is instrumental during all mediation sessions to resolve lawsuits that have been filed.
• Directs and assists division staff in the investigation and enforcement of various ordinances.
• Manages and is responsible for all staff reports for all land-use types of applications to ensure accuracy, completeness, and all issues are adequately addressed. Provides detailed conditions for approval to mitigate or remove impacts to residents and other local governments. Provides leadership and direction in the drafting of Development Agreements to ensure developers install necessary infrastructure (roads, turn lanes, storm water facilities) to serve the development.
• Influences and provides leadership and direction that ensures compliance with all county ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Advisory Commission, Orderly Annexation Boards, and the Scott County Board of Commissioners.
• Influences and provides leadership to other governmental units, and the County Board. This position is responsible for ensuring that all understand the current ordinances, which are the laws that guide land-use decisions. Failure to adhere to the ordinances will result in legal action. Recommends Board approval, changes to laws that better meet the needs of the public, and addresses new requests that have no ordinance that provides rules for the use.
• Coordinates and facilitates communication and cooperative working relationships between cities and townships to solve mutual problems.
• Leads the drafting of orderly annexation agreements and promotes implementation of appropriate growth management and orderly extension of city utilities.
• Assists the Planning & Resource Management Director in the preparation of the annual budget, strategic plan, and program evaluation. Identifies opportunities for revenue enhancement through grants or payment of service
• Manages all planning and zoning-related escrows, letters of credit, bonds and other securities.
• Provides leadership and management of the Development Review Team (DRT) process by directing staff, leading discussions on more complex projects, and ensuring quality customer service.
• Leads and influences other work units, departments, and divisions within the organization to integrate planning and zoning management and implementation and outside the organization with city elected officials and staff.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree preferred) in Urban or Regional Planning, Geography, or directly related field and six years' experience with planning and project management related to development review, land use, planning, transportation, and/or special studies. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Planning & Resource Management Director who directs work assignments and outlines general procedures and policies to be followed. The employee exercises independent judgment in providing advice and assistance to subordinates and the public in accordance with county plans, ordinances, practices and county policies. Additional controls are imposed through County Planning Advisory Commission, County Board of Adjustment, Orderly Annexation Boards, and the application of provisions in federal and state laws and ordinances covering land use activities. Work is reviewed through written reports, public presentations, conferences, and results achieved.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

 
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles of land use zoning and its relationship to political structure and organization, policies, planning practices, and public services.

Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing planning, subdivision, and zoning functions.

Knowledge and understanding of surveying, engineering, and design standards, and ability to interpret technical information.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to exercise expertise in all phases of planning, including regional planning, comprehensive planning, zoning, and subdivision ordinance administration.

Ability to use various software packages, including word processing, CityView, Microsoft Sharepoint, and Geographic Information Systems.

Ability to exercise initiative, imagination, and problem-solving in a variety of planning and zoning situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, land use agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.

Ability to work independently and proactively.

Ability to interpret and enforce laws and ordinances related to land use and developments.

Ability to write technical and concise reports.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. Some field work may be required. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.