Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of routine and complex work in the interpretation and enforcement of the County's zoning program; monitors and enforces a variety of applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations, including those related to zoning, land use, health and safety, and other matters of public concern. The primary duty of this employee is to inspect project sites for zoning compliance and investigate code enforcement complaints as relates to Spartanburg County's adopted zoning ordinances. Work involves examining plans submitted for zoning permits and conducting follow up inspections of project sites for compliance, as well as investigating zoning complaints to determine compliance with codes, conducting field inspections upon receiving complaints, and preparing necessary documentation of findings. Serves as a resource and provides information on County regulations to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other departments.

Essential Duties

Evaluates problem areas and/or ordinance violations as a result of complaints or observing them while in the field; determines proper method to resolve violations; attempts to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violation; issues and posts warning notices, issues citations and notices of violation as necessary, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation for code violations; maintains accurate documentation and case files on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job related activities including accurate and detailed information regarding code enforcement activity to substantiate violations; takes and maintains photographs.
Maintains complete records for all cases including ownership information, all communications and action taken with names, dates, and times.
Assists in developing legal cases with legal staff in code enforcement proceedings, as necessary. Develops procedural remedies with legal staff to effectively use the legal system when dealing with repeat code violation offenders.
Prepares case files for court actions including writing reports, maintaining inspection files, preparing chronologies and violation explanations; schedules and performs all follow-up functions to gain compliance (including letters, inspections, calls, meet ings, discussions, and negotiations) to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances; attends court, as necessary, to testify and make oral presentations; conducts follow-up investigations and take additional actions until cases are resolved and files are closed.
Keeps current with County ordinances, laws, codes, regulations, and internal procedures pertaining to zoning and land use issues. In conjunction with the Building Codes Department issues necessary Stop Work Orders. Posts and removes required signage on properties for monthly variance cases and zoning map amendments.
Participates in special projects such as the cleanup of corridors and gateways, enforcement sweeps of various communities, etc.
Evaluates zoning ordinances of the County and ensures appropriate implementation.
Attend staff and committee meetings, as needed. Collaborates with various departments, as needed. Coordinates with the Planners, Building Inspectors, County Engineer Division, and other departments as necessary to secure compliance with County codes when enforcement becomes necessary.
Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Must development knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods used within the department as they relate to land development and zoning, including landscaping, signage, and architectural design standards. Ability to coordinate activities and maintain department standards as prescribed. Knowledge of code enforcement principles, practices and methods as applicable to local government; working knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to various land use, nuisance and public safety codes. Enforces pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations with impartiality and efficiency. Ability to understand and utilize zoning maps, land use maps, plat maps and other documents related to real property. Ability to take initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of constant supervision, but asks questions as needed. Ability to show courtesy, tact and sensitivity to individual differences when dealing with people who are hostile, difficult and/or distressed.
Ability to work with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including other County departments and outside agencies. Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Ability to independently prepare routine correspondence and memoranda. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Demonstrates honesty, integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm's length, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.
Work is performed in both an indoor and outdoor environment. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters. Must have the mobility to negotiate uneven terrain, visit project sites on a regular basis, work alone, and travel from site to site. Occasionally visits to job sites include exposure to dust, extreme hot and cold temperatures, and sometimes exposure to heavy machinery, noise and inclement weather many times in a construction zone environment.

Education And Experience

Must become a sworn Code Enforcement Officer.
The incumbent must be present at work (or the field) to perform the essential functions of this job. Any equivalent combination of professional experience, education and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
Experience involving a high level of public contact including some experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation or customer service capacity is preferred.
Experience in Enterprise Permitted and Licensing software a plus.
Basic knowledge of GIS helpful.

License, Certifications, And Other Requirements

All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina.

Spartanburg County Government

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Zoning Enforcement Officer