With the policies, goals, and programming set forth by the City of Peru Plan Commission, the Zoning Administrator works under the direct supervision of the Building Commissioner to achieve the City of Peru’s strategic land use objectives. The Zoning Administrator performs a variety of functions which require the application of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and a high level of reasoning skills. Thorough understanding of municipal zoning ordinances, appropriate land use, inspection procedures, permitting processes, and the laws governing these topics is required at every level of job performanceEssential Duties and Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Other essential duties and job functions may also be required.
1. ADMINISTRATE ZONING:
a. Maintain a thorough knowledge of zoning ordinances.
b. Administer and enforce applicable ordinances.
c. Accept and review permitting applications for completeness and compliance.
d. Create Zoning Cases/Permits in IWORQS computer software and upload information as required.
e. Issue appropriate land-use permits and upload all pertinent documents to the IWORQS software and electronic filing system.
f. Notify applicants of non-compliance in writing
g. Work with applicants to attain or maintain compliance.
h. Review, inspect, and approve all property splits and land divisions.
i. Assist the public, applicants, developers, and their representatives with zoning and building inquiries, proposals and applications, direct the individual(s) to the proper agency/agencies for other needed permits.
j. Assign addresses as required.
2. Enforce zoning ordinances, in conjunction with the Code Enforcement Officer, as needed.
3. Perform office administration:
a. Greet visitors to the Building and Zoning Department
b. Keep zoning map and office records up to date by recording all amendments and retaining all official documents.
c. Distribute zoning ordinances to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and public as needed.
4. Prepare for Plan Commission & Zoning Appeals Meetings:
a. Advertise appropriately for all meetings.
b. Communicate with all members of Commission/Board regarding matters coming before them.
c. Prepare all documents required for meetings.
d. Send all public notices and required mail for meetings.
e. Conduct technical reviews, site visits and make reports for the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on specific project proposals such as, but not limited to, special use permit applications, conditional use permit applications, zoning amendments, variances and appeals.
f. Present facts, as required before Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
g. Develop recommendations regarding zoning amendments, zoning permit fee structures, zoning forms, and the processes governing the enforcement of zoning ordinances.
h. Research and present potential changes or additions to ordinances for the Commission to consider
i. Prepare minutes for Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and file/publish as required.
5. FLOODPLAIN ADMISTRATOR:
a. Maintain up to date knowledge of floodplain management in relation to permit applications, new building projects, etc.
b. Review all permits for new construction to determine if additional permitting will be required due to proximity to flood zones.
c. Document all floodplain review in the electronic case for permitting.
d. Communicate with applicant regarding any additional steps required for their project relating to proximity to flood zones.
e. Have working knowledge of navigating all floodplain review websites including but not limited to FEMA and DNR sites
6. Communicate with City staff, associate personnel, and the public to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
7. Maintain professional competencies; maintain awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; read professional literature; attend appropriate workshops and training seminars.
8. Carry out special projects and analyses for the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and/or Building Commissioner, as assigned.
9. Assist the Building Department personnel with processing paperwork and reports, correspondence, data entry and other clerical function as requested.
10. Consult building Codes and Ordinances and gather information as requested by Building Department staff.
11. Operate computers, calculators, recording devices and other office equipment. Performs data entry.
12. Respond to telephone inquiries from citizens in matters involving the Building Department/Zoning. Assist in the office as needed.
13. Maintain accurate digital data and electronic filing records.
14. Process all zoning mail using the electronic certified mail system as needed. Maintain mailing records.
15. Maintain Zoning website information to ensure current information is available.
16. Performs related work as required.Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
a. Possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.
b. Skilled in profession, social and interpersonal communication, including the ability to function in an organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction.
c. Skilled in responding to inquiries, complaints, and requests in a diplomatic, tactful and firm manner.
d. Skilled in using computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, One Note, Google Docs, and others.
e. Skilled in using basic office equipment
f. Graduation from an accredited high school, supplemented by experience dealing with customers.
g. One year of computer experience and/or courses.
h. One year of computer spreadsheet software experience.
i. One year in an office setting, preferably in municipal government.
j. Basic knowledge of building codes and ordinances and related municipal policies and procedures.
k. Valid Indiana driver’s license.
l. Skill in accurately compiling and evaluating data and information, preparing clear and accurate reports.
m. Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
n. Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related permitting software, and the ability to master new technologies.
o. Skill in use of proper grammar and spelling.
p. Ability to effectively communicate and exercise a high degree of diplomacy in contentious or confrontational situations.
q. Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with citizens and fellow employees.
r. Ability to work effectively under stress, within deadlines and with changes in work priorities.
s. Ability to perform mathematical computations and compile descriptive statistics with accuracy, especially in the computer aided environment.
t. Ability to operate a calculator and measuring devices.
u. Ability to look at a computer terminal and type for extended periods of time.
v. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
w. Ability to stand, reach and lift items of light weight.
x. Ability to hear to answer telephones, to see to file and retrieve documents and to compile and evaluate data.
y. Ability to take direction.Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. a. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, use vision and manual dexterity to read and write, and be mobile in an office setting. Mental demand is medium-high. Sound judgement and reasoning skills are paramount. The ability to read and interpret legal documents is necessary. Accurate record keeping is vital and must be done with a very high attention to detail. Emotion must be eliminated from decision making and there must be a steady emotional level in the face of
complaints and constant queries from the public. Continuous mental concentration is required throughout the work period. b. Physical demand is medium. Strength and ability need to be sufficient to perform office work and field inspections. This includes the ability to walk over uneven terrain and move around/over obstacles.