Land Use Specialist/Zoning Enforcement Officer

Wallingford, Town of • Wallingford, CT

21h • Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible, administrative work involving a variety of technical land use/zoning administration and zoning enforcement duties, primarily in support of the Town Planner and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). This position also involves other duties in support of the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and a supervisory role within the Planning and Zoning Department in the absence of the Town Planner. This position is primarily responsible for the enforcement of, and in achieving compliance with the Zoning Regulations and other land use regulations; responding to and investigating complaints regarding potential violations of the Zoning Regulations; responding to citizens’ inquiries regarding land use matters/requirements, applications, etc., particularly in relation to zoning matters; and acting as primary staff to the Zoning Board of Appeals, including attending all meetings of the ZBA. This position also has occasional responsibility for making standard decisions related to the functions of the Planning and Zoning office, and acts as the Department supervisor in the absence of the Town Planner.

Requirements

• Considerable working knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal zoning and land use regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of Connecticut Statutes Governing Municipal Planning and Zoning.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret Town Zoning Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, and Aquifer Protection Regulations.
• Ability to accurately process paperwork and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret basic site plan maps.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to compose professional and appropriate letters and documentation in regard to zoning enforcement matters, applications, etc.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, town officials, coworkers, developers, attorneys, and officials of other agencies.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, especially word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs, willingness and ability to learn new programs as needed.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and delegate effectively.
• Ability to work in an office setting subject to continuous interruptions.
• An Associate’s Degree in planning, urban planning, land use, public administration, business administration or a related field and two (2) years of experience interpreting or enforcing zoning or government laws or regulations; or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in municipal, regional or state land use planning, zoning or closely related field is preferred.
• Certification as a Zoning Enforcement Official through the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials (CAZEO) within two (2) years of the date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints of zoning violations and responds in accordance with approved procedures and municipal and state law; explains violations of the Zoning Regulations and requirements to achieve compliance with the regulations; performs technical reviews of applications/plans before the Planning and Zoning Department for zoning compliance; reports to the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding zoning enforcement matters; enforces other associated regulations (Subdivision Regulations, Aquifer Protection Regulations, other applicable regulations as instructed by the Town Planner); makes determinations regarding existing approved/permitted uses on properties; attends legal hearings and testifies in court as required; assists the Building Official in interpretation of applicable Zoning Regulations.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding zoning matters; provides interpretations/explanations of zoning regulations; provides relevant information to the public as requested; makes copies and issues receipts; assists applicants in filling out applications and provides direction/assistance in navigating appropriate applications and land use boards; provides direction in regard to land use applications, particularly but not limited to applications for Accessory Apartments, Changes of Use, Sign Permits, Liquor Permits, Variances, and Special Exceptions; works with and provides lands use information to other town departments, state agencies, and other entities; signs off on sign permits, state liquor permits, Variances/Special Exceptions, day care permits, changes of use, and other applications in which he/she has been the primary staff contact/administrator or as otherwise directed by the Town Planner.
• Provides direct staff support to the Zoning Board of Appeals; reviews applications for Variances and Special Exceptions and provides commentary/recommendations/input to the Zoning Board of Appeals; attends Zoning Board of Appeals meetings; generates legal notices, agendas, and other appropriate legal requirements/notices/documents for Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree