ZONING ADMINISTRATOR (CITY EMPLOYEE'S ONLY)

City of Miami Garden, FL•Miami Gardens, FL

29d•Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible administrative, professional work of considerable difficulty in the Planning & Zoning Department, focused on the implementation, interpretation, and maintenance of the City's zoning code. An employee in this classification is responsible for performing a variety of complex administrative tasks related to land development regulations, including zoning, signage, and landscaping requirements. Duties include reviewing and processing zoning applications, maintaining accurate records and databases, preparing reports, responding to inquiries from the public and other departments, and providing guidance on zoning and land use procedures. The work requires initiative, attention to detail, and independent judgment to ensure compliance with City ordinances, the Miami Gardens Comprehensive Plan, the Miami-Dade County Land Use Plan, and applicable state and federal regulations. Under the general direction of the Planning and Zoning Director, the Zoning Administrator coordinates administrative processes related to zoning and land use, communicates with government officials, attorneys, private developers, citizens, and community groups, and assists in implementing zoning policies and procedures. Work is evaluated through review of completed applications, accuracy of records, timeliness of administrative processes, and effectiveness in providing guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders. This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, land use, and zoning.
Thorough knowledge of zoning codes, ordinances, regulations and enforcement, and a general knowledge of the Florida Building Code.
Thorough knowledge of the functions of the Planning and Zoning Board and advisory boards related to Historic Preservation Board and requests for zoning variances.
Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications; ability to read, understand, and explain zoning codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Ability to plan the creation and maintenance of an accurate records system.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ resourcefulness in analyzing and solving new problems in difficult situations and under adverse conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departmental officials, professional groups, and the general public.
Ability to plan, assign, supervise and evaluate the work of professional, technical and clerical employees.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, as needed to compose memoranda, correspondence, technical reports and conduct presentations to citizen groups and elected officials.
Ability to meet deadlines as assigned to accomplish routine objectives and special projects.
Graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, business administration, project management or other appropriate field.
Possess at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of land development regulations.
A Master's degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

Assists in the advancement of a comprehensive zoning implementation program, including plans examination, inspections and code interpretation to assure compliance with land development regulations; receiving, processing and analyzing requests for changes in zoning, platting, street vacations and ordinance amendments; interpretation of landscape requirements, signage and other development related zoning issues.
Represents the City before county, state and federal agencies when appropriate or when so directed by the Department Director or City Manager.
Plans, develops, and executes departmental procedures relative to zoning inspection and enforcement activities.
Investigates complaints related to zoning provisions of land development regulations and coordinates with appropriate departments to ensure compliance.
Assists developers, contractors, realtors, attorneys and the public with zoning applications. Computes application fees, collects payments, and prepares zoning files.
Administers, interprets, explains and enforces zoning ordinances, policies and procedures.
Reviews and processes a wide range of zoning applications and building permits to include both residential and commercial building permits, administrative variances, certificates of use, group homes, signage and addressing. Ensures compliance with Land Development Regulations.
Meets with groups and individuals that are interested in developing or expanding projects within the City and advises them on City ordinances, procedures and state and federal regulations.
Facilitates meetings with applicants and/or development teams in pre-application conferences to discuss City's plan approval process and the requirements for completing development projects; assists developers, contractors and others with information on the development process; advises on permitting requirements.
Coordinate the department's Zoning Inquiry process and ensures timely, accurate responses.
Prepares public notices for City Council meetings related to rezoning, variances, and text amendment items.
Collaborate with departments such as building, code, and business license to complete reviews associated with the City's Certificate of Use Program and other interdepartmental reviews.
Makes recommendations on the need for amendments to existing plans and ordinances, and changes in zoning.
Assists in drafting, updating, and interpreting zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land-use policies.
Prepares periodic activity reports and documentation as required by the department director.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and community partners to achieve city goals and objectives.
Performs related work as required.