Zoning Officer

City of Altoona • Altoona, PA

2d

About The Position

The Zoning Officer is responsible for administering and enforcing the municipality’s zoning ordinance and related land use regulations in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). The position ensures compliance with zoning standards, reviews permit applications, conducts inspections, and provides guidance to residents, developers, and municipal officials. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Administer and enforce the municipal zoning ordinance, zoning map, and applicable land use regulations. Review zoning permit applications for compliance with ordinance requirements. Issue zoning permits, certificates of zoning compliance, and use permits as authorized. Conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved permits and zoning regulations. Investigate zoning complaints and alleged violations; document findings and take appropriate enforcement action. Issue zoning enforcement notices and coordinate follow-up actions in accordance with municipal policy. Provide technical assistance and zoning interpretations to residents, developers, contractors, and design professionals. Serve as staff liaison to the Zoning Hearing Board. Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation for zoning hearings and appeals. Testify at Zoning Hearing Board meetings, court proceedings, and other public meetings when required. Coordinate zoning matters with other municipal departments, county agencies, and consultants. Stay informed of changes in zoning laws, land use practices, and state regulations. PERIPHERAL DUTIES Serves as a member of various employee committees. Employees are expected to perform the duties of this position professionally, respectfully and with integrity. Additionally, employees are expected to be proactive and self-motivated when opportunities to provide value to the position and/or organization present themselves, even when outside the parameters of the Position Description.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, geography, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of related experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations and requirements applicable to the City of Altoona Zoning Code and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PMPC).
• Effective written communication skills for preparing reports, notices, permits and enforcement documentation.
• Familiarity of zoning permit procedures, site plans, surveys, subdivision plans, and construction drawings.
• Considerable skill interpreting and enforcing statutes, ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially both verbally and in writing both accurately and consistently; ability to maintain professional and effective working relationships and skill in conflict resolution and handling complaints or disputes in a professional and impartial manner.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and have organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple applications, inspections and enforcement cases.
• Basic computer skills, including use of office software, email and permitting and record-management systems.
• Must possess a valid State driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment;
• Certification as a Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer through a recognized Pennsylvania program (e.g., PSAB or equivalent), or ability to obtain within a specified time frame.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in zoning administration, code enforcement, planning or a related municipal function preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and enforce the municipal zoning ordinance, zoning map, and applicable land use regulations.
• Review zoning permit applications for compliance with ordinance requirements.
• Issue zoning permits, certificates of zoning compliance, and use permits as authorized.
• Conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved permits and zoning regulations.
• Investigate zoning complaints and alleged violations; document findings and take appropriate enforcement action.
• Issue zoning enforcement notices and coordinate follow-up actions in accordance with municipal policy.
• Provide technical assistance and zoning interpretations to residents, developers, contractors, and design professionals.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Zoning Hearing Board.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation for zoning hearings and appeals.
• Testify at Zoning Hearing Board meetings, court proceedings, and other public meetings when required.
• Coordinate zoning matters with other municipal departments, county agencies, and consultants.
• Stay informed of changes in zoning laws, land use practices, and state regulations.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees.
• Employees are expected to perform the duties of this position professionally, respectfully and with integrity.
• Additionally, employees are expected to be proactive and self-motivated when opportunities to provide value to the position and/or organization present themselves, even when outside the parameters of the Position Description.

Benefits

• The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED