Zoning Technician

The City of Bay City, Michigan•Bay City, MI

About The Position

The Zoning Technician is a full-time union position in the City of Bay City’s Community Development department, under the general supervision of the Planning & Zoning Manager. The role assists with administering the City’s Code of Ordinances related to planning and zoning and may assist with enforcement. The position is a primary public contact for zoning compliance matters. The technician reviews permits, plans, and applications for zoning compliance; researches property and nonconforming-use records; and uses GIS tools to support property-data and zoning-map management. The position also maintains records and databases, supports updates to City code and public-facing information, and serves as staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and as the City’s Zoning Enforcement Officer. The role supports plan review, inspections, and enforcement, which may include site visits, field investigations, violation notices, citations, and court appearances. It also involves preparing reports and meeting materials, attending public meetings, and providing backup front-counter coverage for Planning and Building divisions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Associate degree with major coursework in engineering, architecture, planning, building, or related studies; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with at least two years of municipal planning or zoning experience and knowledge of inspection methods, practices, and techniques pertaining to building and zoning.
General knowledge of Michigan statutes and the principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning.
Skill in reviewing and interpreting plans, blueprints, and specifications.
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with City officials, developers, project contractors, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively and present written ideas and oral presentations.
Ability to work with numerous interruptions and meet deadlines under time constraints.
Computer operation skills.
Valid Michigan driver’s license, which must be maintained.
Strong independent critical-thinking skills for sustained periods.

Responsibilities

Provide the public, developers, builders, and City officials with information and guidance about zoning regulations.
Review building, sign, and fence permits; site plans; and business application forms for zoning compliance.
Review zoning permits for legal nonconforming determinations and research zoning compliance using City records, aerial photos, and related materials.
Perform mapping and data analysis using GIS tools to assist with property data and zoning maps.
Maintain records and enter and log information in software databases or computerized maintenance management systems.
Oversee marihuana facility license applications and renewals, monitor changes in state regulations, and assist with updating City code.
Recommend changes to codes, rules, and regulations based on recurring problems and special land-use issues.
Resolve complex and sensitive customer-service issues by phone or in writing and document problem-solving.
Assist in maintaining up-to-date information on department web pages.
Serve as staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and as the City’s Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Prepare and maintain records, studies, reports, and related information to support decision-making.
Support planning and zoning plan review, inspection, and enforcement activities.
Conduct site visits and field investigations to check property layouts, compare construction with approved plans, investigate potential code violations, and inspect site improvements for zoning compliance.
Assist with issuing and posting warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and related documentation.
Issue civil infraction citations and appear in court as necessary.
Attend public meetings and make presentations when needed.
Prepare agendas, assist with public-hearing notifications, and attend monthly Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
Provide backup front-counter coverage for the Planning and Building divisions when staffing is limited.