Zoning Officer

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Why Boca Raton?

As the second largest city in Palm Beach County, the City of Boca Raton offers robust benefits to their employees:

• Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation, sick, and 3 floating holidays
• Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule
• Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

Whether you're starting out or looking to take your public service career to the next level, the City of Boca Raton offers the tools, resources, and culture to help you succeed. 

Apply now and join the city that’s building careers and shaping a stronger tomorrow!

General Statement of the Job:

The Zoning Officer performs routine and complex technical tasks and reviews related to the enforcement of City’s Code of Ordinances, including land development regulations. Under the supervision of the Zoning Manager, this position is responsible for the review of zoning applications, building permits, and business tax and licensing applications for completeness and compliance with land development regulations and other code requirements. This role involves a high level of daily communication with applicants, property owners, the general public, and land development professionals. The Zoning Officer must demonstrate strong time management and self-direction as they review permits and zoning applications for consistency with applicable city, county, and state codes and perform on-site field inspections. This position is also required to serve as an advisory board liaison and make presentations at public meetings.

A Zoning Officer must meet all the education and experience requirements, hold required certifications, and have required work experience, as noted below. 

• Communicates with and responds to inquiries from members of the public, applicants, and staff regarding zoning matters and processes in a timely manner, including inquiries regarding building permit and zoning applications.  
• Conducts research utilizing zoning-related maps, legal instruments, codes, ordinances, and various regulatory documents on zoning codes, sign codes, flood zones, marine codes, land use, and site-specific details related to parcels of land.
• Interprets land development code provisions with guidance from the Zoning Manager and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Processes zoning application such as variance applications, performs research, prepares reports, and gives presentations at public meetings and hearings before city boards.
• Acts as a staff liaison for the Community Appearance Board and provides administrative support, including the preparation of agendas and agenda items.
• Reviews and processes certificates of use for business tax and licenses as they pertain to zoning requirements.
• Conducts on-site field visits and inspections of properties.
• Provides technical information and answers questions from the public, developers, land development professionals, and others regarding general zoning processes, information, and applications.   
• Communicates with project applicants and members of the public throughout building permit and zoning review processes.
• Prepares presentation materials and presents findings and recommendations to the advisory boards and City Council.

Knowledge of:

• The principles, practices, and techniques of city planning as they pertain to zoning activities and land development regulation.
• Local zoning regulations, land development codes, and other related codes (e.g., sign code, floodplain regulations) to provide accurate and clear guidance to the public and stakeholders.
• Building permit and zoning application processes and procedures. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local regulations affecting land use, property development, and business operations, including ADA, environmental, and building codes.
• Applicable FEMA flood zone regulations, floodplain management policies, and procedures for ensuring compliance with floodplain standards.
• Property records, including zoning maps, plat maps, legal instruments, and site-specific details related to land use, density, intensity, parking requirements, and restrictions.
• Standard office practices, procedures, software, and equipment.

• Business English, spelling, and commercial arithmetic.

Skilled in:

• Using electronic permit review systems, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software, and other relevant computer programs for data entry, research, and tracking.
• Technical reading comprehension, understanding construction documents, site plans, architectural plans, floor plans, landscape plans, schematics, written sentences, and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Active listening, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Service Orientation, providing support and assistance as needed, ensuring inquiries, concerns, and administrative needs are addressed efficiently and effectively.
• Time management, efficiently organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and allocating time for duties.
• Strong oral communication and writing skills, including the ability to make effective presentations, communicate in a clear and concise manner with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public, contractors, attorneys, business owners, and government agencies.
• Active learning, continual learning and practice to stay abreast of current code, standards, requirements as well as evolving technologies.

Ability to:

• Communicate planning and zoning related information regarding development application review and regulatory requirement analysis in oral, written and graphic form, including staff reports, public presentations and meetings with external stakeholders.
• Work a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, as needed.
• Perform outdoor on-site inspections of properties to verify compliance with building permits, zoning approvals, and code requirements, identifying issues or areas needing correction.
• Manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, particularly during busy periods or when handling complex permit or zoning applications.
• Effectively research, organize and analyze numeric, text and graphic data and information on a variety of zoning related topics, then clearly communicate the results of that research and analysis in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Assess zoning and land use applications, review compliance with codes and regulations, make recommendations based on complete and accurate data and analysis.
• Manage paperwork, documentation, and permit processing in an organized and efficient manner to meet deadlines and ensure compliance with standards.
• Interpret and read property surveys and design plans (i.e. site plans, architectural plans, building plans, engineering plans).
• Identify issues or discrepancies in applications, permits, or site compliance and recommend solutions or escalate to appropriate staff when needed.
• Respond professionally to inquiries via phone, email, or in person, and manage conflicting or complex customer needs while maintaining a high level of service.
• Use a computer, including proficiency with relevant software applications, as well as smartphones, cell phone, iPads, and tablets to efficiently complete tasks and communicate effectively.
• Stay current with changes in zoning regulations, building codes, and related legal requirements and apply them to ongoing tasks and responsibilities.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, applicants, contractors, and other stakeholders, working collaboratively with department staff, and other departments

• Associates degree with major coursework in urban planning, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in the application of land development regulations or code requirements in plan review.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class “E” driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Customer service experience

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
• Drug and Alcohol Screen