Zoning Specialist

Responsible for reviewing plans for compliance with the City's zoning ordinance, and enforcing the City's zoning ordinance. Work involves professional and technical understanding of the City of Youngstown zoning ordinance with general direction of a supervisor. The supervisor will direct work programs and objectives, but the employee must exercise initiative and judgment in carrying out these programs and necessary objectives. 

• Review site plans for compliance of zoning requirements as needed and /or approved by the Public Works Director. 
• Conduct investigations of zoning complaints, issues notices of violation, and follows-up through compliance
• Inspects completed projects to assure that the building, structure, or use of land was built or occupied in accordance with the stated purposes and the intent for which the permit was originally issued
• Works closely with city attorney concerning violations of zoning that are tuned over to the Law Department for prosecution
• Interpret zoning regulations for citizens, contractors, and other professionals as needed 
• Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports
• Coordinate and communicate with relevant clerical staff for records, reports, and paperwork
• Accurately and impartially interprets the City's Redevelopment Code and Design Review Standards to applicants, City Council members, interested parties, and members of the general public as it relates to enforcement and investigations.
• Conducts field investigations of properties subject to action by one or more of the city's three review bodies: City Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals as it relates to complaints and attends meetings if requested. 
• Notifies the Department of Code Enforcement and Demolition of any pertinent adjudication of the Review Body or Bodies if applicable.
• Perform related work as required. 

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field is desirable or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.  Must possess significant knowledge of the principles and practices of zoning and land use law. Knowledge of the City's zoning, housing, and building requirements. Ability to conduct through investigations and inspections, and prepare detailed and adequate records for use in legal proceedings. Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other city and county departments as necessary. Have the ability to deal with the public in a professional and courteous manner. All candidates for employment with the City of Youngstown must be a resident of Mahoning County or an Ohio County that is adjacent to Mahoning County at time of hire.


EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

TYPE: TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: Applicant’s grade will be determined based on Education and Experience found in the application and resume.

NOTE:  Each applicant is required to submit a detailed resume of his/her education and experience at the time of filing application.

NOTE:  THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE APPLICATION OR RESUME. LACK OF HONESTY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE ELIGIBILITY LIST.

BONUS POINTS WILL BE ADDED TO PASSING SCORES (70%) ON THE FOLLOWING BASIS:

20% - MILITARY (DD-214 showing 180 days of active-duty service and proof of honorable discharge required) 15% - Reserve Component – upon completion of entry-level training.

15% - PROOF OF CITY RESIDENCY (Submit four (4) different proofs of residency from one (1) year ago and four (4) different current proofs of residency – total of 8) Proof of Residency must be scanned and emailed to [email protected]

NOTE:ALL COPIES OF DIPLOMAS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND RESUMES MUST BE UPLOADED AT THE TIME OF FILING. Original college transcripts are required as verification of educational attainments. If you are a veteran and wish to claim the military preference credit, please upload a PDF COPY of FORM DD-214 showing proof of honorable discharge. 

*****As provided for in Youngstown City Ordinance ORD-11-244 and in accordance with the City of Youngstown Charter, Section 52 (E) any candidate who is a bona fide resident of the City of Youngstown for at least one year immediately prior to an entry level examination and remains a resident citizen of the City of Youngstown throughout the selection process, as determined by the Civil Service Commission, at the time of filing his or her application for examination, shall, if a passing grade is attained, have a credit of  fifteen percent (15%) added to his or her  raw score.  The Applicant must show proof of residency by providing the following: Driver’s License, Bank Statements, Utility Bills, Mortgage Release/Lease, and/or Insurance Statements. In order to be considered applicants must submit four (4) different proofs of residency from one (1) year ago and four (4) current proofs of residency (Total of 8)