Responsible for activities related to interpretation and application of development codes and ordinances, the review of development proposals and zoning code enforcement. This position is also responsible for supervising division sta to ensure the maintenance of permits and records, maintaining databases, researching and recommending changes to development codes, ordinances and development review procedures. Serves as the primary point of contact for the zoning division, staff support for the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and inter-departmental Technical Review Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assist Department Director to plan, organize and allocate workload of division employees;
• Administers the programs and operations of the Zoning Division of the Planning and Community Development Department, ensuring division compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
• Interprets, administers and enforces all adopted regulatory codes and ordinances pertaining to zoning as subject matter expert;
• Meets with applicants, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, property owners and others to discuss zoning issues and review the requirements of development codes and ordinances;
• Reviews site plans and subdivisions with respect to applicable development standards and ordinances and recommends action to the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or Department Director;
• Evaluates the impact of development proposals on parking, traffic, pedestrian safety, infrastructure, environment, urban design and other factors; proposes creative conditions or alternatives to mitigate impacts;
• Enforces and promotes compliance with all provisions of the zoning ordinance, including building height and location, signage, parking, over-occupancy, illegal dwelling units, change of use, etc.;
• Researches and prepares staff reports related to proposed amendments to development codes and ordinances, land use and development applications. Acts as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission;
• Prepares annual updates to the official zoning district map as appropriate;
• Manages the application and review process for variances from the zoning regulations and makes determinations of non-conformity. Acts as staff liaison to the Board of Zoning Appeals;
• Writes and disseminates legal notices to ensure due process of development review;
• Issues appropriate permits and certificates for all construction or change of use of land;
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans;
• Leads and directs code enforcement staff to investigate and resolve zoning ordinance violations;
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications; and represents the Town on various committees, work groups, etc.;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director; and
• Serves the residents of Ocean City as a dedicated and trusted public servant.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises a team of two or more employees in the Zoning Division, including Zoning Analyst I and Zoning Analyst II. Responsible for overseeing daily operations in line with Town policies and applicable laws. Key duties include hiring and training staff, planning and assigning tasks, providing direction, evaluating performance, and addressing employee concerns or conflicts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• Commercial, industrial, and residential construction materials and methods.
• Building permit procedures.
• Zoning regulations, design review, and land use plans.
• Architectural principles.
• Principals of leadership, organization, administration, and setting priorities.

Skills to:

• Read and interpret maps, plans, documents, and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Prepare technical solutions, reports, and visuals to support a variety of planning project types
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate information and data to make sound judgements, logical decisions, and recommendations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Interpret complex plans, specifications, and technical drawings and compare them to site plans in progress.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups.
• Plan and schedule the work of subordinate personnel.
• Maintain effective employee relations.
• Mentor and supervise staff within the Zoning division.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, urban studies, environmental science or related field and at least ten (10) years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent management and communication skills, supervisory experience, and ability to work independently on several projects or issues simultaneously will be considered.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as the Municipal Code as well as technical journals, budget and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from board and commission members, customers and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be able to testify in quasi-judicial and judicial hearing and trials.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver's license.
• AICP certification or Certified Flood Plain Manager certification (must obtain within two (2) year of hire).
• Completes continuing education requirements to maintain professional certification for position.