Description

Position Summary
Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Building, Planning & Zoning, this position administers the Zoning Ordinance, as written, without authority to deviate from the Ordinance. Reviews submissions to the Planning Commission, attends Planning Commission meetings and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the level and/or class of this position.

• Responsible for the overall management and enforcement of Independence Township Zoning Ordinance.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating appropriate forms used in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.
• Reviews submissions to the Planning Commission and Township Board for completeness and prepares agenda items for both decision bodies.
• Responsible for providing information and assists with preparing agenda items relating for both decision making bodies.
• Reviews Wetland Permit applications for completeness and administers the Township Wetland & Waterbodies Ordinance. Issues Wetland Permits upon compliance with the Ordinance.
• Reviews land use and sign permit applications. Determines compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and completeness of the applications.
• Issues the appropriate land use permit when an application complies with all relevant provisions of the Ordinance. Notifies applicant, in writing, if the proposed use is not in compliance with ordinance standards, and assists with an appropriate alternative procedure, appeals, or any other administrative remedies necessary to attain compliance.
• Attends Planning Commission meetings to report on zoning issues and advise on issues related to Zoning Administration. Evening meetings are expected.
• Develops recommendations regarding zoning amendments, permit fee structures, and application forms.
• Attends evening meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals, presents case facts and explains administrative decisions of the Zoning Administrator, if necessary, and answers questions from the Zoning Board of Appeals as necessary.
• Proposes solutions to problems encountered in administering the Zoning Ordinance.
• Testifies, as necessary, at public and judicial hearings. Attendance at Court proceedings on enforcement matters as support for Code Enforcement, if necessary, is expected.
• Administers and follows Department procedures and policies established for the office.
• Distributes Zoning Ordinances to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and to the public.
• Responsible for keeping the zoning map, Zoning Ordinance text, and office records up-to-date by recording all amendments and retaining all official documents. Also makes copies of the Zoning Ordinance available to the public.
• Coordinates with the appropriate Planning/Zoning staff to prepare, publish, post, send and/or deliver public notices for meetings and hearings of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and as necessary, the Township Board.
• Assists the general public, applicants, developers, and their representatives with zoning inquiries, proposals, and applications. Directs the individual(s) to the proper agency/agencies for other needed permits.
• Attends professional schools, seminars and/or conferences on an annual basis to stay up- to-date on laws, zoning trends, and other information pertinent to Zoning Administration.
• Assist with optically scanning and cataloging related building and zoning materials.
  Perform related duties or projects as assigned by the Building Department Director, Township Supervisor, Planning Commission and/or Township Board members as applicable.
• Represent the Township Planner on the Lot Split Committee and review lot splits, combinations and boundary adjustments for conformity to the State of Michigan Land Division Act and Zoning Ordinance.
• Any duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be thoroughly familiar with the Zoning Ordinance and appropriate forms.
• Ability to write with clarity to effectively communicate with applicants, related governmental agencies and other offices with appropriate etiquette and diplomacy.
• Ability to speak in front of various service groups and work with the media concerning zoning issues within the municipality.
• An ability to read legal documents, descriptions, and similar pertinent documents to Zoning Administration.
• Must have excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge of construction and construction terms as appropriate to land use reviews.
• Ability to pay close attention to details.
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload appropriately.
• Be able to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, TOOLS AND VEHICLES USED

• General office equipment, operate various field equipment (soil auger, shovel, tape measure, etc.). Operating a vehicle (including at night) to attend various meetings, site inspections, and other functions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a desk to operate computers, review applications and site plans and meet with public.

• Walk over uneven terrain and upstairs; hand grip to pull oneself over obstacles in order to conduct site inspections, specific studies, and evaluations.
• Periodic bending, stooping, and kneeling to move items weighing up to 60 pounds from the floor/ground to overhead, and vice versa, to obtain stored records, books, files, move objects in the field, and to operate various field equipment (soil auger, shovel, tape measure, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
The employee in this position will be working mainly in an office environment; however, will be required to work outdoors for property inspections, despite weather conditions, and exposure to environmental allergens (grasses, weeds, pollens, trees).

• Regularly travels to locations throughout the Township.
• Subject to irregular or extended working hours in order to meet schedules and respond to complaints as quickly as possible. Subject to work related calls after hours.
• Attendance is required for some evening meetings and occasionally Board of Trustees meetings.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the Director of Building, Planning & Zoning.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.