Zoning Officer

The Zoning Officer is responsible for administering and enforcing the municipality’s zoning ordinance and related land use regulations in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). The position ensures compliance with zoning standards, reviews permit applications, conducts inspections, and provides guidance to residents, developers, and municipal officials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administer and enforce the municipal zoning ordinance, zoning map, and applicable land use regulations.

 Review zoning permit applications for compliance with ordinance requirements.

 Issue zoning permits, certificates of zoning compliance, and use permits as authorized.

 Conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved permits and zoning regulations.

 Investigate zoning complaints and alleged violations; document findings and take appropriate enforcement action.

 Issue zoning enforcement notices and coordinate follow-up actions in accordance with municipal policy.

 Provide technical assistance and zoning interpretations to residents, developers, contractors, and design professionals.

 Serve as staff liaison to the Zoning Hearing Board. Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation for zoning hearings and appeals.

 Testify at Zoning Hearing Board meetings, court proceedings, and other public meetings when required.

 Coordinate zoning matters with other municipal departments, county agencies, and consultants.

 Stay informed of changes in zoning laws, land use practices, and state regulations.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

 Serves as a member of various employee committees.

 Employees are expected to perform the duties of this position professionally, respectfully and with integrity. Additionally, employees are expected to be proactive and self-motivated when opportunities to provide value to the position and/or organization present themselves, even when outside the parameters of the Position Description.

Requirements

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A) High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, geography, or related field preferred.

(B) Minimum of two years of related experience; or

(C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

(D) Prior experience in zoning administration, code enforcement, planning or a related municipal function preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Knowledge of laws, regulations and requirements applicable to the City of Altoona Zoning Code and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PMPC).

(B) Effective written communication skills for preparing reports, notices, permits and enforcement documentation.

(C) Familiarity of zoning permit procedures, site plans, surveys, subdivision plans, and construction drawings.

(D) Considerable skill interpreting and enforcing statutes, ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially both verbally and in writing both accurately and consistently; ability to maintain professional and effective working relationships and skill in conflict resolution and handling complaints or disputes in a professional and impartial manner.

(E) Demonstrate ability to work independently and have organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple applications, inspections and enforcement cases.

(F) Basic computer skills, including use of office software, email and permitting and record-management systems.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

(A) Must possess a valid State driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment;

(B) Certification as a Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer through a recognized Pennsylvania program (e.g., PSAB or equivalent), or ability to obtain within a specified time frame.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate a mobile device, computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arm; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally the employee is exposed on jobsite visits to loud or very loud noises.

Benefits

The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer