Position: Zoning Officer
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Planning/Community Development
Last updated: July 18, 2024
The Zoning Officer’s duties and responsibilities are carried out under the governance of the Township’s Board of Commissioners and the direction of the Director of Planning / Community Development. In that capacity, they shall exhibit proficiency in matters involving zoning, land use planning and municipal governance. The following is a list that includes but is not limited to the responsibilities of this job.
OVERARCHING RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists in the workings and responsibilities of the Zoning Office and Planning
Office in a competent, timely, collaborative, and professional manner, in strict
accordance with all applicable laws and developed technical practices and
procedures, and reflecting the Township’s high standard of ethical behavior and
commitment of service to its citizens.
Works well with others without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, marital or
veteran status, economic, or educational backgrounds.
Maintains confidentiality as appropriate and recognizing that all work produced is the property of Lower Macungie Township.
Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance, providing exemplary service to residents and project or permit applicants.
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES
An enthusiastic dedication to innovative public service and to customer-driven
service, performed with initiative and judgment.
A clear grasp of essential performance behaviors and operational goals.
A commitment to personal and professional growth, including an active, day-today desire and effort to learn more.
The ability to work collaboratively as a team player who feels a sense of
responsibility not only for their own success, but also for the success of colleagues.
The ability and willingness to assist others in performing their duties.
The capacity to create a sense of purpose, even in stressful times, and to generate
and maintain a high level of morale.
Outstanding organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
The ability to handle numerous tasks and responsibilities, anticipate and meet
deadlines, and respond promptly and professionally to internal and external
customer requests.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The Zoning Officer must be able to perform satisfactorily and professionally the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assist in the administration of the Zoning and Floodplain Ordinance at the
direction of the Community Develop Director.
Identifies and registers nonconforming lots, building structures, together with the reasons therefore.
Advises property owners, developers, etc., of procedures for submission and
review of subdivision and land development plans.
Applies understanding of the elements of transportation, stormwater management,
utilities, environmental matters, best design practices, economic development,
park development and land use planning to analysis of development and land use
proposals.
Establish and maintain effective relationships by meeting and communicating
with the public, elected officials, Township employees, and governmental units.
Keep abreast of changes in regulations and standards for construction, through
training and other means, to help ensure that the Township remains current and
compliant.
Issues enforcement notices to persons violating provisions of the Zoning, Property Maintenance and Life Safety Codes. Attends hearings and court proceedings as necessary for the enforcements of these codes.
Assists in the operations of the Zoning Hearing Board by attending their public
hearings, posting properties, researching histories and other similar duties.
Attends meetings with the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and department heads, government authorities and committees, and other meetings as required.
Serve as a point of contact for residents with questions on zoning, property
maintenance codes and standards.
Maintains documents, maps, records as directed.
Conducts research and prepares land use planning studies or proposals, as
directed.
Perform various field inspections including for projects, violations, investigation
of complaints, observation of flooding conditions and others, as directed.
Assists with preparing documentation and exhibits in support of legal actions
taken by the Township, appears in court as necessary, and testifies at hearings and in court proceedings as required.
Initiates project planning and management for various municipal planning
projects in partnership with other departments and under the direction of the Planning and Community Development Director.
Prepares and submits grant applications with the Director of Planning and
Community Development.
Other duties as assigned.
Administrative and Supervisory Responsibilities
Assures that procedures followed are in accordance with Township policy and at the same time are responsive to the needs of developers, property-owners,
residents, regulatory agencies or grant agencies.
Prepares correspondence, applications, research documentation and more, as
required.
Prepares technical and other studies or reports.
Directs the review/analysis of questions, complaints, and suggestions received
from the public; assists in preparing proper responses.
Prepares informational updates for the township newsletter and website.
Core Competencies (minimum qualifications needed to perform essential functions)
Knowledge of land use planning, best zoning practices, sign ordinances, code
enforcement, historic preservation, property maintenance and related ordinances and regulations.
Ability to communicate ideas (orally and in writing) and offer technically sound
zoning advice, assistance and instructions.
Working knowledge of design guidelines and architecture, streetscape standards, currently accepted planning/ urbanism standards, historic structures and preservation, common best landscaping techniques, current best signage design and practices.
Ability to analyze zoning and planning problems and offer practical solutions or
remedies, if possible.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from, and
develop effective working relationships with, officials, colleagues, developers,
vendors, and the general public.
Ability to represent the Township in contacts with the federal, state, county, and local governments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Township
officials, department heads and staff as well as with external organizations and
customers, such as the public and government entities.
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to present information and
respond to questions, as well as properly resolve of problems, from Township
officials, colleagues, clients, vendors, and the general public.
Ability to work closely with people of all skills and backgrounds.
Ability to provide exemplary customer service to residents, business owners and
other members of the public.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional
journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical
inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, as well as the ability to
apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical
situations, and to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid
conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical
or diagram form and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Computer literacy, including use of word and excel. GIS software (familiarity is a
plus).
Knowledge of, and ability to interpret, federal, state, and local laws and
regulations pertaining to land use. Familiarity with various state and federal
regulations from FEMA, PADEP and PENNDOT and other agencies and how
they impact the development process and site design.
Education, Experience, and Licensing/Certification
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in land planning, urban
studies, public administration or a related field. Also, two or more years
experience in government planning or a related field or an equivalent combination
of education and experience.
Previous active and documented experience in Community Development or
municipal planning, including direct experience with municipal codes,
ordinances, regulations and reviewing site development plans.
Working knowledge of county, state and federal government and ability to
understand the interrelationship of these various levels of government.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license