Zoning Enforcement Officer

This is an administrative and technical position relating to required inspections and enforcement of City of Scranton Zoning Codes and Ordinances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the City of Scranton Zoning enforcement Officer.
• Examines building permits and development plans for conformity to municipal codes, application requirements and use permits.
• Reviews and approves issues Zoning, Use, Sign and other permits as required.
• Performs initial on-going and final inspections of plans and property for conformity to zoning and other development ordinance requirements.
• Consults with the Director, LIPS, City Engineer and City Planner for complaints regarding violations of the City of Scranton.
• Prepares and presents testimony for court cases.
• Attends all regular meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board, and other meetings when directed.
• Responsible for the proper posting of signs and notices and connection with planning and zoning matters.
• Identify and register non-conforming uses and properties.
• Receives and investigates complaints concerning zoning, property maintenance and other City ordinances.
• Contact property owners to discuss violations and issue citations for violations when necessary.
• Assists in the administration of flood plain and rental registration regulations.
• Maintains comprehensive records of applications for permits, permits issued, certificates issued, inspections made, reports rendered, and notices of orders and citations used.
• Other related, necessary duties as required by the Department Director/Supervisor.

REQUIRED TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to identify problems in the field and recommend solutions.
• Shall demonstrate a working knowledge of zoning.
• Shall have one of the following combinations of education and experience:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of four (4) years’ responsible experience in administering and enforcing municipal zoning and/or subdivision and land development ordinances.
  2. A high school diploma or equivalent and an additional two (2) years of continuing education, such as an associate degree (such education preferably should be in a field such as law enforcement, community planning and/or public administration) and a minimum of two (2) years responsible experience in administering and enforcing municipal zoning and/or subdivision and land development ordinances.
  3. A college or university bachelor’s degree in a field related to zoning (such education preferably should be in a field such as law enforcement, community planning and/or public administration) and a minimum of eight (8) months responsible experience in administering and enforcing municipal zoning and/or subdivision and land development ordinances.
• The person shall be familiar with constitutional issues concerning search and seizure and with the process of filing actions with the District Justice.
• The person shall exhibit an ability to thoroughly evaluate site and building plans.
• The person shall demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The person shall be familiar with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.
• Must be able to function independently, have personal integrity, flexibility and the ability to work effectively with employees and the general public.
• Ability to understand and interpret the Planning, Zoning, Storm Water, Flood Plain, Property Maintenance and other ordinances and use good judgement in the application of same to proposed development.
• Experience in operating computers applicable to general office operations such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Occasional evening hours are required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort usually involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 lbs.) Usually involves some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking or standing.
• Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential exposure to adverse environmental conditions (i.e. dirt, coal, rain, fumes).
• Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.

Zoning Enforcement Officer | Job Description