Summary:

Under the general direction of the Building Official, the Zoning Official is responsible for overseeing compliance with all zoning applications, submittals, tracking, and approvals. This position provides support and advice to the Zoning Board and is also responsible for providing oversight and enforcement of zoning related violations, which includes issuing notices of violations, assessment of fines, and referrals to appropriate courts. Conducts inspections and technical work to ensure enforcement of and compliance with the town Zoning Ordinance and minimum housing standards. Assists the Building Official with building inspections and performs all other related work as required.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or 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 position.

▪ Accepts, processes and forwards zoning applications to the Zoning Board and serves as the Administrative Officer to the Board.

▪ Interprets the Zoning Ordinance as it applies to applications and permits.

▪ Reviews building permit applications and planning applications for conformance to zoning regulations. This includes in-person meetings and Technical Review Committee (TRC) meetings.

▪ Answer calls, emails and in-person inquiries about many issues including zoning, subdivisions, building inquiries, and others.

▪ Accepts and processes zoning relief applications, including assisting applicants to complete applications. Reviews applications for completion. Forwards applications to the Zoning Board through the recording secretary. Attends all zoning meetings as the Administrative Officer.

▪ Investigates complaints from the public regarding minimum housing or zoning violations. Processes notices of violations to property owners. Follows up on conformance and processes non-conforming owners to Housing Court through the Town Solicitor. Testifies in court proceedings.

▪ Performs building inspections in support of and in conjunction with the Building Official.

▪ Maintains department records, and prepares reports and correspondence as required.

▪ Places emphasis on safety, efficiency, quality, and productivity.  Errors could result in delays and loss of services, or damage to property, which could result in poor public relations and/or endanger public safety and could result in legal and/or financial repercussions.

▪ Timely and sensitive handling of department-related confidential information, such as lawsuits and criminal investigations.

▪ Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined by the Town of Lincoln, as well as the standards and requirements set forth for the Town and the position pursuant to local, state, and federal law.

▪ Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Training, Education, Experience):

• High School Diploma; Associate degree/Advanced Technical preferred

• 5 years’ construction experience, 2 years’ experience as Housing Inspector; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Must possess a current RI Building Inspector Certificate or required to obtain within nine (9) months from date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

Knowledge:

Extensive knowledge of zoning concepts and practices, Town Zoning Ordinances, and local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to zoning and land use development, building construction, and Rhode Island Property Maintenance Codes.

Skills & Abilities:

Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, plans, and prepare necessary diagrams. Enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially. Maintain complete and accurate inspection records to prepare reports. Partner with other departments and agencies to coordinate a synchronous approach to mitigating zoning code violations, property maintenance, health and safety and minimum housing standards violations. Utilize Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel in addition to other related software. Handle confidential material and information in an ethical and professional manner. Effectively communicate with, present information to, and respond to questions from Town officials and management, other government agencies, vendors, and the general public, explaining complex concepts to non-professionals and to resolve issues with diverse and often opposing groups. Maintains a professional attitude and exhibits proficient problem-solving skills. Organizing and prioritizing work, exercising independent judgment, wisdom, and common sense within established procedures guidelines and rules.

Work Environment

▪ Some work is performed under typical office conditions; a significant portion of the workday is in the field and outdoors, with exposure to various weather conditions and to the hazards associated with construction sites. Required to be on-call to respond to important situations. Noise is moderate to loud.

▪ Operates an automobile

▪ Responsible for operating standard office equipment

Physical Requirements

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

Minimal physical effort required to perform duties under typical office conditions. Frequent, moderate physical effort when making inspections in the field. Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; use fingers to handle or feel, climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must have an adequate sense of smell. Ability to view computer screens and objects. May move objects weighing up to 30 pounds, usually less. Must be able to communicate. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.