Zoning Administrator Job Description

A zoning adminitrator often holds public hearings.

According to American Planning Association, a zoning administrator is the local government official responsible for "administering and enforcing the zoning code and land development regulations, including the issuance of zoning permits and master permits." In the course of administering the zoning code, the zoning administrator frequently has to interpret provisions of the code as they apply to many specific situations. Zoning administrators often work in a city's or county's planning department.

Understanding Zoning

Zoning is defined as the classification and regulation of land and the physical characteristics of structures in specified zones. It determines what areas can accommodate specific uses and dictates the size, shape and sometimes design of buildings and structures upon the land. Zoning encompasses the quantitative side of urban planning. It often answers how much, how many, how big, where and when for uses and structures. A zoning administrator must be familiar with the ideas behind the zoning code--the planning, environmental and transportation studies that generally precede adoption of a zoning code--the code language, and the legal processes incorporated in the code.

Education

Because zoning administrators work in the general arena of urban planning, a college degree in urban planning, architecture or geography is often looked upon favorably. In large cities it is common to see zoning administrators with master's degrees in urban planning. In small towns only a high school diploma or GED is required along with coursework in plan drafting and blueprint reading.

Experience

Like education, experience requirements range from little to significant, depending on the jurisdiction. Five to 10 years of prior experience in the context of an urban planning environment is not uncommon in larger cities. Work experience in zoning law and/or land use law is also recognized as important.

Duties

In a small jurisdiction a zoning administrator might be the only staff position assigned to implement, interpret and enforce a zoning code. In larger cities this position directs and supervises a planning staff. In both cases, however, the zoning administrator is the person who renders decisions, such as deciding variance applications and interpreting sections of the zoning code, and issues enforcement citations. Decisions by the zoning administrator are generally appealable to an appointed or elected board and she defends her decisions in public hearings before the appellate body. A zoning administrator must be able to read architectural plans, understand the permit and building process, work amicably with other city agencies and the public, write reports and letters, hold public hearings and make public presentations.

Skills

Because of the range of duties, a zoning administrator must be a clear writer and public speaker, understand architectural plans and construction documents, be facile with word processing and geographic information systems, and understand basic tenants of land use law. If the zoning administrator is a supervisory position, she must also be experienced at training, directing, appraising performance and disciplining staff.

References

• American Planning Association: Model Unified Development Permit Review Process Ordinance
• Encyclopedia.com: Zoning Ordinances
• Michigan State University Extension: Sample Zoning Administrator Office Manual-Job Description
• City of Roanoke, VA: Zoning Administrator Job Description
• Zoning Administrator: Norwood Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan

Resources

• District of Columbia Consumer and Regulatory Affairs: Office of the Zoning Administrator