Listing Summary

General Description and Classification Standards

This position has the responsibility of conducting on-site inspections all over the City for compliance to the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance and other related codes. Staff employed in this position must also conduct joint inspections with other City of Atlanta agencies for quality of life issues. This position also has the responsibility of assisting with reviewing and approving plans for the issuance of sign permits; reviewing and conducting complex research for the documentation of legal non-conforming uses as well as for the approval of City of Atlanta Business Licenses, Special Police Licenses, State of Georgia Licenses and other permit and licenses as required. This position must represent the City at public meetings and functions as required and must issue correction notices for violations of the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance and issue court citations for violators for Municipal Court proceedings. Staff employed in this position must assist with report writing, writing letters and responses to inquiries made by the general public as well as prepare responses for the Chief for inquiries from City Council and the Mayors office.

Supervision Received

Works under very general supervision. May work independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. Enforces zoning ordinance for the City of Atlanta; verifies non-conforming units, structures, uses, parking, etc. by researching from a number of sources. Prepares court briefs, issues correction notices. Provides customer service through telephone calls and office visits from constituents. Inspects, evaluates, and renders decisions of compliance to established zoning ordinances. Review and approve sign permits in accordance with the zoning ordinances. Investigates, responds and resolves citizens complaints involving potential or possible zoning violations. Issue violation citations and enforces adherence to zoning ordinances and regulations. Verifies correction of violation. Performs photo research to gather information on correct legal description, owner of record and prior violation history and status of violation. Reviews plot information on maps. Prepares reports of investigations to include processing of violation letters. Maintains and submits accurate and up-to-date records of inspection activities.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies. Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. Leadership Provided May provide guidance and training as required to lower level, interns, temporary employees, etc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list. Knowledge of: zoning regulations and other applicable laws, rules and ordinances; methods of land descriptions; preparation and processing of permit applications; legal codes, court procedures, precedents, executive orders, agency rules and the democratic political process; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction); principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships and distribution of plant, animal and human life. Skill in: safe, efficient use of measuring and inspection aids and tools utilized in performance of zoning inspections; utilizing personal computers and associated applications to include but not limited to word processing, electronic spreadsheets and permit system database applications; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Ability to: interpret technical information encountered in the performance of duties; conduct inspections and investigations of zoning violations and prepare detailed and accurate records for use in legal procedures; work independently; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, the general public, departments and agencies and deal tactfully and diplomatically in adverse situations; make accurate and detailed observations; secure facts, document information, evaluate data and draw valid conclusions; efficiently organize workload and schedule; translate complex requirements into appropriate layman terms; maintain accurate, up-to-date records; follow written and verbal instructions; understand deed records and identify property by property identification numbers.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, construction management, planning or appropriate related field. 2 years of related experience (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis).

Preferred Education & Experience

Bachelors degree in real estate, construction management, planning or appropriate related field and two to three years as a zoning inspector (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis). ICC Certified Zoning Inspector

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position. Required:  Valid Georgia drivers license