CITY OF MONTPELIER, VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POSITION: ZONING AND BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR NATURE OF POSITION

This is a professional position with responsibility for assuring compliance with the Montpelier Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, as provided in 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 and related provisions, and the Montpelier Building Code. The position involves considerable interaction with the public, as well as research, analysis, and review of building code, zoning, subdivision, sign, and design review applications; preparation of findings and decisions; data entry, inspection of properties; enforcement of the regulations; and providing information to individuals, Boards, departments, and others. Though appointed by the City Manager, the Administrator is under the direct supervision of the Director of Planning & Community Development in a supportive, team environment. The Administrator will work closely with the Director and the Planning and Zoning Assistant in the coordination and review of applications. The City established a Development Review Board in 2001 to assume the development review duties that had been shared between the then-Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This coincided with the adoption of major revisions to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. A Design Review Committee, established in the 1970s, advises the DRB on matters pertaining to development in the Design Control District. The Administrator provides direct support to these boards as it relates to the development review process. The City adopted the Montpelier Building and Fire Safety Code in 2007, and will be reviewing it and updating it over the next two years. The City enforces the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code under contract with the Vermont Division of Fire Safety. This position will work with the Assistant Building Inspector as needed. This may require filling in for the Assistant Building Inspector at meetings of the Building and Fire Code update committee. In an effort to provide a high level of service to applicants, the Administrator is expected to be knowledgeable about the local development review process, including familiarity with the regulatory and review procedures of other City departments that may be involved. The Administrator will be responsible for coordinating inter-departmental review of applications, such as through regular meetings of the Technical Review Committee and providing estimates of total expected fees. Efforts are under way to create a one stop shop environment, which the Administrator will be integral in helping to define and implement. The decisions and actions of the Administrator significantly affect the quality of Montpeliers built and natural environment; the publics health and welfare; and the publics perception of zoning, the permit process, building code enforcement, and planning. The decisions and actions of the Administrator can also have substantial economic impacts, particularly in matters of enforcement, which places a heavy responsibility on the employee for maintaining public confidence and integrity of city government.

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The Administrator must be comfortable working with and on behalf of the public and be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people on sensitive or controversial issues. The Administrator must be able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing. The Administrator will also be responsible for addressing planning issues such as zoning amendments, and must be able to draft the language required and work with the public and city boards on this process. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Consistent application and enforcement of all rules and regulations pertaining to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. This requires a full knowledge and understanding of the Montpelier Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, including knowledge of pertinent State Statutes such as Title 24 and practices that influence zoning. Consistent application and enforcement of all rules and regulations pertaining to the Montpelier Building and Fire Code and the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code. This requires obtaining and maintaining Certified Fire Inspector 1 (CFI-1) certification from the NFPA. Enforcement of the building and fire codes; requires field work at construction sites including the climbing of ladders, and inspection of existing buildings for code compliance Meet with applicants and prospective applicants, either independently or as part of a staff team, to discuss the details of their proposals, and provide guidance as warranted with respect to a projects conformance with the Citys development standards. Collaborate with other staff and departments as warranted in the review of development proposals. Issue permits within the statutorily prescribed time of an application for proposed uses or structures or changes in use if such use or structure is in strict conformity with the local ordinance. Oversee the intake process, the issuance of certificates of compliance, the fee collection and the statutory posting and notice requirements in cooperation with the Planning and Zoning Assistant. Conduct or oversee the conduction of inspections of buildings and uses of land or structures to determine compliance with the terms of the building code and zoning regulations and any representations of previously issued zoning and building permits. Oversee the maintenance of the database of zoning and building permit activity and preparation of periodic reports.

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Issue notices of violation and orders of compliance and institute appropriate proceedings for enforcement of the provisions of the zoning ordinance and/or building code where a violation persists. At the appropriate time, institute legal proceedings through the City Manager and City Attorney's Office. Provide staff support to the Development Review Board and the Design Review Committee and to the in-house Technical Review Committee. Work with the Planning and Zoning Assistant to prepare agendas and materials for the DRB and DRC as well as necessary documentation of their decisions. Maintain records of development in the flood plain and other information necessary to maintain our Community Rating System (CRS) flood hazard mitigation certification. Serve as a liaison with the FEMA staff and process for any changes in the maps and regulations required for compliance. Investigate citizen complaints to determine if violations exist; maintain appropriate records of such investigations; and follow-up as necessary to ensure compliance. Participate in training opportunities to refresh existing knowledge and remain abreast of new regulations, statutory changes, and case law that effect the interpretation, administration, and enforcement of the development review process. Respond to requests for information from any member of the public on Montpeliers development review process and provide information that is readily available in files in accordance with State law and department policies. Work with the Department staff, DRB, DRC, and Planning Commission on initiatives that result in amendments to the Montpelier Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, floodplain regulations, Master Plan, and other planning documents.

OTHER DEPARTMENTAL DUTIES Participate in staff meetings and other departmental functions to coordinate activities and ensure the smooth, efficient, and effective operation of the department. Maintain lines of communication among and collaborate with other departments and staff. Though the Administrator position has statutorily-defined duties, the Administrator also functions as part of a departmental team and as a part of a broader local government entity.

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Assist in planning activities, such as in providing permit activity data and analyses; assisting in the bylaw revision process; providing feedback on recommended bylaw amendments; or other activities. Assist in sharing departmental duties, as warranted and under the direction of the Director, in the absence of other staff members for an extended period of time. Assist in developing application forms, instructions, and other materials, including Internet and Web-based approaches, to assist applicants or citizens seeking information concerning Montpeliers development review process. Assist the support staff in maintaining appropriate records and files and assuming clerical duties as necessary in order to meet obligations. Participate in annual budgeting and report preparation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS A degree in land use planning or related field and/or demonstrated experience in land use- related issues. Thorough knowledge of the Montpelier Zoning and Subdivision Regulations and 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117. Familiarity with the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), and the Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1). Ability to obtain and maintain Certified Fire Inspector 1 (CFI-1) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Ability and willingness to learn and apply oneself to the job of Administrator. Excellent oral and written communication skills. The Administrators duties rely upon the clear exchange of information and communicating decisions and outcomes in clear language. These decisions have legal implications that affect the lives and well-being of both the applicants and the public at large. Ability to initiate and perform extremely detailed work with little supervision. Ability to organize, prioritize, to maintain multiple tasks and deadlines and to have excellent time management skills.

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Proficiency with computers, including word processing, data base management, the Internet, and other technologies, as well as an aptitude to learn new applications in order to accomplish various tasks. The department currently uses the Access, Excel, WordPerfect, Word, ArcView, and GroupWise. Ability to interact with the public with courtesy, tact, objectiveness, fairness, and compassion. Ability to read plans and drawings and to use ArcView for maps. Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings. A valid drivers license. A good sense of humor is highly desirable.

OTHER

The Administrator is a professional position that pays between $48 52,000 depending on experience and qualifications. The City of Montpelier offers an excellent benefits package which includes health and dental care, leave policies, and more. Detailed information may be obtained from the Director of Planning and Community Development, but some examples are: Contributions toward medical and dental insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, and long term care insurance. Paid vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays. Municipal pension plan. Deferred income 457 plan.

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