Assistant Zoning Administrator Planning and Zoning Department

Position Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally.

Under limited supervision, performs administrative and technical work in support of the activities for the city of West Columbia, providing customer assistance and zoning support activities involving daily interactions with residents, contractors, attorneys, realtors, architects, developers, and others. This position also processes permit requests and building plans to ensure compliance with the City of West Columbia Zoning Ordinance.

Reports to the Planning and Zoning Director.

• Advising customers, contractors, developers, and City staff on the permitting process, zoning-related inquiries, code regulations, and Zoning Ordinance policies.
• Responds to inquiries and requests from the general public and business community through friendly, professional customer service skills, ascertaining the needs of the customer and providing appropriate assistance and information, e.g., permitting, zoning, land development code, architectural review, and covenants and restrictions.
• Reviews and processes the business license certificate for zoning compliance.
• Assists in reviewing and preparing planning documents, including preliminary plats, final plats, redevelopment and revitalization plans, regional plans, and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Conducts onsite visits to confirm compliance with approved plans and the Zoning Ordinance, as necessary.
• Reviews, processes, calculates and approves/denies sign permits and residential building permit applications for compliance with the land development code, zoning, landscaping and architectural regulations and applicable city, state and federal codes and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews electronic building plans, alterations to residential and commercial properties, and permits to ensure compliance with regulations and the City Zoning Ordinance.
• Schedules meetings with customers. Provides counseling and interpretation to the general public, e.g., rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares and compiles permit applications or associated tasks for City Staff or Committees. Conducts and participates in Committee meetings.
• Researches Zoning Maps, Plat Maps and agreements, Covenants and Restrictions, the Land Development Code for permit application review.
• Processes zoning permit requests (Fence, Accessory Structures, Business License, Home Occupation, and Signs).
• Assists in the development and publication of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission agendas.
• Researches zoning issues and assists in preparing staff reports for Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
• Attends Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
• When requested, staffs the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission meetings.
• Generates and mails various memos, notices, and other relevant materials to customers; prepares and mails letters in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists customers with viewing zoning documents and testing new software systems to support development.
• Communicates with other departments and the general public for the dissemination of information.
• Updates Business License, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals decision maps.

Requires an Associate’s degree in Urban Planning, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field with three (3) years’ experience in plan review, zoning administration, building permit review, surveying, or related area; three (3) years’ experience dealing with plats, building plans, site development plans and/or applications for public hearings; some experience explaining building, zoning, or other ordinances to members of the public; some experience sharing information and providing service to the public;

some experience presenting staff reports to a public board, committee or council; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must possess a valid SC driver’s license. Must obtain American Institute of Certified Planners certification within two (2) years of appointment.

Salary…