Land Use Specialist​/Zoning Enforcement Officer

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical land‑use zoning administration and enforcement duties, primarily in support of the Town Planner and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
• Assists the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and serves as the Department supervisor in the absence of the Town Planner.
• Enforces compliance with the Zoning Regulations and other land‑use regulations; responds to and investigates potential zoning violations; responds to citizens’ inquiries about land‑use matters, applications, and zoning requirements; serves as the primary staff member for the Zoning Board of Appeals, including attending all meetings and making standard decisions related to the Planning and Zoning office functions.
• Investigates zoning‑violation complaints, responds per approved procedures and municipal and state law; explains violations and requirements to ensure compliance; reviews applications and plans for zoning compliance; reports enforcement matters to the Planning and Zoning Commission; enforces related regulations such as Subdivision Regulations, Aquifer Protection Regulations, and others as instructed by the Town Planner; determines existing approved/permitted uses; attends legal hearings and testifies in court as required;
  
  assists the Building Official with zoning regulation interpretation.
• Responds to public inquiries about zoning matters.
• Provides interpretations and explanations of zoning regulations; supplies relevant information to the public; produces copies, issues receipts; assists applicants with applications and navigation of appropriate land‑use boards; directs and assists with land‑use applications—including Accessory Apartments, Changes of Use, Sign Permits, Liquor Permits, Variances, and Special Exceptions; collaborates with other town departments, state agencies, and entities; signs off on sign permits, state liquor permits, Variances/Special Exceptions, day‑care permits, changes of use, and other applications as the primary staff contact/administrator or as directed by the Town Planner.
• Provides direct staff support to the Zoning Board of Appeals; reviews Variance and Special Exception applications, offers commentary, recommendations, and input; attends Zoning Board of Appeals meetings; prepares legal notices, agendas, and other legal documents required for ZBA meetings.