Part-time Assistant Zoning Official

Assistant Zoning Official - Part-Time Position Summary The Town of Narragansett is seeking a qualified, detail-oriented individual to serve as a Part-Time Assistant Zoning Official. Under the direction of the Zoning Official, the Assistant Zoning Official performs a variety of technical, administrative, field, and customer-service duties related to the administration and enforcement of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, Rhode Island General Laws, and applicable land-use regulations. The position is intended to provide assistance with the daily operation of the Zoning Office, including zoning inquiries, permit and application review, property research, inspections, records management, and communication with property owners, contractors, design professionals, attorneys, applicants, and members of the public. The Assistant Zoning Official may perform routine zoning reviews and inspections within established procedures and under the direction of the Zoning Official. Final zoning determinations, enforcement actions, appeals, and other matters reserved by law or ordinance to the Zoning Official shall remain the responsibility of the Zoning Official. Essential Responsibilities Zoning Administration

• Assist the Zoning Official in administering and enforcing the Town of Narragansett Zoning Ordinance and applicable provisions of Rhode Island General Laws.
• Review zoning permit applications, building permit referrals, site plans, surveys, plot plans, dimensional information, and other documents for compliance with applicable zoning requirements.
• Review proposed development for compliance with dimensional requirements, including, as applicable:
• Lot area
• Lot width
• Setbacks
• Building height
• Lot coverage
• Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.)
• Building and structure placement
• Parking and loading
• Accessory structures
• Accessory uses
• Landscaping and screening requirements
• Other applicable zoning standards
• Assist with determining zoning district, permitted uses, dimensional requirements, and applicable zoning regulations for individual properties.
• Research property zoning history, prior approvals, variances, special-use permits, zoning determinations, certificates, and related records.
• Assist in reviewing proposed changes in use, additions, alterations, accessory structures, signs, home occupations, and other zoning-related activities.
• Identify zoning issues or deficiencies and bring them to the attention of the Zoning Official.

Permit and Application Review

• Assist in reviewing applications for zoning permits, zoning certificates, dimensional variances, special-use permits, administrative approvals, and other land-use applications.
• Review plans and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance with applicable zoning requirements.
• Communicate with applicants and design professionals regarding missing information, required revisions, and zoning requirements.
• Coordinate with the Building Official, Planning Department, Engineering Department, Public Works, Fire Department, and other Town departments as necessary.
• Assist with the preparation of zoning review comments and written correspondence.

Field Inspections and Enforcement Support

• Conduct field inspections at the direction of the Zoning Official to verify compliance with approved plans, permits, zoning approvals, and applicable regulations.
• Document existing conditions through photographs, measurements, field notes, and other appropriate means.
• Research and document potential violations for review by the Zoning Official.
• Assist with follow-up inspections and monitoring of properties subject to zoning approvals or corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate inspection and enforcement records.
• Prepare factual inspection reports and documentation for use by the Zoning Official.
• Assist with monitoring conditions imposed through zoning approvals.

Public Assistance

• Respond professionally to routine zoning questions from property owners, applicants, contractors, attorneys, engineers, architects, surveyors, real estate professionals, and members of the public.
• Explain zoning requirements and application procedures in a clear and professional manner.
• Assist members of the public in locating zoning maps, ordinances, applications, property records, and other publicly available information.
• Refer complex, disputed, or legally sensitive matters to the Zoning Official.

Research and Records

• Conduct research using the Town’s zoning maps, GIS, property records, prior zoning decisions, recorded plans, ordinances, and other municipal records.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper zoning files.
• Assist with updating zoning databases, tracking applications, inspections, violations, and zoning decisions.
• Assist with maintaining records of zoning permits, certificates, approvals, variances, special-use permits, and other land-use actions.
• Assist with scanning, indexing, and organizing historical zoning records.

Zoning Board and Planning Support

• Assist the Zoning Official with preparation of materials for the Zoning Board of Review and Planning Board when requested.
• Assist with application tracking, notices, plans, staff reports, exhibits, and other administrative materials.
• Assist with documenting conditions of approval and monitoring compliance with approved applications.

Other Duties

• Assist with updating zoning forms, informational materials, and administrative procedures.
• Stay current with amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, Rhode Island General Laws, and other applicable land-use regulations.
• Attend training programs, seminars, and continuing education as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Zoning Official or other authorized Town official.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should possess:

• Knowledge of municipal zoning principles and land-use regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret zoning ordinances, regulations, surveys, site plans, architectural plans, and other technical documents.
• Ability to understand and apply dimensional zoning requirements.
• Ability to conduct property research and interpret maps, deeds, plans, and municipal records.
• Ability to perform field inspections and accurately document existing conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public, applicants, contractors, attorneys, engineers, architects, surveyors, and municipal personnel.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and recognize when a matter requires review or direction from the Zoning Official.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality where required.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a municipal department.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Ability to learn and utilize municipal permitting, GIS, property-record, and document-management systems.

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, training, and experience substantially equivalent to the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in zoning, land use, building inspection, planning, permitting, surveying, construction, municipal government, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical plans, surveys, maps, and zoning regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to properties throughout the Town as required.

Preferred Qualifications Preference may be given to candidates possessing one or more of the following:

• Previous experience working in a municipal zoning, planning, or building office.
• Experience interpreting and applying Rhode Island zoning and land-use statutes.
• Experience with the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act.
• Knowledge of the Town of Narragansett Zoning Ordinance.
• Experience reviewing surveys, site plans, architectural plans, and construction documents.
• Experience with GIS or municipal property mapping systems.
• Experience with permitting or land-use software.
• Certification or training in zoning, planning, building inspection, or a related field.
• Experience conducting property or zoning research.
• Familiarity with Rhode Island municipal government procedures.

Position Authority and Limitations The Assistant Zoning Official works under the direction and supervision of the Zoning Official. The Assistant Zoning Official may perform routine administrative, technical, research, and inspection duties delegated by the Zoning Official. The position is not intended to independently exercise authority reserved by Rhode Island General Law, the Town Charter, the Town Code, or the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to the Zoning Official or another municipal official. Matters involving formal zoning determinations, notices of violation, enforcement orders, contested interpretations, appeals, variances, special-use permits, or other legally significant decisions shall be referred to the Zoning Official unless specific authority has been delegated in accordance with applicable law and Town policy. Working Conditions

• Part-time municipal position.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field.
• Field work may involve walking construction sites, undeveloped properties, uneven terrain, and outdoor conditions.
• May require occasional evening work to attend public hearings, meetings, or other Town functions.
• May require interaction with individuals who are dissatisfied with zoning requirements or enforcement activities.
• Must maintain professionalism, impartiality, and confidentiality in all interactions.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Conduct field inspections and walk properties as required.
• Read plans, maps, documents, and computer screens.
• Take measurements and photographs during field inspections.
• Occasionally lift or carry files, plans, records, or equipment.

Compensation and Schedule Employment Status: Part-Time Hours: 20 hours per week. There is some flexibility on what days the 20 hours would be scheduled on; however, they would need to be the same days week to week. The position would include a combination of regular office hours, with occasional field inspections when needed. Compensation: Would be between $20 an hour to $28.80 an hour based upon qualifications, experience. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, or abilities required. Duties may be modified or assigned as necessary to meet the operational needs of the Town.

Special Requirements Please send resume to Human Resources Manager Patty Roosa at proosa@narragansettri.gov or mail/drop off at 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882