This is advanced professional zoning evaluation work for the Miami-Dade Department of Planning and Zoning.

Employees in this class are responsible for performing site plan reviews; preparing written recommendations on requests for zoning changes and modifications to Dade County Zoning regulations; and serving as departmental representative on various zoning review committees. Responsibilities include field inspections of properties in question; analyzing and interpreting land use regulations; reviewing zoning histories; coordinating work with other County operations involved in the zoning process; interacting with the public; and serving as a representative on interdepartmental review committees for large-scale and shoreline-related developments. Incumbents exercise independent judgment in the development of effective zoning recommendations and in representing the department in various committees and to the public. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work through personal conferences and written reports for satisfactory completion of assigned responsibilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Prepares written recommendations for the Zoning Appeals Board and the Board of County Commissioners addressing the feasibility of public hearing applications for rezoning requests and variances from the Miami-Dade County zoning code.

Conducts field inspections of each property; reviews zoning history; and evaluates specific details of application in terms of site plan acceptability and consistency with County development policies.

Evaluates requests for administrative variances and develops memoranda or recommended actions.

Coordinates zoning evaluation activities with other County operations involved in the zoning process.

Explains zoning regulations and answers inquiries from the public, developers and attorneys.

Conducts negotiations with the public and their representatives to achieve acceptable site plan zoning proposals.

Serves as departmental representative on the Developmental Impact Committee and Shoreline Review Committee to assist in the review of large-scale and shoreline-related developments.

Serves as a member of the Zoning Review Sub-Committee and assists in updating and revising the zoning code pursuant to changing trends.

Represents the department at Zoning Appeals Board meetings; responds to technical questions and clarifies issues raised by board members and applicants.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of codes, land use regulations, laws, and ordinances pertaining to property usage.

Considerable knowledge of research techniques and sources and availability of current information.

Considerable knowledge of departmental policies, rules, and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Knowledge of construction plans, blueprints, and specifications.

Knowledge of legal descriptions, property deeds, and abstracts.

Knowledge of parliamentary procedures pertaining to zoning hearings.

Ability to analyze pertinent codes, laws, ordinances, and land use regulations and determine relevancy to current zoning-related proposals.

Ability to research and interpret zoning-related actions of an area and make recommendations for zoning proposals.

Ability to present justifications for zoning recommendations in a concise, comprehensive written format.

Ability to review site plans, determine their functional effectiveness and compatibility with surrounding uses, and recommmend site plan modifications.

Ability to negotiate with the public, developers, and attorneys to achieve site plan/zoning proposals.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

Ability to assist in the conduct of zoning hearing.

REV 1/99