This is highly responsible advanced legal work serving as staff attorney for the Planning and Zoning Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for serving as legal counsel to the Planning and Zoning Department, preparation of legal opinions pertaining to departmental concerns, and preparation, legal review and certification of departmental documents pertaining to building and zoning matters. Responsibilities include interpreting the zoning code, resolutions and ordinances dealing with zoning and other land use issues; preparing and reviewing resolutions, development orders, ordinances, covenants and agreements, and changes to the zoning code; attending meetings of the Zoning Appeals Board and zoning hearings before the Board of County Commissioners; and serving as departmental liaison to the County Attorney's Office. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in efforts designed to facilitate effective enforcement activities while avoiding expensive litigation. General direction is received from the Department Director who evaluates work for effective legal assistance with departmental affairs.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Prepares and distributes resolutions adopted by the Zoning Appeals Board.

Attends County Commission zoning hearings and prepares and distributes all resolutions and development orders adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

Prepares and distributes all development orders pertaining to developments of a regional or Countywide impact.

Renders legal opinions to departmental employees and others pertaining to building and zoning codes and resolutions, and the applicability of Florida Statutes to departmental matters.

Prepares and certifies the record on all lawsuits pertaining to zoning actions.

Prepares, reviews and approves departmental documents to be recorded and documents submitted by the public in connection with permits, public hearings and other matters.

Reviews, approves and releases documents filed in the public records pertaining to zoning matters.

Reviews and approves documents relative to the use of Severable Use Rights and claims for grandfather rights.

Certifies as to authenticity of documents on file in the department.

Prepares lake excavation bonds and releases upon completion of work.

Reviews and approves covenants and agreements proffered in connection with public hearings.

Serves on the Zoning Code Review Committee pertaining to zoning code amendments.

Reviews and certifies, for recording in the public records, all notices, liens, and releases pertaining to Unsafe Structures, Minimum Housing infractions and general code violations.

Approves for payment all bills concerning legal advertisements and public hearing transcripts.

Represents the department as legal liaison with the County Attorney's Office; coordinates requests for legal opinions.

Assists in the preparation of enforcement cases.

Drafts changes to the zoning code.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of legal theory, principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of real estate and land use law.

Thorough knowledge of the zoning code of Miami-Dade County.

Thorough knowledge of legal documents used and required within the Planning and Zoning Department.

Thorough knowledge of current court decisions which have a potential impact upon departmental operations.

Ability to provide effective legal assistance to the Department Director in the capacity of a staff attorney.

Ability to apply legal theory, principles and practices to the legal affairs of the Planning and Zoning Department.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in legal matters to avoid expensive litigation and enhance effectiveness of departmental enforcement activities.

Ability to interpret and apply provisions of the Miami-Dade County zoning code.

Ability to keep abreast of current legal developments potentially impacting departmental operations.

Ability to render proper legal interpretations of codes and resolutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possess of a Juris Doctor or LL.B. Three years of progressively responsible professional legal experience in real estate and land use law are required. Must be a member of the Florida Bar Association.

REV 8/00