Purpose
This position is responsible for examining drawings to ensure compliance with the City's zoning ordinance requirements and development standards, performing field inspections, and enforcing the City Code. This includes reviewing building permits to assess the development impact fee. This position also provides technical assistance on the Zoning Ordinance to review boards and the public, including participation in Site Plan Review and Building Plan Review meetings.
Essential Job Functions
- Review site plans to determine compliance with City Zoning ordinance requirements and development standards.
- Enforces City Code related to land use, development standards, building, life safety, fire safety issues, and Federal and State regulations when issuing permits.
- Answers questions from the public about the site plan review process, permitting processes, variance process, and ordinance.
- Provides land use and development standards code interpretations to architects, engineers, contractors, citizens, and other city departments.
- Prepares zoning confirmation letters and zoning information requests.
- Assesses, invoices, and coordinates the collection of the development impact fees when reviewing building permits. Supports the Planning Manager by preparing individual assessments as provided in the Development Impact Fee Ordinance.
- Attends meetings about upcoming developments with engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and developers.
- Serves as City representative for the Board of Zoning Appeals, Site Plan Review meetings, and Building Plan Review meetings.
- Coordinates with other City departments to address issues related to land use and development standards, building, life safety, and fire safety code compliance.
- Reviews variance applications for accuracy and completeness prior to acceptance for review.
- Compiles a list of all site plans reviewed for the month for the month-end report.
- Conducts field inspections as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in city planning, engineering, or architecture; with two years of experience in examining building or construction plans; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Requires Certification by the International Code Council in Zoning and Building Plans Examiner or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post-offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Additional Information
- Knowledge of the Zoning Ordinance.
- Knowledge of the International Building Code Council to include International Residential Code and International Building Code.
- Knowledge of the City of Savannah Preservation Ordinances.
- Knowledge of the City of Savannah Site Plan Review process and requirements.
- Knowledge of the City of Savannah Subdivision process requirements.
- Knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and practices and ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
- Knowledge of the City’s Development Impact Fee Ordinance and Georgia Development Impact Fee Act.
- Knowledge of accounting principles [JA1] and practices to support the implementation of the Impact Fee Ordinance.
- Knowledge of the tools and techniques used in plan review and inspections.
- Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
- Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
- Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
- Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
Minimum Standards- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Director of Planning and Urban Design assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
- GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the City of Savannah zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, sign ordinance, noise ordinance, Georgia's Construction Codes Program, Georgia Minimum Fire Safety Standards, Georgia Accessibility Standards, , and City code. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
- COMPLEXITY: The work consists of interpretation of the City Code and plan examination duties. Strict regulations and time constraints contribute to the complexity of the position.
- SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to examine construction plans for code and City ordinance compliance and convey information to the public. Successful performance in this position results in code-compliant businesses in the City of Savannah and contributes to the safety of Savannah businesses, residents, and visitors.
- PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, attorneys, Metropolitan Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Preservation Boards, and members of the general public.
- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, and justify decisions.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color.
- WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, machinery with moving parts, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
- SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.
