DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW: Department of Planning & Codes

 
The Department of Planning and Codes has three main functional areas: Comprehensive land use planning, code enforcement, and development review. The Department also handles a wide range of related tasks including support of the County’s Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Construction Trades Board, and Liquor Board.
 
The Department develops and updates the County’s Comprehensive Plan, the primary long-range land use planning tool. The Department ensures local development meets County and State regulations including Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Critical Area Ordinance, Floodplain Management, Stormwater Management, and Forest Conservation. Staff review proposed site plans for conformance and provide technical assistance to the Planning Commission and BZA in reviewing and approving plans, variances, and special use exceptions.
 
The Department issues a range of permits and licenses and conducts site inspections. Code enforcement personnel ensure compliance with the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Minimum Livability Code, Salvage Yard Licensing and Alcoholic Beverage Licensing. The Department is also responsible for the administration and management of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program, Rural Legacy Program, County-wide Addressing Program, Census Data Distribution and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
 
 

DEFINITION:

 
This is an entry-level professional position within the Department of Planning & Codes focused on customer service to the public at the service counter. The Permit Technician serves as the first point of contact for development services. The permit technician receives, reviews and tracks project documentation and applications for zoning certificates and building permits. The employee coordinates and tracks applications through the plan review process in order to ensure effective and efficient processing of applications and notifies applicants of project progress and status. Additionally, the employee provides customer service to the general public on zoning and other land use regulations, in person and over the telephone.
 
An employee in this position works for the Planning & Codes Department and receives supervision from the Assistant Director of Codes. Hours normally are scheduled to coincide with the County’s business operations. Work is typically performed with general supervision. The work environment is generally an office.

The position is considered non- exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
 
 

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:

This position is considered “support” and is not expected to report to work when County Offices are closed due to emergency operations and/or inclement weather.
 
 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated periodically in accordance with the County’s Personnel Rules and Regulations and guided by mutually-agreed upon work goals established by the employee and the employee’s supervisor. The normal probationary period for the position is 6 months; however, this may be extended.
 

CAREER PATH:

Employees in this position are eligible to apply for any position they are qualified for in County Government, notably in the Department of Planning and Codes.
 

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

The following examples are meant to be illustrative rather than comprehensive:
 

• Receives permit applications for site development and building construction, and reviews for completeness;
• Explains procedures, processes, and policies regarding plan review and issuance of permits to owners, contractors, developers, and design professionals seeking permits for land development, zoning, and building construction, modification, and renovation;
• Determines necessary and accurate information required for permit processing is included in the application packages to ensure applications are complete prior to acceptance;
• Advises applicants of deficiencies in their application package and the additional information that may be necessary to process the application;
• Reviews site plans to assure compliance with zoning requirements;
• Coordinates the distribution of project documents to appropriate departments or agencies and monitors application progress through the review and approval process;
• Inputs application information into permitting and plan review software and issues permits upon project approval;
• Computes and collects appropriate fees and ensures all outstanding fees due on the property are paid prior to issuing permits;
• Performs duties with a high level of customer service and provides general information to the public concerning land use regulations and building codes;
• Performs a variety of clerical duties including file maintenance, distribution of information, answering phones and directing calls to appropriate staff;
• Takes requests via telephone, internet, and in person for zoning inspections;
• Accepts and records complaints from the public concerning violations of the zoning and/or building codes; Performs other duties as assigned.

 

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:

Subject to special assignment as dictated by the needs of the Department.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and of Internet search software.  
• Basic ability to read and write with basic knowledge of grammar and spelling.
• Basic mathematical skills in order to calculate fees, work hours and sufficient math to complete reports.  
• Ability to operate general office machines such as a scanner, printer, or copier.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, public officials, and the public. Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule and coordinate work flow to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attire.  
• Maintain regular attendance.

 

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of purposes and policies, procedures and regulations of a County planning and zoning department
• Knowledge of Caroline County, Eastern Shore, or Maryland land use, zoning, and development review practices.  
• Knowledge of construction plans, and construction terminology

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Required to stand, walk, talk and hear.
2. Hear the normally spoken word at (12) feet; hearing may be enhanced with hearing aids.
3. Read, understand, and solve mathematical problems
4. Solve moderately difficult problems; write a concise statement of a problem and its recommended solution.
5. Must be able to see; may be enhanced by glasses or contact lenses.
6. Must be able to read regular size type.
7. Ability to operate a keyboard and mouse proficiently.
8. Required to have easy mobility from one office to another.
9. Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
10. Occasionally lift, pull, push, and carry 50 pounds.
11. Frequently lift, pull, push, and carry 10 pounds.
12. Required to sit for periods in excess of one (1) hour.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

 
A High School Diploma/GED
 

REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Driver’s License.

 

SALARY

$37,625.00 - $53,928.00 Annually

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Substance Abuse Test:  Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis test for designated controlled dangerous substances.
 
Criminal Background Check: Must pass a Criminal Background Check as defined in Chapter 1 of the Caroline County Personnel Rules and Regulations.

Essential Functions: Must be able to execute the "Essential Functions" listed in this Class Specification at the time of hire and while employed in this class series, unless a request for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act is received and granted.
 
Driving Record: May have no more than four (4) points on driving record at the time of hire and while employed in this class series.
 
Personnel Rules and Regulations: Must comply with the terms of the Caroline County Personnel Rules and Regulations, including the Substance Abuse Policy, while employed in this class series.
 
 

Supplemental Information

 
This recruitment is Open Until Filled with interviews starting after November 15, 2024.