Job Details

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under the direction and supervision of the Michigamme Township Supervisor and the direction of the Michigamme Township Planning Commission, as authorized by the Michigamme Township Board, the Zoning Administrator interprets, administers and enforces the Michigamme Township Zoning Ordinance, as written, without authority to deviate from said Ordinance. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Zoning Administration 

1. 1. Maintain thorough familiarity with the Michigamme Township Zoning Ordinance and appropriate forms.
   2. Administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance
   3. Accept and review zoning permit applications and determine compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and completeness of the applications.
   4. Issue the appropriate land use permit when all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance are in compliance and maintains a complete file of permits issued. Notify applicant, in writing, if the proposed use is not in compliance with ordinance standards and assist with an appropriate alternative procedure, appeals or any other administrative remedies necessary to attain compliance.
   5. Perform inspection duties to ensure land use changes comply with the Zoning Ordinance. The use of check lists and instruction sheets is encouraged.
   6. Identify, inventory, and monitor nonconforming uses.
   7. Attend Planning Commission meetings to report on zoning issues and advise on issues related to zoning administration.
   8. Conduct technical reviews, site inspections, and makes staff reports to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on specific project proposals such as, but not limited to, special use permit applications, conditional use permit applications, zoning amendments, variances and appeals.
   9. Conduct effective written communication with permit applicants, related governmental agencies and other offices, as necessary.
   10. Adhere to Michigamme Township's guide to development timelines. 

Zoning Enforcement 

1. Investigate alleged violations of the Ordinance and advises landowners/applicants of necessary corrective measures. Retain an inventory of said violations including dated photographs and/or other evidence.
2. Present case facts and explain decisions of the Zoning Administrator's office before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
3. Attend meetings and follow the directives of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
4. Develop recommendations regarding zoning amendments, zoning permit fee structures, zoning forms: and may propose solutions to any problem encountered in administering the Zoning Ordinance.
5. Coordinate the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance with the enforcement of other related land use statutes and codes by active cooperation with other appropriate agencies.
6. Testify, as necessary, at public and judicial hearings. 

Office Administration 

1. Submit one copy of approved zoning permit applications and site plan to the tax assessor in a timely manner.
2. Administer and follow procedures and policies established for the office.
3. Distribute the most current Zoning Ordinance to Planning Commissioners, Zoning Board of Appeals members and make available to the public.
4. Keep the zoning map, text, and office records up-to-date and make copies of the Zoning Ordinance available to the public.
5. Prepare and/or work with the appropriate staff to prepare, publish, post, send and/or deliver public notices for meetings and hearings.
6. Provide a written annual report which includes permits issued/denied, appeals, request for amendments, request for variances, and other pertinent zoning administration information.
7. Attend Township Board meetings. 

Public Assistance and Personal Development 

1. Work and communicate with elected and appointed officials, and the public, with appropriate etiquette and diplomacy.
2. Assist the general public, applicants, developers, and their representatives with zoning inquiries, proposals, and applications. Direct the individual(s) to the proper agency/agencies for other needed permits.
3. Attend professional schools, seminars and/or conferences at least twice a year to stay up to date on laws, zoning trends, and other information pertinent to zoning administrations.
4. Must be accessible to the public at the Township Office. 

Planning Duties 

1. Participate in the Planning Commission process of developing Zoning Ordinance change proposals.
2. Research statutes and statute changes for inconsistencies with the Michigamme Township Zoning Ordinance or with potential Ordinance changes being considered by the Planning Commission. 

3. Perform research, draft language, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission as requested pertaining to specific intended amendments to the Zoning Ordinance initiated from the Master Plan or from other inspiration.
4. Assist in annual updating of the Township's Master Plan.

Other 

1. Perform other duties as may be specified by the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Accept other responsibilities as may be directed by the Township Board.