Deputy Zoning Administrator

Are you a seasoned zoning professional with a passion for shaping communities and an interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, and collaboration?

If you answered “yes,” then the City of Hampton has an exciting opportunity for you!

The City of Hampton is seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Zoning Administrator to join our Community Development team. In this role, you will work under the direct supervision of the Zoning Administrator, playing a pivotal role in the day-to-day administration of zoning functions. You will manage zoning determinations, appeals, and development reviews, while also providing critical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position requires frequent collaboration with the Zoning Administrator, City Attorney’s Office, and various City departments to ensure the City's zoning ordinance remains legally current and aligned with policy.

As a key member of the Community Development Department, you will collaborate with the Development Services Center and Planning & Zoning Administration divisions to ensure timely and accurate service delivery. The position involves independent judgment, problem-solving, and strong communication skills, as well as the ability to manage high levels of stress in a dynamic work environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public or Governmental Administration or a related field of study. 
• A minimum of five (5) years working in a municipal government environment with planning/zoning experience. At least three (3) years’ experience of the five (5) must be as a practitioner in development review, drafting ordinance amendments, and interpreting ordinances. 
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or certification as a Zoning Official by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) is preferred. 
• Any acceptable combination of experience and education which qualifies the applicant for this particular position may be considered for the more specific requirements outlined above.
• Requires thorough knowledge of zoning laws and related ordinances; knowledge of legal procedures as they relate to the enforcement and administration of the Zoning Ordinance and related ordinances. 
• Requires skill in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings, construction documents and specifications, site plans, property plats, property deeds, easement agreements and environmental studies and reports. 
• Requires good proficiency in the operation of a personal computer and applicable software; familiarity with one or more specialized automated systems used in regulation of land use, development and code enforcement. 
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain exceptional customer service delivery while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in a timely manner; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relations with co-workers and a variety of internal and external customers; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups; ability to prepare written correspondence and reports of a complex nature; ability to explain and interpret complex policies, standards and regulations; ability to investigate and respond to complaints; ability to make decisions and determinations which require a high level of initiative and independent judgment.  
• A criminal background check and acceptable driving record based on the City of Hampton’s driving criteria is required prior to any official offer of employment or promotion.

Additional Requirements

• Requires the ability to function as a team member and work cooperatively and collaboratively to meet deadlines and effectively manage moderate to high levels of stress. 
• Requires frequent travel throughout the City and extensive contact with other City departments and related outside agencies, local, state, and federal officials and the public. 
• Considered essential personnel in some City emergency situations. 
• This is an exempt position. 

• Provides day-to-day oversight and management of the Zoning Officials assigned to the Planning and Zoning Administration Division as well as ensures support for the Development Services Center functions.

 

• Supervises, coaches and mentors Zoning Officials by providing leadership, guidance and clearly communicating performance expectations and provides focused, constructive and timely performance feedback.

 

• Works collaboratively with the Development Services Center Project Coordinators to ensure efficient and effective zoning support for the delivery of exceptional service.

 

• Works collaboratively with the Property Maintenance and Zoning Enforcement Division Manager to ensure accurate, consistent and timely enforcement of the City's zoning ordinance.

 

• Works collaboratively with the other members of the Community Development Department to ensure accurate, consistent and timely administration and enforcement of environmental regulations (such as the Chesapeake Bay Preservation District and the Flood Plan District) contained in the zoning ordinance.

 

• Provides senior level review and analysis for proposed commercial and residential site plans, building plans, construction documents, property plats, subdivision plans and related documents. Assists the Zoning Administrator in the resolution of conflicts to ensure consistent interpretation and full compliance with City zoning policies, codes, ordinances and standards.

 

• Evaluates applications for Zoning Ordinance variances, appeals and special exceptions to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Formulates, produces and presents to the Board of Zoning Appeals formal written recommendations based on sound and defensible zoning and land use principles not in conflict with federal and state laws or local ordinances.

 

• Collaborates with the Zoning Administrator and other Planning and Zoning Administration Division personnel too effectively and efficiently process land use applications through various public boards, commissions and committees. Chairs, coordinates and/or participates in land use and development review processes and strategic public project implementation work groups.

 

• Collaborates with the Zoning Administrator and representatives from the City Attorney's Office to become thoroughly knowledgeable of zoning administration and policy interpretations.

 

• Seeks and obtains training and resources needed to ensure that the City delivers the full range of zoning regulatory functions and services in a professional, high quality manner.

 

• Represents the Community Development Department at a wide variety of meetings and serves on various task forces and committees. Makes presentations before various civic groups and participates in community outreach events as required.

 

• Performs related tasks as required.

Salary : $65,466 - $85,106