Lee County Zoning Hearing Officer

Position: Zoning Hearing Officer

Department: Lee County Zoning Office

Reports to: Lee County Board

Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary Level: $500/meeting

Position Overview

The Lee County Zoning Hearing Officer shall serve as an advisory body that decides any question involving the interpretation of any provision or term of the Lee County Revised Zoning Ordinance ("Code"). The Zoning Hearing Officer also has the ability to create variances for the purpose of varying or adapting the strict application of any requirements of the Code. In granting any variance, the Zoning Hearing Officer shall prescribe any conditions that it deems to be necessary or desirable for the public interest, convenience or welfare.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Draft Articles of Rules and Procedures as well as policies for approval by the Lee County Board.
• Interpret all provisions and terms of the Code and stay up to date with any changes or amendments to the Code.
• Create agendas for public hearings related to zoning, planning and development.
• Conduct public hearings, receive testimony, accept evidence and make determinations on requested variances to the Code as well as appeals of the decision or determination of an administrative official charged with the enforcement of adopted codes.
• Conduct public hearings, receive testimony, accept evidence and provide a written Findings of Fact and recommendation to the Lee County Board on requests for zoning map amendments, text amendments and special use permits.
• Conduct public hearings for special use applications and hear and decide appeals in which it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, interpretation or determination made by the Lee County Zoning Administrator.
• Make recommendations on applications for zoning variations not submitted in conjunction with rezoning, special use permit, or planned unit development applications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and stay up to date on changes in relevant laws and regulations.
• Maintain detailed records of hearings and decisions.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the purpose and scope of the position.

Competencies & Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to analyze evidence and data.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with trial procedures and Illinois Building and Zoning laws.
• Ability to maintain impartiality and objectivity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prepare and present reports and analyses.

Education and Experience

• Must be an attorney currently in good standing who has been licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years, required.
• Prior Hearing Officer experience is preferred, but not required.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be available for public hearings on a schedule to be agreeable to the needs of the County.
• Must not hold any elected or appointed office in any unit of government within any part of Lee County.
• Must not be an employee of Lee County.
• Must not have any personal, financial or business relationships that, in the judgment of the County Board Chairman, may give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
• Must be of the highest moral character and not have been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offense.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

A background check is required for this position.

AAP/EEO Statement:

The County will comply fully with the nondiscrimination regulations set forth in relevant State and Federal laws and Executive Orders.

It is the intention of this County to provide equality and respect to all individuals in matters of service and employment. The County will also extend this policy to other agencies, institutions, and organizations that contract with the County.

Lee County is an equal opportunity employer.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $500