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212 Chestnut Street  |  Admin. 986-8528

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CODES AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

The Codes and Planning Department regulates building and planning in the City. This department is supervised directly by the codes Administrator and works under the control, in part, of the Planning Commission. The department assures that the building code is consistently applied, that nuisance violations are cited and abated, provides building inspections for new construction and assures the directives of the Planning Commission are followed. The department adheres to BOCA in building design and construction inspection. It adheres to Chapter 5, 7, 8, of the City of Berea Codes of Ordinances for city planning and additional construction regulations. Specific duties of this department are listed in the Berea Code of Ordinances.

STAFFING LEVELS

PLANNING AND CODES ADMINISTRATOR

Codes Administrator:  Dale VanWinkle

DEFINITION:

The Planning and Codes Administrator directs and coordinates all phases of the City planning and building safety activities, and enforces other city ordinances relating to the general health and welfare of the community. Interprets provisions of the City Zoning Ordinances; organizes, performs and maintains records pertaining to the Zoning Ordinances; does related work as required. The employee in this class is responsible for directing the inspection of all buildings and equipment in the City to ensure compliance with applicable standards of construction, alteration, maintenance and safety. Manages and directs the administration of the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances, Kentucky Building Code and other city ordinances relating to building, housing, public nuisances and public safety. Provides general administrative support and technical guidance to the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION

The employee in this position must become familiar with all aspects of code enforcement, including but not limited to Kentucky Building Code, CABO One and Two Family Code, Zoning Ordinances, Subdivision Regulations, BOCA Property Maintenance Code, and all other applicable City Codes and Ordinances. The Codes and Planning Administrator shall become familiar with all areas of the city, and have a working knowledge of the surrounding subdivision jurisdiction boundary. The work shall at times be physically demanding, including being able to climb ladders, access attics, crawl spaces, working in confined areas, and working in adverse weather conditions.
The Codes and Planning Administrator shall have a working knowledge of computer systems, and be fairly proficient in Word Processing, Lotus, etc. Some knowledge of AutoCAD is needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Plan, implement, and revise goals, objectives, and standards established for the Planning Commission.
Interprets the City zoning and sign ordinances.

Responsible for the investigation and inspection of zoning cases to ascertain compliance with pertinent laws and ordinances.

Supervises the review of building permits for compliance with all city ordinances.
Prepares reports of the effect of zoning variance, zoning classification changes, zoning ordinance changes and other action for consideration by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission and the City Council

Maintain the zoning map and insures compliance with zoning ordinances.

Supervises the creation and maintenance of accurate records concerning construction, improvement bonds, outstanding building permits, subdivision plats, zone changes, and all permits concerning building and housing.

Supervises the performance of all building safety and code inspections to insure compliance with all city and state regulations.

Responsible for the issuance of all building permits, occupancy certificates and demolition permits.
Responsible for the preparation of annexation research on all affected property and insures proper notification requirement are satisfied.

Responsible for the maintenance and the continued updating of the City of Berea CAD Mapping System.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of modem building construction practices, methods, materials and equipment; of city subdivision and zoning regulations; of state statutes and regulations pertaining to construction and an understanding of development practices within the local community. Good knowledge of modem zoning principles and practices, and legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Ability to examine construction plans and specifications to determine construction costs and to evaluate work in progress; to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with building owners, architects, contractors, City officials, and the general public, and to enforce building ordinances and zoning regulations with firmness and tact; to understand and follow oral/written direction; and to prepare a variety of records and reports. The employee shall have a general knowledge of engineering and land surveying. Also a working knowledge of AutoCAD Mapping System.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Experience in the enforcement of building safety regulations and zoning laws, and the completion of High School supplemented with two (2) years of college education in construction management or other related technical field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid Kentucky drivers license and be certified as a building inspector within one (1) year of employment.

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CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Codes Enforcement Officer: Kerri L. Hensley and Lowell L. Murray

DEFINITION:

The Codes Enforcement Officer under general administrative direction of the Codes and Planning Administrator, administers and enforces building and zoning codes and ordinances; interprets provision of the City Zoning Ordinances; performs, and maintains records pertaining to the Zoning Ordinances; and enforces other City Ordinances relating to the general health and welfare of the Community. The Codes Enforcement Officer assists the Codes and Planning Administrator to carry out the tasks of City Planning.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

The equipment/job location requirements are the same as those found in the Codes and Planning Administrator's job description. The Codes Enforcement Officer shall become familiar with the layout of the City. This work shall at times be physically demanding including being able to climb ladders, access attics, and crawl through crawl spaces. Working in confined areas and in adverse weather conditions may be possibility.
The Codes Enforcement Officer must be familiar with the use and the operation of computer / equipment and fairly proficient in word processing, Lotus, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF THE CODES ADMINISTRATOR:

Plan, implement and revise goals, objectives, and standards established for the Planning Department.
Accepts and reviews plans for various construction projects for compliance. Accepts and reviews applications for building permits for conformity.

Inspects buildings in the process of construction for compliance with the Building Code and
Zoning Requirements.

Inspects alterations and repairs jobs on all structures.

Checks contractors and subcontractors for compliance to City Business License requirements.

Examines zoning requirements.

Investigates complaints of zoning violations and violations of other city codes. Enforces all City Ordinances including the Property Maintenance Codes.

Examines subdivision plats for compliance with Subdivision and Zoning Requirements. Prepares and presents reports orally and in writing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge in all types of building construction, materials, methods and all stages of construction where possible violations and defects may most easily be observed and corrected. Considerable knowledge of national, state and local building and zoning codes. Ability to read and accurately interpret plans, specifications, or other pertinent data of any complexity and to compare them with any construction m process. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, building owners, architects, contractors, and other members of the public. Analytical and administrative abilities, Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, Ability to work under stress and time constraints.

ACCEPT ABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Graduation from an accredited High School, supplemented by two (2) years progressively responsible experience in building construction and techniques. Must possess a valid Kentucky Drivers License.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to become certified m general building inspection by the State Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction within one (I) year of employment. Must be willing to attend seminars and training applicable to the job and to maintain certification.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

Ability to become certified in General Building Inspection by the State Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction within one (1) year of employment. Must attend seminars and training applicable to the job and maintain certification.