Description

The Development Compliance Officer (DCO) Improves Foothills County livability through ensuring compliance with the Land Use Bylaw and other municipal bylaws related to planning and land use operations. With jurisdiction from the Municipal Government Act and other regulations, the DCO is responsible for conducting investigations, property and building inspections and ensuring development in the county is in compliance with the Land Use Bylaw and approved development permits.

The DCO plays a critical role through fielding complaints, investigating and finalizing complaints while maintaining detailed compliance and enforcement records. The DCO works directly with Planning and Development Officers, Community Peace Officers, Safety Codes Officers, Internal and external stakeholders and external agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to this primary job function, the Development Compliance Officer is responsible for:

Receives and stewards Land Use Bylaw complaints through the enforcement process.
Follow the enforcement process, determines when and to what degree enforcement regulations should be applied to files where development or landscaping has not been completed in accordance with approved plans, permits, or the Land Use Bylaw.
Prepares reports and presentations and represents the County at Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Property Rights Tribunal and other legislative hearings to provide accurate accounts of evidence from the investigations and to justify inspection, approvals, or enforcement decisions.
Provides internal and external stakeholders with knowledgeable and timely responses to inquiries related to Land Use Bylaw contraventions.
Processes and responds to a high volume of complaints related to the Land Use Bylaw and provides technical advice and instructions regarding policy and procedures.
Prepare documents for court submission, attend court proceedings, and give evidence as required.
Issue inspection notices, warning letters, stop orders, injunctions, issuance of violation tickets and register caveats on Land Title Certificates for non-compliance.
Manages a caseload of files and conduct inspections on sites to ensure development and landscaping has been constructed in accordance with the approved plans, permits, and the Land Use Bylaw.
Research and investigates property development and landscaping histories in accordance with established procedures, including reviewing development and landscape plans and technical reports.
Support the Development Officers in review of applications for compliance certificates and prepare documentation for issuance.
Provides active enforcement and compliance action and investigation support for other relevant bylaws and regulations related to Land Use and Development such as the Dark Sky Bylaw, Community Standards Bylaw, Safety Code Act, Drainage Bylaw, Environmental Acts.
Liaises directly with Foothills County Enforcement Services, Safety Codes Officers, legal professionals, external agencies and senior administration to provide support and receive support related to Development Activities including activities related to hauling, construction and community standards.
Supports the Development Officers to respond to public inquiries and applications related to all development-related matters.
Supports a positive, proactive, innovative, professional, and customer first culture in the department.
Participate in the review of enquiries, existing bylaws, and municipal policies where necessary.
Develops and maintains enforcement files and databases for the Development Compliance program.
Adhere to Health and Safety Legislation, County Safety policies and procedures and maintains safe working practices.
Actively participate in departmental meetings for Enforcement Services, Planning and Development as required.
Attend meetings of the County Council with respect to compliance and enforcement matters as required.
Perform other duties and completes special projects as required.

Requirements

Two-year post-secondary diploma in Land Use Planning, Enforcement, or related discipline.
Two (2) years of municipal experience in a combination of land use planning, inspections, or enforcement.
Ability to obtain and maintain Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointment.
Completion of Applied Land Use Planning Certificate, or the ability to achieve the certification is required.
Knowledge and experience with planning, landscaping, or enforcement terminology, practices, procedures, and work methods.
Proficiency and familiarity with reading and interpreting construction blueprints, landscaping plans, real property reports, and plan drafting techniques.
Experience with making decisions based on interpretation of technical drawings, site plans, landscape plans, development conditions, standard operating procedures, bylaws and legislation preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and composition of clear and concise writing.
Ability to interpret regulatory, legal, and statutory documents including legislation and bylaws governing land development such as the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Government Act.
Understanding how to conduct inspections and gather evidence of compliance with bylaws and regulations related to Land Use and Development such as Civic Addressing Bylaw, Community Standards Bylaw, Safety Code Act, Environmental Acts.
Flexibility to adapt to a demanding environment and maintain customer service standards and conflict resolution skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently, or in a multidisciplinary or team environment, understanding how to prioritize and complete high volumes of competing work, with a high degree of accuracy.
Able to handle confidential and sensitive information according to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and corporate policies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/Microsoft 365 and familiarity with ArcGIS and other enterprise systems is considered an asset.