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City of Newport
City of Newport Zoning Ordinance
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§ 17.112.010

Zoning officer

  • A. It is the intent of this zoning code that all matters arising in connection with the enforcement or interpretation of this zoning code, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be first presented to the zoning officer; and that such matters or actions shall be presented to the zoning board of review only on appeal from the decision of the zoning officer or a decision of the planning board, where applicable. Recourse from the decisions of the zoning board of review shall be taken to the superior court of Newport County.

  • B. The zoning officer's responsibilities shall include:

    • 1. Issuing zoning certificates and zoning permits;

    • 2. Reviewing and approving building permits for zoning compliance;

    • 3. Collecting required fees for applications for signs, variances, special use permits, and to the historic district commission;

    • 4. Receiving and reviewing for proper form, all applications for variances, appeals and special use permits;

    • 5. Transmitting all applications to required agencies for comments/approval;

    • 6. Keeping records on compliance of uses of land;

    • 7. Inspecting suspected violations and issuing violation notices;

    • 8. Authorizing commencement of uses or development under the provisions of this zoning code;

    • 9. Collecting fines for violations;

    • 10. Maintaining and updating the text and zoning map comprising this zoning code; changes which impact the zoning map shall be depicted on the map within ninety (90) days of the authorized changes;

    • 11. Reviewing the zoning code at reasonable intervals; and whenever changes are made to the comprehensive plan, identifying any changes necessary to the zoning code and forwarding such changes to the city council;

    • 12. Upon written request, the zoning officer shall, in order to provide guidance or clarification, make a determination on issues of compliance, applicability, interpretation and completeness as pertaining to the application within fifteen (15) days of receipt of request. In the event that no determination is provided within such time, the requesting party shall have the right to appeal to the zoning board of review for such determination.

  • C. Minimum qualifications: graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning or a closely related field and three years of experience in a position requiring office administration, review of site plans, and interpretation of zoning regulations; or a master's degree in city or regional planning or a closely related field, and one year of the specified experience; or eight years of a combination of planning experience and training which provides the abilities, knowledge and skills specified.

(Ord. 2000-4 (part), 2000: Ord. 65-94 (part), 1994: prior code § 1266.020)