CAZEO

CAZEO BY LAWS-adopted 1/30/2023

NAME: The incorporated name of the organization is CAZEO, Inc. The organization shall be known as – Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials (CAZEO). Hereinafter referred to as “CAZEO”, “organization” or, “association”

LEGAL STANDING: CAZEO is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which was created in 10-16-2017 and issued a non-profit exemption by the IRS on 2-02-2018 with a Federal Employer Identification Number of 82-3813531.

PURPOSE: CAZEO is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. This association is organized in order to provide a forum for the exchange of pertinent information concerning zoning and zoning enforcement, to further the interests of the profession, to facilitate the solving of municipal zoning problems and to maintain and promote professional and ethical performance standards by its members.

Through a certification program, the official designation of Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer (CZEO) and Administrative Zoning Technician (AZT) can be achieved. Designation as a CZEO shall identify a Zoning Enforcement Officer that has successfully completed 60 hours of classes, achieved passing grades on required exams, served as a zoning enforcement officer for at least 3 years (one year of experience will be credited upon successful completion of 60 class hours), submitted an approved Case Study and is a member in good standing. Designation as an AZT shall identify an Administrative Zoning Technician that has successfully completed 60 hours of classes, achieved passing grades on required exams, served as a person responsible for technical assistance of zoning regulations and/or administration of zoning regulations for at least 2 years (one year of experience will be credited upon successful completion of 60 class hours), and is a member in good standing.

MEMBERSHIP:

New Membership Criteria: Any person not previously a member of CAZEO shall qualify for membership in accordance with the membership categories listed below.

Existing Membership Criteria: To qualify for a membership renewal, a member shall be in good standing. A member in good standing is one that is current with annual membership dues, abides by the adopted Code of Ethics and has paid all fees in good faith. Any existing member that has obtained a CZEO designation must demonstrate compliance with the Continuing Education Policy prior to each annual renewal. Failure to do so will result in the Membership Director assigning a membership category of “Full Member—Non-Certified”. Membership renewals shall be submitted within sixty (60) days of the commencement of each annual membership drive.

Membership Drive: CAZEO shall provide for members to obtain or renew their Organization membership annually. Each annual membership drive shall begin no later than March 1 of each year. The Membership Director shall review an applicant’s code enforcement background and report to the Executive Committee to determine whether regular/full membership is warranted

Membership categories:

FULL MEMBER-- CZEO CERTIFIED: An individual engaged in and/or responsible for the enforcement of municipal zoning provisions in the State of Connecticut who has successfully completed the CZEO Certification process and is successfully certified by CAZEO and has maintained their membership in accordance with the Continuing Education Policy.

FULL MEMBER-- CZEO CANDIDATE: A member actively engaged in zoning enforcement and obtaining the CZEO Designation through the CAZEO Certification Policy. No such member may posses this membership level for a period of more than three (3) calendar years

FULL MEMBER-- NON-CERTIFIED: A member associated with or interested in the field of zoning enforcement who does not meet the criteria for “CZEO Candidate" or “CZEO Certified” membership or a member who has successfully obtained the Administrative Zoning Technician designation.

STUDENT MEMBER: An individual actively enrolled in a college or university, but not actively involved in municipal zoning enforcement. Student Members shall have no voting rights or rights to hold office.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Membership may be revoked or denied by a majority vote of the Executive Committee if one is found to have violated the adopted Code of Ethics in the course of carrying out his/her professional duties. Such decision may only be made after the holding of a hearing where the Executive Committee and current or future member may present evidence as to why they should or should not be allowed membership.

FEES AND DUES: Any change in fees or dues will be established for the forthcoming year by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

OFFICERS: At the December meeting of each even-numbered year, the present and voting membership shall elect from the membership, a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Director, for a two-year term. Beginning on January 1 following the election and expiring on December 31st of the next even numbered year, or at such later time as a successor is duly qualified to take office. The officers shall have the duties described herein. Midterm officer vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, Professional Development Coordinator, Membership Director, and Certification Committee Chairman. The duties of the Executive Committee are as follows:

PRESIDENT: Shall be directly responsible for the supervision of the affairs of the association and shall preside over all meetings. The President shall enforce the By-Laws of the association and perform other duties that would be recognized as being part of this office.

VICE PRESIDENT: Shall be president-elect and will preside over all meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice President shall have full knowledge of the CAZEO By-Laws and shall assist in performing the duties of the President, as needed and in his/her absence. The Vice President shall assist in the identification of training opportunities which further the goals and policies of the Organization.

SECRETARY: Shall keep and maintain accurate proceedings of all official meetings and the names of all appointed committees and their functions. The Secretary shall also be responsible for correspondence concerning meeting speakers including speaking engagement notification and thank you letters. The Secretary shall be responsible for helping to coordinate all meetings.

TREASURER: Shall be the custodian of all financial matters of the association and determine that dues are paid by all members. Records of all collections and expenditures from the treasury shall be reviewed and signed by the treasurer and reported to the association and Executive Committee at scheduled meetings. The Treasurer shall be responsible for assisting CAZEO’s attorney in the preparation of all legal documents related to the State of Connecticut and IRS filings for CAZEO’s 501(c)(3) status.

PAST PRESIDENT: Shall offer guidance to any member of the Executive Committee as needed.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Shall maintain an accurate list of current members and actively monitor and maintain a list of those members who are designated as a Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer, including any Continuing Education credits earned, and Administrative Zoning Technician. The Membership Director shall also be responsible for the active recruitment of new members and the retention of present members.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR: Shall assist in the coordination and preparation of continuing education opportunities for the Organization’s membership and CAZEO’s Certification Institute.

CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: The Certification Chair shall oversee and coordinate the duties of the Certification Committee; and shall act as a liaison between the Executive Committee, Certification Committee, and the general membership. The Certification Chairman shall oversee the preparation and presentation of professional designation certificates.

OTHER DUTIES: There shall be other such committees or committee members of the association as determined by the Executive Committee. Appointments shall be made by the Executive Committee.

CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE: The Certification Committee shall assist the Executive Committee in formulating a policy regarding the requirements for applicants seeking a professional designation from CAZEO, to screen all applications for such designations to confirm eligibility, and to recommend to the Executive Committee all applicants who have successfully met the requirements to receive such professional designation.

The Certification Committee shall consist of a chairperson, and six members who are appointed by the Executive Committee, and who shall be CZEOs. Such members shall be recommended by the Certification Chair and approved by the Executive Committee. Members of the committee are appointed for two-year terms and shall be appointed no later than January 15th following the election and expiring on December 31st of the next even numbered year, or at such later time as a successor is duly qualified to take office. Midterm officer vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

The Certification Committee shall meet as often as necessary to attain these goals and shall make a report to the Executive Committee of its progress and methods through the Certification Chairman who shall serve as a liaison between the two Boards.

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: The Legislative Liaison is responsible for the review of statutes in the state which pertain to zoning enforcement. His/her responsibility lies in working toward the establishment of the most efficient and effective statutes on a statewide basis. The Legislative Liaison is responsible for the review of pending legislative changes pertaining to zoning enforcement and the preparation and submission of any necessary written or verbal testimony pertaining to such legislation. The Legislative Liaison shall report to the Executive Committee, as needed. In the absence of an appointed Legislative Liaison, the Executive Committee shall perform the duties described herein.

From time to time there may be the need to establish a committee to fulfill the duties of the Legislative Liaison. In making appointments to the committee, the Executive Committee may consider the appointment of any active association member.

WEBMASTER: The Webmaster is responsible for updates to the CAZEO website and shall routinely update the website for improvements /efficiency, as needed and update its content to reflect current information to include newsletters, seminar materials, cyclical forms and other related information.

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE: Shall participate in the activities of the Executive Committee as described in an advisory capacity only.

OTHER POLICIES: The Executive Committee may establish additional policies and procedures not specifically listed herein to further the purpose and goals of the organization including but not limited to policies pertaining to the professional designation process, membership, continuing education, recertification etc.

MEETINGS: There shall be at least four (4) regular meetings per year of the association at times and places set by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may consider conducting additional meetings annually to meet the objectives of the association.

ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT: The By-Laws shall become effective and may be amended by a 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Committee.

EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS: The President shall be authorized to expend up to $500 each calendar year without the permission of the Executive Committee. All other expenditures shall require the approval of the Executive Committee.