Cozart Named New Arlington County Zoning Administrator

Norma Cozart, a 23-year Arlington employee, has been appointed county zoning administrator effective immediately.

Cozart has served as acting administrator since August 2011, when the former holder of the position, Melinda Artman, .

“Norma has done an excellent job providing leadership to the Zoning Office in the interim,” Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development Director Robert Brosnan said in a statement. “I have all the confidence in the world that she will make an excellent Zoning Administrator.”

Cozart will lead a team of 23 staff members who work with residents, business owners, builders and developers to provide technical support and interpretation of conditions and zoning regulations necessary for approval of permits, according to an Arlington County news release.

Arlington's zoning ordinance, which affects every new residential and commercial building project, along with major renovations, is a 700-page patchwork document that still i, among other outdated practices.

An overhaul should be ready by December.

Cozart has worked on a variety of complex county policies, including those for pipestem lots, signs and sidewalk cafes.

She also provided advice on the development of the Mary Marshall Assisted Living Facility, , Marriott hotels at Courthouse and Potomac Yard, and others, according to the county. 

Cozart earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Howard University and did graduate work in urban planning at the University of Virginia.

Cementing her new position in the county Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development comes , Peter Katz, resigned saying that position wasn't the right "fit" for him.

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