HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — A Harrisonburg City staff member was recently recognized at a special event for his consistency, knowledge, and performance in the field of code interpretation and enforcement.

Harrisonburg Community Development Zoning Administrator Tyler Blanks was honored by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) with the Certified Zoning Administrator’s Award which is given annually to individuals who have demonstrative innovative programs and problem-solving techniques that benefit the community they serve. Recipients must have passed a formal written exam and served two consecutive years as a certified zoning administrator, in addition to having demonstrated reliability in their interpretation and enforcement of local zoning ordinances and the application of Virginia State enabling legislation, to be considered for the award.

Blanks, who joined the City in 2021 and has served as a zoning technician and zoning specialist before becoming zoning administrator in 2024, received the award due to his sound judgement, thorough knowledge of the City’s zoning regulations and a commitment to fair code interpretation and enforcement.

“I am honored to receive this recognition and sincerely appreciate VAZO’s acknowledgment of this work,” Blanks said. “VAZO provides valuable support in preparing zoning officials to address the evolving challenges of the planning field. This award reflects the dedication of our staff, and I remain committed to delivering high-quality service to Harrisonburg community members.”

In addition to his regular responsibilities as zoning administrator, Blanks has worked with the City’s zoning staff to improve and update outdated procedures or create new procedures for site plan and permit reviews as well as code enforcement. He has served as a leader in working with the City’s permitting and enforcement software, called LAMA, translating operational processes into the system and troubleshooting issues as they arise. And he has helped lead the City’s ongoing Zoning Ordinance Update Project (ZOUP), which is currently in the public engagement phase.

“Through his leadership, technical knowledge, process improvements and support of public education and engagement, Tyler has made meaningful contributions to zoning administration and to the Harrisonburg community,” Harrisonburg Community Development Deputy Director Thanh Dang said. “Our team, and our community, are better because of his efforts.”