Planning and Zoning Director

PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR

INTENT 

The intent of this position description is to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. This position description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

DEFINITION

The Planning & Zoning Director position is a department head position involving responsible administrative and technical work related to city planning, zoning, land development activities, comprehensive plan, land use, permitting and code enforcement. Responsibilities also include working with the City’s Planning Commission and preparing recommendations on matters that require Planning Commission and City Council action.

The employee in this class exercises independent judgment and initiative under the direction of, oversight of and reports to the City Administrator.

FLSA STATUS

This position is classified as a fulltime position and an exempt employee.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Functions as Department Head, City Planner/ Zoning Administrator.
• Responsible for the enforcement of the City’s Zoning Code.
• Reviews applications and detailed site plans for new development; coordinates with developers for required and recommended modifications to ensure compliance with City Ordinances and planning documents.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations on policies and regulations related to planning, zoning, and land use, based on changing community needs. Make recommendations on requests for conditional use permits, site plan approvals and rezoning requests to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Inspects new developments for compliance with City site plan approvals.
• Routinely reviews and recommends amendments to city ordinances as needed.
• Supervises and assists with the issuance of building permits and coordinates inspections with the County.
• Prepares annual department operating and capital budget.
• Coordinates the City's Development Review process which includes site plans, plats, and land use amendments.
• Acts as liaison to the City’s Planning Commission.
• Acts as a liaison with State, Regional and County Planning Agencies.
• Supervises the issuance procedures for Business Licenses.
• Coordinates the City's Code Enforcement efforts and programs.
• Supervises and coordinates comprehensive plan implementation and amendments process, including intergovernmental coordination with state and local agencies
• Meets with residents, contractors, architects, engineers, developers and property owners concerning interpretation and application of codes during planning and construction.
• To work with the license clerk to insure all businesses are located in properly zoned districts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of planning and zoning administration; considerable knowledge as it applies to local planning and development standards as well as master planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in the development and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Considerable knowledge of current trends in local, regional, state and federal planning and legislation affecting city planning and development.
• Considerable knowledge and skills in drafting regulations, policies and texts of ordinances and codes, including those which govern construction, zoning, signs, and housing.
• Ability to present findings and recommendations concisely, comfortable with public speaking, and communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, codes and ordinances; ability to interpret plans, drawings, blueprints and specifications.
• Ability to handle complex assignments independently and make decisions or recommendations based on sound professional judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, other employees, public agencies, developers, contractors and the public.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or related field.  Minimum three (3) years responsible management experience in municipal planning or community development or any equivalent combination of experience and training.  Able to obtain or have American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.