Planning and Zoning Manager

About the role

The Planning & Zoning Manager performs a variety of planning activities including technical reviews of development applications and zoning matters. This position oversees day-to-day zoning administration, long-range community planning, and serves as the primary staff liaison for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and any planning-related ad-hoc committees. The role completes a full spectrum of planning activities, conducts research and analysis, and provides guidance and information to others on planning, community development, and zoning matters.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and analyzes subdivision, commercial, and other development applications for compliance with zoning codes, land use plans, and city ordinances; prepares staff reports, project analyses, and recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, City Council, and other bodies; attends evening meetings, public hearings, and work sessions; advises on deviations, architectural features, and project conformity with established plans.
• Assists in developing, updating, and implementing the city’s comprehensive plan, focus area plans, and other community planning projects to support growth and development goals (e.g., long-term land use, visual preference survey, parks and leisure trails, thoroughfare plan); assists in the interpretation, implementation, and administration of plans, codified ordinances, and subdivision regulations; assembles and analyzes land use data and maps.
• Assists the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council with development of new legislation aimed at modernizing the city’s Planning & Zoning Code to support growth and development goals (e.g., density, parking, landscape screening); assembles and analyzes data and maps to justify and initiate reforms.
• Provides guidance, information, and presentations to boards, commissions, City Council, civic groups, businesses, and the general public on planning and zoning issues; responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests from residents, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the Property Maintenance Inspector – Code Enforcement Officer to investigate zoning complaints and potential violations, review or conduct field inspections, document findings, and enforce compliance with the city’s Planning and Zoning Code to maintain community quality; oversees miscellaneous zoning-related field inspections for proper compliance with the city’s Planning and Zoning Code and approved ordinances.
• Facilitates project review with internal departments and external agencies to ensure timely and accurate plan approvals; prepares correspondence, project entitlement schedules, and other materials to aid in the public review process which precedes the final adoption of land use plans, ordinances, and development projects.
• Assists in management and administration of Groveport Geographic Information System (GIS); collects, analyzes, and interprets land use, zoning, and development data to support planning decisions; assists with statistical and economic trend reporting for internal and public use.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of comprehensive planning, urban design, zoning, and related disciplines, including relevant software tools; participates in national, regional, and state advocacy groups to stay informed on industry standards and best practices.
• Maintains contact with business owners and officials, builders/developers, attorneys, bankers, engineers, residential and commercial real estate brokers, various government agencies and officials, and the general public to obtain or disseminate information related to the essential functions of the Planning and Development Department.
• Maintains required licensures and certification.
• Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent; completion of post-secondary education with bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning or other related field (required).
• Coursework in urban and/or regional planning, public administration and/or design (preferred).
• Graduate work in City and Regional Planning or other related field and/or 3 to 5 years public sector work experience (preferred).
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred).
• Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and maintain insurability under the Municipality’s vehicle insurance policy.

Skills

• Read, understand, interpret, and critically evaluate schematic-level planning documents, construction documents, and engineering plans.
• Interpret and advise on the application of policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
• Research and write planning and zoning reports for the city.
• Develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities.
• Assess and monitor workload, operational processes, and internal reporting relationships.
• Receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identify and report findings and take necessary corrective action.
• Operate a city vehicle.
• See and hear to accurately observe situations.
• Handle confidential material in strict confidence.
• Work irregular hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) and during special events.
• Operate in the absence of clear expectations, precedence, or procedures; use independent judgment, common sense, and principles of influence and rational systems in performance of tasks.
• Behave in a friendly, understanding, and professional manner with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Be innovative and creative in developing land-use and process solutions to coordinate work of multiple disciplines within the Planning and Development Department and throughout the city.
• Establish and develop positive working relationships with community stakeholders, City Council members, members of the management team, and all other staff to support a high level of organizational performance.

Equipment Operated

• Automobile
• Tape measure
• Digital camera
• Architect/engineer ruler
• Cellular phone
• Personal computer
• Computer software (e.g., ESRI GIS, Microsoft Office, etc.)
• Printer
• Copy machine
• Fax machine
• Other standard business office equipment

Working Conditions

The employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls objects 20 lbs. or less. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary work.

Benefits

• Health insurance (low employee premiums & deductible)
• Vision insurance (fully paid by City)
• Dental insurance (fully paid by City)
• Life insurance (fully paid by City)
• 11 paid holidays
• 2 weeks of vacation or more depending on service credits
• 1 personal day
• 18 days of sick leave a year (rolls over annually)
• Parental leave
• OPERS retirement plan
• Deferred Compensation optional
• Free recreation center membership
• Free access to Motts Military Museum

Pay

Salary Range: $63,789.44 ($30.67) – $82,934.80 ($39.87)