Planning & Development Director

FLSA: Exempt

About the role

This position is responsible for directing the county’s planning and development functions.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance and advice to the County Administrator, County Attorney, and other department heads as requested.
• Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.
• Attends meetings of the County Commission and Planning Commission to provide advice on agenda items related to building and zoning; implements policies and directives approved by the Commission.
• Directs and oversees the preparation of maps, charts, and reports related to planning and land use; drafts ordinances, resolutions, and regulations.
• Prepares and monitors the department budget.
• Performs planning and development review; develops and evaluates department strategic plans; manages Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator directed projects.
• Interprets and enforces building codes and ordinances; makes administrative decisions concerning enforcement as provided by state law.
• Ensures compliance with zoning and development regulations and building and construction codes.
• Oversees the issuance of building licenses to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and county codes.
• Consults with and responds to inquiries from builders, contractors, architects, and developers to ensure proposed construction complies with codes; responds to requests for variances.
• Oversees the inspection process for all new buildings, additions, and repairs; schedules building inspections.
• Responds to complaints from property owners concerning builders; mediates disputes.
• Issues certificates of occupancy for structures; determines load requirements.
• Manages and monitors the work of consultants providing planning services to the county.
• Oversees GIS applications development, contract development, and software acquisition.
• Reviews all plans for proposed commercial, industrial, and residential construction.
• Locates structures and issues addresses for each improved property in the county for mail and emergency response purposes; notifies local Postmasters and utility providers of address changes and additions; provides assistance and information to emergency service agencies regarding the use of county maps.

The above duties describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the techniques, materials, and equipment used in building construction.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in the review and analysis of land records and construction documents.
• Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.
• Skill in analyzing and compiling technical data.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has direct supervision over the following roles:

• Building Official
• Plans Examiner/Inspector
• Planning and Development Coordinator
• CRS E & S Coordinator
• Planning and Development Technician
• GIS Manager
• GIS Analyst
• GIS Technician

Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Work Context

• Supervisory Controls: The County Administrator assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.
• Guidelines: Includes the National Electrical Code; standard gas, plumbing, and mechanical codes; applicable construction codes; county ordinances and resolutions; zoning and development regulations; fire protection and life safety codes; and county and departmental policies and procedures. The position also operates in accordance with relevant state and federal laws, including the Zoning Procedures Law and the Georgia Planning Act. Sound judgment, discretion, and professional interpretation are required.
• Complexity/Scope of Work: The work consists of varied management, supervisory, and enforcement duties. The need to interpret ordinances and regulations for diverse cases contributes to the complexity. The purpose is to direct the planning and development operations of the county.
• Contacts: Contacts are typically with coworkers, other professionals, elected and appointed officials, attorneys, realtors, property owners, and the general public. Contacts are for exchanging information, negotiating, resolving problems, and providing services.
• Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. It is performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.

Pay

Minimum Pay: $93,036.42 (DOQ)