JOB SUMMARY

This position administers planning, zoning, and development ordinances, the primary tools used by the city to guide city objectives to accomplish stated land use goals; assists with development of short- and long-term planning projects, and redevelopment plan for improvement areas; assists with updating and developing maps using GIS systems; and coordinates and administers the land development process. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Community Development Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, directs and supervises department activities, functions and personnel including preparing operations budget, developing department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and fostering staff development and training;
• Manages and administers the activities of the Planning and Zoning Division within the Department; functions as Planning and Zoning Administrator for short- and long-term planning/zoning, Comprehensive Planning, site development review, building permits, variances, review of special land use permits and zoning amendments, and the maintenance of official zoning records and maps; acts as a technical advisor through oral and written presentation on planning, zoning, and development issues to Mayor and Council, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and other entities as required; and coordinates activities with appropriate local, state and federal agencies.
• Meets with applicants for zoning requests; interacts with citizens, contractors, lawyers, realtors, developers, CEOs, business owners and community groups; acts as point of contact for high-profile or complex projects; evaluates land development proposals for compliance with applicable laws; facilitates mediation between communities and developers on zoning issues, use permits, and other development modifications; and reviews and edits outgoing official correspondence pertaining to zoning related matters.
• Maintains a current, comprehensive knowledge, and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles and practices relating to planning, zoning, and community development activities; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required.
• Supervises the receipt and review of applications for rezoning, special land use permits, variances, zoning appeals, development plans, preliminary and final and revised subdivision plats, annexations, future land use plan amendments, and proposed development agreements;
• Supervises Divisional handling of application materials.
• Issues accurate and complete zoning verifications in accordance with established standard operating procedure;
• Facilitates the relative Board Committee meetings, supervises preparation of  their agendas and minutes, and assures their compliance with the Open Meetings Act;
• Supervises administration of legal advertisements and notice postings for zoning matters;
• Receives, reviews and submits petitions for annexation and de-annexation promptly to the Chief Assistant City Attorney for legal review, rejects defective applications, maintains records of annexation petitions
• Reviews and ensures all land use projects within the city are in conformance with city ordinances on zoning and development, and keeps current on pending legislation and regulatory rule changes;
• Research and benchmark and make recommendations for updates to city ordinances on land use;
• Coordinates projects with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other municipal agencies, the development community, special interest groups, and other parties;
• Supports economic development efforts and demonstrates harmony between building development services and economic development through coordination and cooperation, provides community outreach resources to promote understanding of city land development regulations and city ordinances;
• Acts as a technical advisor to other departments and represents the city on planning-related boards;
• Develops short-range plans, and oversees implementation of plans to ensure adherence to state and local laws, organizational standards, and makes adjustments as needed;
• Oversees administrative matters such as conducting special studies, reviewing or preparing City Council and other board’s agenda items, preparing routine or special reports;
• Reviews all existing department processes and makes enhancement or new processes as appropriate;
• Ensures compliance with related laws and guidelines, and affords related training for personnel. Works with legal counsel to address complex matters and legally sensitive matters;
• Supervises division staff, including selecting or recommending selection, establishing staffing standards, organizing training, assigning and evaluating work, coaching and counseling, and preparing periodic employee performance evaluations;
• Prepares and/or directs the preparation of various reports, presentations, recommendations and other documents as required by city, state, federal and/or other agency, including city management and various board;
• Conducts staff, committee and other meetings and conferences;
• Prepares and makes oral and written presentations to exchange information, including presentation to the City Council and Zoning Board;
• Attends evening meetings and occasional weekend events;
• Attends training, seminars and conferences, and conducts research to stay abreast of legislation and trends;
• Coordinates with Code Compliance Officers and licenses and permits coordinators on city zoning administration issues;
• Completes all development plan reviews;
• Serves as staff member for the Zoning Board; attends meetings and public hearings; coordinates preparation of staff reports on proposed actions; submits meeting minutes; coordinates notice and posting requirements;
• Processes applications for zoning proposals; reviews plats and plans against zoning stipulations on conditions applicable to sites; conducts site visits;
• Maintains annual statistics on land use, housing and new development;
• Coordinates zoning verification and certification; reviews zoning files to determine proposed stipulations;
• Interprets ordinances related to zoning and   development;
• Corrects, updates and maintains maps and other cartographic data utilizing the GIS capabilities;
• Prepares graphic displays, maps and photographs for citizens and city departments; and
• Assists with leading the city comprehensive plan updates.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

Requires a Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Economic Development or related field preferred; Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in Planning, Economic Development or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including five (5) or more years of supervisory or management experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of management and supervisory practices and principles;
• Knowledge of fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control and record keeping;
• Knowledge of grant procedures;
• Skill in effectively supervising and motivating staff;
• Ability to develop and oversee budgets;
• Ability to facilitate public input processes and public meetings;
• Ability to mediate disputes and bring groups with opposing goals to resolution on issues in order to move forward with a project;
• Ability to make effective written and oral presentations;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate departmental operations and develop and implement plans to improve departmental efficiency;
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Knowledge of the operation GIS and GPS software applications;
• Ability to research public records, interpret and apply information appropriately.
• Ability to prepare reports, plans, and studies and to accurately interpret ordinances and codes;
• Ability to research public records, interpret and apply information appropriately;
• Ability to handle multiple interruptions, adjustments to priorities throughout the day;
• Knowledge of mapping principles, database management, map automation and analysis;
• Knowledge of database and file management systems;
• Knowledge of the city’s comprehensive plan, Georgia Planning Act, Georgia DCA minimum standards, and ARC regional policies;
• Knowledge of development regulations concerning land use and environmental matters; and
• Knowledge of SPLOST, intergovernmental and contractual agreements and provisions.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

The work is medium work and requires balancing, climbing, crouching, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT        

The incumbent works in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.