Planning and Zoning Director

Performs professional, technical, and administrative duties in directing the activities of the Town's program for current and long-range planning and for code enforcement. An employee in this class plans, organizes and coordinates the Town's overall planning program which includes current and long-range planning, issuing zoning permits and zoning enforcement, and development consultation and review. Work involves providing guidance for the orderly growth and development of the Town; consultation on updating of the development ordinance and plans; providing support to the Manager, Town Council and Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment as well as working with community groups on planning issues; providing consultation to developers with respect to development standards; proactively addressing planning related issues via updates and revisions to development ordinances; collecting data on community and development issues; reviewing site plans for zoning compliance; conducting pre-application meetings with rezoning applicants and assisting developers with zoning process; representing the Town on regional planning groups; working on technical planning issues such as transportation planning and stormwater and environmental regulatory compliance; and providing input and assistance to economic development efforts in the Town. Work involves extensive public contact explaining potential and allowable land uses, and requires coordination with other departments, boards, commissions, and the public. Extensive judgment and initiative are required in conducting research projects, compiling reports and making presentations, and making recommendations for various programs and functions of the Town. Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in the public contact functions. Work is performed under general administrative direction of the Town Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, and overall acceptance of the programs by the Town's citizens. Develops, coordinates, and directs a variety of special and continuing plans related to the growth, development, and redevelopment of the Town; gathers and analyzes a variety of information pertaining to community and economic development projects. Reviews plans for conformance to applicable codes and regulations; reviews petitions; recommends updates to codes and ordinances. Provides guidance to Manager, Council and Planning Board in design, interpretation, and direction for planning studies and documents, and for local state and federal compliance requirements; represents the Town on regional transportation and similar committees; assures proper notice for public hearings. Prepares graphic materials for presentations; uses GIS for presentation and planning maps; creates layers and inputs Town data as needed. Collects, analyzes, and uses a variety of data to provide information on land uses and development; researches and recommends changes to development-related ordinances. Conducts pre-application meetings with rezoning applicants; assists developers and landowners with the zoning and rezoning process; review plans for compliance to codes and issues permits. Interprets and enforces zoning, subdivision, and related ordinances; enforces signs, and other zoning laws; issues zoning permits; sends out certification notices, public hearing notices and violation letters. Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in obtaining information and coordinating planning matters; coordinates activities with County and surrounding jurisdictions; participates in plan review process; provides guidance and coordination of efforts for compliance with stormwater, floodplain and other environmental issues. Answers calls from citizens and developers concerning subdivision and development regulations. Works with County economic development staff on potential residential, commercial, and industrial economic development projects and attempts to attract high quality growth projects; provides information and works with potential developers. Participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals, answers citizen and developer questions regarding planning and related issues. Supervises staff and code enforcement. Performs related duties as required. Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to land use planning, zoning, growth management, subdivision ordinances, community development, and local governments. Thorough knowledge of the environmental and socio-economics implications of the planning process and statues, laws, rules, and regulations affecting these functions. Considerable knowledge and skill in the design and facilitation of public input processes designed to build consensus among conflicted parties. Considerable skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data, recommendations, policies, and systems, and of grants management and reporting. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning. Working knowledge of public management and organization theories, principles, practices, and techniques. Skill in building consensus, in collaborative problem-solving, and in conflict management. Skill in working with GIS, and other related technology, and in computer programs and specialized printers used. Ability to work independently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and Town officials, and the general public. Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies. Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms. Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from a college or university with a degree in planning, public administration, or related field and several years of experience in municipal planning, community development or related field with a master's degree in planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements NC Driver's License. Preferences AICP Certification CZO Certification At least 5 years of progressive local government planning experience