Listing Summary

Planning & Zoning Administrator

Department:     Community        

Pay Grade:       114            

FLSA Status:   Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for managing, directing and supervising all planning, zoning, and development activities for the city.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, directs and supervises department activities, functions and personnel including preparing and managing the operations budget, developing department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and fostering staff development and training;
• 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; and attends meetings, workshops, hearings, and training sessions as required.
• Coordinates the comprehensive city planning process: develops land use and economic goals and objectives, plans capital projects, ensures public involvement in the process, and coordinates the documentation of a city plan.
• Administers the city zoning ordinances: drafts new ordinances, supervises the enforcement of existing ordinances, administers rezoning and appeals and will be involved with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Acts as the city’s Senior Review Official on all zoning, subdivision, variance and conditional use applications; Coordinates zoning verification; issues accurate and complete zoning certification(s) in accordance with established standard operating procedure; reviews zoning files to determine proposed stipulations.
• 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.
• Serves as the planning and development specialist on identified planning projects in redevelopment areas of Commerce.
• Serves as Secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Land Bank; attends meetings and public hearings; coordinates preparation of staff reports on proposed actions; submits meeting minutes; coordinates notices and posting requirements, and acts as a liaison between City Officials and the Planning Commission members.
• Performs work on economic development initiatives, implements transportation and land use planning, and supports economic development team to execute the City of Commerce’s economic development and planning goals.
• Manages the city building codes, including directing the issuance of permits and supervising the provision of building inspection services, planning and zoning efforts, and code enforcement activities.
• Administers the annexation process, including processing annexation related applications and meeting with the public to provide annexation information to the City. Submits needed documentation to City Attorney for legal review, rejects defective applications, and maintains records of annexation petitions.
• Manages the grants acquisition process: prepares opportunities such as the Community Development Block Grant and Community Housing Improvement Program for the city and prepares applications for other departments as requested.
• Attends evening meetings and occasional weekend events as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a related filed and five (5) years of related experience with planning and zoning. Experience as a certified planner is a plus: proven economic development exposure is mandatory for this position. Must have experience working with Boards and Committees.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

None required; Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred

 

Additional Requirements:

Valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

 

• Knowledge of economic development principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of fiscal management, including budget preparation, expenditure control and record keeping.
• Knowledge of urban planning principles and related laws.
• Knowledge of the City’s comprehensive plan, Georgia Planning Act, Georgia DCA minimum standards.
• Knowledge of development regulations concerning land use and environmental matters.
• Knowledge of zoning principles, laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of building construction standards, methods and related codes.
• Knowledge of real estate law.
• Knowledge of city codes, policies and procedures.   
• Knowledge of federal regulations affecting city business, including ADA regulations.    
• Skill in coordinating the implementation of public policy.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and various computer-aided designs and other applications.
• Skill in preparing and delivering presentations and ability to facilitate public input processes and public meetings.
• Skill in supervision.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to mediate disputes and bring groups with opposing goals to resolution on issues in order to move forward with a project.
• 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 handle multiple interruptions, adjustments to priorities throughout the day.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Must occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; have ability to walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; lift, carry, push, and/or pull light (5 lbs) to moderate (50 lbs) amounts of weight; walk up and down flights of stairs; crawl in confined areas (e.g., attics); have close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must also have hearing ability sufficient to understand general in-person and telephone conversation; be able to read a variety of informational, technical, financial and administrative documentations, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures; be able to write reports and essays with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech; be able to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice; operate a variety of automated office equipment including computer, printer, photocopier, calculator and telephone. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms; and use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The duties of this position will typically be performed in outside weather in an office and occasionally at building sites. The employee is exposed to occasional inclement weather.