Chief of Urban Planning

Under the supervision of the City Manager, the Director of the Planning & Building Departments oversees and directs the planning, development, zoning, code enforcement, building inspection, and property maintenance inspection functions of the City of Albion.

This role involves coordinating, directing, and executing zoning administration related to planning, economic development, zoning, rental property registration, property maintenance, and building codes.

Collaborates with local, county, regional, and state officials, organizations, boards, and commissions to address the City's short- and long-term planning, development, and redevelopment requirements.

Manages the operations, staff, interns, and volunteers of the Planning & Building Department.

Integrates economic resources, community resources, building code enforcement, and land use into a cohesive program aimed at enhancing the community's economic environment.

Handles the reception, investigation, and documentation of complaints regarding non-compliance with city development, nuisance abatement, property maintenance, vehicle storage, and zoning ordinances.

Receives, reviews, and recommends site plans promptly. Advises developers and the City Manager on requirements to ensure compliance with state and local statutes and regulations. Provides alternative development strategies for projects as necessary.

Reviews and researches planning proposals for re-zoning and special use approvals. Conducts field inspections and applicant interviews. Prepares recommendation reports for review by the City Manager, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Presents Planning Commission recommendations to the City Council.

Reviews development plans and coordinates findings with the City Manager and other City Departments. Evaluates the development plan's impact on the Comprehensive Master Plan and other policy matters.

Prepares reports for inclusion in agenda packets and presents recommendations to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council for consideration. Reviews license applications under the department's jurisdiction for compliance with ordinances and regulations, making recommendations to the City Manager regarding approval or denial.

Establishes and manages a Rental Registration and Certification Program.

Conducts routine property maintenance inspections as requested by tenants and property owners.

Coordinates efforts with public safety/fire inspector, building inspector, trade inspector, and other relevant city departments to ensure consistent enforcement.

Performs periodic surveys of code violations and is responsible for issuing violations related to code compliance.

Ensures that hazardous buildings are secured appropriately and coordinates with contractors for the remediation of code violations.

Manages billing and payment processes for contractors related to administration and abatement fees associated with code compliance.

Continuously reviews and recommends improvements to zoning and codes to the City Manager, aiming to streamline administrative processes.

Prepares, recommends, and presents the annual budget to the City Manager and City Council, providing updates as required.

Maintains oversight of the Planning & Building budget, ensuring expenditures remain within approved limits and comply with city policies. Provides monthly reports on budget and actual expenditures to the City Manager.

Acts as a liaison between the City, developers, property owners, real estate agents, architects, engineers, private contractors, citizens, and other governmental agencies regarding planning, zoning, and code-related matters.

Provides support for the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, special boards/commissions, and civic organizations to facilitate the preparation, implementation, and reporting of measurable outcomes related to the Comprehensive Plan and development activities.

Engages in public outreach to inform citizens about code requirements through personal visits and presentations.

Prepares written communications for property owners, managers, and residents to uphold health, safety, and aesthetic standards.

Stays updated on changing regulations, codes, and policies through ongoing education and training, attending relevant conferences, workshops, webinars, and seminars as appropriate.

Establishes collaborative working relationships with officials, colleagues, the public, peer agencies, and other governmental entities.

Reviews and recommends community development, economic development, brownfield redevelopment, and downtown development programs/projects to the City Manager.

Ensures that zoning, code, and ordinance information is accurately updated on relevant platforms.

Coordinates the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) data.

Performs related duties as assigned by the City Manager.

The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, planning, community development, business management, or a related field is preferred. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required.

At least five (5) years of relevant experience in planning, economic development, construction trade, or building inspection, along with formal training in the construction process, is preferred.

Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential.

Possession of or the ability to obtain a State-issued contractor's license is desirable.

Possession of or the ability to obtain ICC international property maintenance & housing inspector certification or a similarly recognized certification is required.

Knowledge of principles and procedures of professional planning, economic development, brownfield redevelopment, and related compliance standards is necessary.

Understanding of federal and state community and economic development laws and related compliance data is required.

Proficiency in office-related software and the ability to work independently to meet departmental objectives is essential.

Strong report writing and filing skills are necessary.

A current driver's license is required.

Willingness to learn city ordinances and state construction codes related to code compliance and property maintenance is essential.

Ability to maintain composure during conflicts and effectively communicate with community members is crucial.

Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary for presenting ideas and concepts.

Ability to establish effective working relationships and demonstrate good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when interacting with the public, elected officials, community leaders, and colleagues is essential.

Regular and prompt attendance is required.