Planning and Zoning Director

JOB SUMMARY:

The Planning and Zoning Director plans and directs Hall County's Planning and Zoning Department including: current and long-range planning functions, land use management, zoning subdivision, land development plan review, and Geographical Information System (GIS) activities.  Serves as the principal policy advisor on development issues to the County Administrator's Office and the County Planning Commission in order to assure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ordinances and to contribute to development that is responsive to citizen concerns. Supervises Planning and GIS staff, and provides technical support to ensure quality daily operations, including but not limited to citizen walk-ins, zoning applications, and code amendments.   

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develops and directs short range planning and long range initiatives to assure effective development that is consistent with a high quality of life in Hall County and that is responsive to citizen concerns.

Plans and directs long range initiatives and daily activities of the Planning and Zoning Department coordinating with other key departments as needed. 

Serves as the principal policy advisor on development issues to the County Administrator's Office and the County Planning Commission.

Serves as a liaison between the Planning and Zoning Department and other entities in the County involved in the development process including developers, property owners, representatives of relevant organizations, and citizens.

Oversees development of plans and studies required by federal and state laws and/or county ordinances such as the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plans, corridor overlay studies, special district studies, zoning ordinances and others.

Develops and makes recommendations to the County Commission and the County Planning Commission. 

Prepares an annual budget for the Planning and Zoning Department and monitors expenditures under the budget throughout the year. 

Directs hiring, firing, training, and evaluation of department personnel assuring compliance with relevant employment laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Ensures the GIS unit provides detailed maps and records of geographic and property plat information necessary for Hall County to manage and control business and residential development within the county.  

Supervises, directs, and evaluates planners, planning technicians, and support staff. Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.

Oversees review of applications for site plans, subdivision plans, variances, conditional use applications, and other processes of the Department.

Responds to public inquiries for information and complaints; instructs individuals and groups on the nature and requirements of the various Hall County zoning codes.

Develops standard operating procedures, requirements, and instructions that are required to achieve acceptable zoning review practices.

Develop and implement short and long range goals and objectives for the division staff. Represent the Department as needed while working with other departments, agencies, community groups, and stakeholders.

Reviews zoning verification letter and provides interpretations for zoning and land development standards.

Determines compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and completeness of planning applications.  Notifies applicant if the proposed use is not in compliance with ordinance standards and assists with an appropriate alternative procedure, appeals, or any other administrative remedies necessary to attain compliance. 

Develops recommendations regarding zoning amendments, zoning forms, and prepares resulting text amendments. 

Meets with citizens and applicants to review and discuss county-adopted zoning and land development standards. 

Works on special projects assigned by the Assistant County Administrator.

Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in public administration (Master's degree preferred), Geography, Planning, or related field, with at least eight (8) years of experience in municipal or county planning, zoning, code enforcement or other technical field of expertise, including a minimum of at least five (5) years of progressive leadership experience.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners, International Society of Arboriculture, or Landscape Architect license required (or achievable within one year of employment). 

Valid state of Georgia driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of public administration principles and practices. 

Knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to planning, land use, permit review, building codes, and related codes and regulations including but not necessarily limited to the International Building Code.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of community development, urban planning, housing rehabilitation, construction methods and materials, code enforcement and zoning ordinances; principles and practices of strategic planning, planning laws and procedures. 

Knowledge of public policy development; emerging trends in community development services, planning, building and safety, and administration. 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of management and supervision including performance management measures, training, and discipline. 

Skilled in budget preparation and administration; project management, benchmarking, and program evaluation; and effective customer service techniques.

Skills in negotiating and administering contracts.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret land use plans, transportation plans, engineering/construction plans and municipal ordinances.

Ability to select, develop, organize, motivate, and effectively utilize staff.

Ability to plan, direct and manage a number of diverse but related activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, State, City and County officials, contractors, developers, employees, and the public.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips, or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.