Director of Planning and Community Development


Employer
City of Flowery Branch
Flowery Branch, Georgia

Description
This position is responsible for leading the Planning and Development Department, guiding the team in delivering high-quality services across planning, permitting, inspections, and community development. This position will oversee the creation and implementation of long-range plans, ensuring they align with the city’s strategic vision and comply with state and federal regulations.

  • Directs, supervises, trains, and evaluates personnel.
  • Meets with builders, developers, citizens, and all interested parties regarding all matters related to planning and/or community development.
  • Represents the city at local events, meetings, and conferences that pertain to planning and/or community development.
  • Serves on any committee or local group as designated by the City Manager.
  • Responsible for coordinating and/or reviewing all relevant planning, zoning, engineering, and building plans.
  • Conducts public hearings associated with development plans, the allocation of city funds, and the implementation of new programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring the city’s historic district is properly administered.
  • Responsible for the annual State Mandated Storm Water Report.
  • Responsible for the administration of community design ordinances.
  • Reviews all proposed zoning amendments, variances, annexations, or subdivision applications and the submission of annexation records to state agencies; ensures compliance with local and state zoning procedures, landscape and tree regulations, sign, nuisance, and property maintenance ordinances, official zoning map changes, and review of census data.
  • Prepares and maintains comprehensive plan and five-year capital improvements plan.
  • Conducts long-range planning activities; advises the City Manager and City Council regarding growth and development.
  • Reviews all site plans, subdivision plans and plats, building construction plans, and the issuance of all city building permits and certificates of occupancy for compliance with city regulations.
  • Coordinates the development of projects, reports, studies, grant proposals, funding, and ordinances as requested by the City Manager and City Council.
  • Works with the City Manager on special projects and assists with other agencies, groups, developers, and consultants with events, reports, and projects as needed.
  • Attends City Council meetings and assists in providing clarification of reports, recommendations, and project statuses.
  • Reviews department budget requests, reports, and studies; recommends action to the City Manager.
  • Reviews all ordinances to ensure they are up to date and modern practices are being implemented and followed.
  • Conducts economic development recruitment.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

  • Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of urban planning and community development.
  • Knowledge of city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of public financial management and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of public accounting principles.
  • Knowledge of the economic and demographic profiles of the city.
  • Knowledge of computer operation and applications.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective public relations.
  • Knowledge of the techniques, materials, and equipment used in building construction.
  • Knowledge of the state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trade codes governing the zoning, permitting, planning, and inspection processes.
  • Skill in management and supervision.
  • Skill in analyzing and compiling technical data.
  • Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.
  • Skill in dealing with the public.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

  • The City Manager assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

  • Guidelines include zoning ordinances, subdivision and development regulations, sign ordinances, comprehensive plan, historic preservation ordinance, and the Official Code of Georgia. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

  • The work consists of varied community planning and development duties. Dealing with multiple levels of regulations and a wide variety of professionals and citizens contributes to the complexity of the position.
  • The purpose of this position is to manage the community development and planning program. Success in this position helps ensure the city implements its economic, development, and community growth goals efficiently.

CONTACTS

  • Contacts are typically with developers, builders, business owners, architects, real estate agents, engineers, outside agencies, lawyers, and the general public.
  • Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; and to resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
  • The work is typically performed in an office.
  • Work may be performed outdoors while being exposed to weather elements.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

  • This position has direct supervision over Planner I (1), Building Official (1), Permit & Occupational Tax Clerk (1), and Administrative Coordinator (1).

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field is required. Master’s degree preferred and
  • At least six (6) years of professional planning experience and
  • At least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role or
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience including but not limited to demonstrated mastery of typical duties and essential competencies.
  • Valid Georgia driver’s license is required.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred but not required.

Salary Range
$94,269 minimum (pay is negotiable based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance are paid for by the city for the Director and any covered dependents.
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Earn 6.15 hours of vacation per pay period
  • Earn 1 hour of sick time per week.
  • Life Insurance provided by the City. Employee coverage is $25,000, spouse coverage is $10,000 and children coverage is $2,500.
  • Long Term Disability is provided by the City.
  • Retirement Plan: the City adopted the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System Defined Benefit Retirement Plan for its employees. The monthly normal retirement benefit amount for eligible regular employees shall be 1/12 of 2.5% of final average earnings multiplied by years of total credited service. Must work a minimum of five (5) years to be vested.
  • 457(b) Retirement Plan: City employees have the opportunity to participate in a 457(b) retirement plan. The City does not make contributions to this plan.
  • Social Security: The City extends to its employees Social Security benefits authorized by federal and state laws.

How to Apply
Please visit our website to review the position information, a detailed benefits sheet, and complete an application. Applications can be emailed.