Planning Director


Employer
Madison County BOC
Danielsville, Georgia

Description
The Planning Director serves as the chief planning official for Madison County and provides executive leadership for the Planning and Zoning Department. The Director is responsible for administering planning, zoning, subdivision, land development, comprehensive planning, and growth management activities while preserving the County’s rural character and supporting orderly economic development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Code (UDC). The Director is responsible for reviewing plans to ensure compliance with County, State and Federal ordinances and laws.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Reviews plans for compliance with applicable ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations and reviews applicable legal documents.
  • Consults and assists contractors, engineers, attorneys, other government agencies, and the general public on interpreting ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations, and resolves related problems.
  • Investigates complaints received from the public and meets with community groups to keep the public informed of county planning issues.
  • Meets with citizens/developers to ensure compliance; work with citizens/developers to ensure that proposals comply with the Unified Development Code, and Subdivision regulations.
  • Prepares new draft ordinances; makes necessary language changes to the existing zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations to reflect land use policy initiatives or changes made by the Board of Commissioners. Performs research concerning codes and ordinances as assigned; evaluates and recommends improvements to codes and ordinances.
  • Researches, develops, and recommends amendments to the Unified Development Code, prepares supporting documentation, and presents proposed revisions to the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioner, and other governing bodies as required.
  • Reviews site plans for compliance with codes.
  • Processes all preliminary and final plats for code compliance.
  • Makes administrative decisions and recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
  • Prepares, maintains, and stores records and files.
  • Maintains and updates zoning maps.
  • Serves as a member of various zoning and regulation committees.
  • Ensures zoning applications and amendments are properly advertised and posted.
  • Attends Planning & Zoning and BOC meetings.
  • Directs and oversees all Planning and Zoning Department operations and staff.
  • Manages implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and future Unified Development Code.
  • Prepares and administers the annual departmental budget.
  • Monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with the approved budget and prepares budget amendments as needed.
  • Supervises and evaluates department staff; handles employee concerns; directs work assignments; ensures that staff is properly trained; counsels and disciplines employees as necessary; completes employee performance appraisals.
  • Reviews timesheets for accuracy and submits them to payroll clerk.
  • Oversees the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, and Board of Appeals Public hearing processes and ensures application are processed accurately and on schedule.
  • Reviews and prepares well supported staff recommendations for rezonings, conditional special use permits, variances, changes in conditions, and other land use applications.
  • Coordinates development review activities across County departments and outside agencies, including review of land disturbance permits, building permits, plats, and related development approvals.
  • Serves as the primary liaison to developers, property owners, design professionals, and applicants to explain requirements, resolve conflicts, and communicate code or policy updates.
  • Builds and maintains effective working relationships with citizens, community groups, elected and appointed officials, regional agencies, and state and federal partners.
  • Leads special projects, including technology improvements and the development or revision of standard operating procedures, application materials, and staff training resources.
  • Monitors departmental performance measures to evaluate effectiveness, responsiveness, workload, and customer service outcomes.
  • Conducts or coordinates filed inspections and site visits to verify compliance with approved plan, permits, and applicable ordinances.
  • Prepares and presents reports, studies, maps, recommendations, and technical information to the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, community groups, and other audiences.
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in planning, geography, or a related field, and minimum of 7 years of experience in rural and/or urban planning at the local government level; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skill, knowledge and abilities. GIS experience preferred.

Special Qualifications:
Valid Georgia Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as required by department. Have or complete AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) within 36 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of urban and regional planning.
  • Knowledge of group facilitation techniques as used in public meetings.
  • Knowledge of zoning codes, land user regulations, and county ordinances.
  • Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, organization, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, personnel management, GIS and project management
  • Skill in public relations.
  • Skill in operating a computer, including the operation of various software programs.
  • Skill in interpersonal relations.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Ability to interpret ordinances, negotiate complex development issues
  • Ability to multi task.
  • Knowledge of Georgia planning law, zoning procedures, subdivision regulations.
  • Knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal regulations, programs and funding sources related to planning, community development, and capital improvements.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex regulations, legal documents, site plans, plats, engineering drawings, and architectural plans.
  • Ability to analyze complex development proposals, identify alternatives, negotiate solutions, and make sound administrative recommendations and decisions.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver clear reports, presentations, and technical information for elected officials, appointed boards, applicants, and the public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, build consensus, and navigate technical, political, and community issues.
  • Ability to lead teams, manage projects and deadlines, improve processes, and promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Salary Range
$80,856.76 – $129,370.81

Benefits
Health Insurance paid 100% by the County, $30,000 life policy at no cost, sick and vacation accruals, 11 paid holidays, retirement plan with 5 years of service 100% vested with the county

How to Apply
Visit the website

Deadline
12/31/2026

Published:  October 13, 2026
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