General Overview

Performs professional administrative and supervisory work regarding the land use planning, zoning, and community development functions within the City of Dunn. An employee in this class directs the planning and zoning activities in the City to ensure coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development.  Work involves a variety of professional planning activities including comprehensive plan review of development and land use applications; zoning, site plan and environmental review; enforcement of zoning and related codes; grants management and administration; providing professional support to City Boards and Committees; providing technical assistance and administrative guidance to City staff and the public; providing guidance for the orderly long-range growth, appropriate land use, and current development of the City; and supervising staff involved in the issuance of permits. The employee is responsible for the overall design of the planning program including zoning, regulation of subdivisions, and redevelopment.  Knowledge and skill in process design and facilitation to obtain citizen and developer input and develop consensus among conflicted parties is required.  Extensive judgment and initiative are required in conducting research projects, compiling reports and making presentations, and making recommendations for various programs and functions of the City. Work involves extensive public contact and coordination with other departments, boards and commissions. Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in the public contact functions.  Work is performed under the general administrative direction of the City Manager and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, results obtained, and management of and administrative adherence to the City’s plans, programs, and ordinances.

Essential Functions

Performs comprehensive plan review of development and land use applications; reviews site plans against zoning and environmental ordinances; completes technical assessments; conducts site inspections; prepares written project analysis and makes recommendations; interprets and explains applicable rules.

Assists the public, developers, engineers, contractors, and others with information, processes, technical guidance and other customer service needs in the development review process.

Serves as zoning administrator; oversees rezonings and development permits to ensure zoning and code compliance; prepares zoning verification letters; writes warning citation letters.

Prepares applications for federal and state funds and grants; manages grant requirements and paperwork; may administer expenditure of grant funds.

Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies and procedures for the City and the department; advises the City Manager and City Council on related issues.

Participates in Planning Board and City Council meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals; presents and discusses applications and reports; provides staff support and guidance in design, interpretation and directions; answers questions regarding planning related issues.

Organizes, schedules and participates in Planning Board, Technical Review Committee, and Board of Adjustment meeting and hearings.

Designs and manages a variety of processes to obtain input from the community and develop consensus among conflicted parties.

Researches and prepares planning elements necessary for decisions by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing, transportation, open space, and environmental impact.

Creates and updates maps; manages and updates data; gathers data and researches needed information; develops graphs and tables utilizing GIS technology.

Enforces land use and nuisance ordinances; receives and pursues complaints alleging ordinance violations; issues warning and citation; corresponds with property owners regarding ordinances.

Develops, coordinates, and directs staff in the functions of minor plan review, zoning and nuisance code enforcement, and permit processing.

Hires, trains, assigns, builds teamwork, mentors, provides leadership and direction, performance coaching and evaluation, communications and motivation to department staff.

Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies and procedures for the City and the department.

Accepts, reviews and processes permits.

Prepares and monitors department budget; drafts and maintains a variety of planning files, records and reports.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of community and public sector planning.

Considerable knowledge of the City’s zoning and land use ordinances and codes; policies and procedures related to land use planning, zoning, subdivision ordinances, and community development.

Considerable knowledge of federal and state grant opportunities and regulations.

Considerable skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations and in working with others in a joint cooperative manner.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory techniques and practices leadership, motivations, communications, team building, performance coaching and evaluation.

Working knowledge of GIS systems including application of software, hardware and peripherals to planning needs.

Working knowledge of City budgeting, purchasing and personnel policies and procedures.

Skilled in building consensus, meeting facilitation, public speaking, in collaborative problem-solving, and customer service excellence.

Ability to analyze complex planning problems and to determine the data needed for making decisions on such problems.

Ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact.

Ability to prepare and present oral and written reports and studies effectively.

Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate the work of others.

Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and City officials, staff, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration or related field and considerable professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements/Certifications

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Possession of Zoning Certification.

Prefer possession of AICP certification.