Planning and Development Director

JOB TITLE:  Planning and Development Director PL/1

DEPARTMENT:  Community Development, City of Toccoa

TO APPLY: Please read the below job description carefully, and submit cover letter and resume to Kristen Deal at kdeal@cityoftoccoa.com.

JOB SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for administering the planning, zoning, and permit programs in order to ensure compliance with relevant construction, city codes, and the comprehensive plan for the City, as well as supervising and administering the Community Development Department.  

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Directs, supervises, trains, and evaluates personnel of the Community Development Department, including: the Ritz Theatre, Lake Toccoa Event Facilities, and the Main Street Departments.
•  Staff for the Toccoa Planning Commission (TPC) and Toccoa City Commission (TCC), and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in conjunction with the Main Street Manager, as well as other boards and commissions as needed.
•  Responsible for the administration of the community design ordinance: reviews all zoning amendments, variances, annexations or subdivision applications and the submission of annexation records to state agencies; ensures compliance with Georgia zoning procedures law, tree, historic preservation and sign, ordinances, official zoning map changes, and review of census data.
• Receives and processes all zoning amendment, zoning variance, and annexation applications and/or subdivision plats for submittal to the Toccoa Planning Commission and Toccoa City Commission.
• Works on zoning or code of ordinance updates, re-writes, or additions as needed. 
• Writes, administers, and provides project management for federal and state grants (including Community Development Block Grant) and other funding sources; handles accounting, close-out, and audit associated with project.
• Writes smaller, short-term plans or studies as needed, or facilitates their development by a planning consultant or the Regional Commission.
• Reviews site and building plans and subdivision plans to determine compliance with zoning ordinance, working with the Fire, Utilities, Building Inspector, and Police Departments in doing so.
• Develops and administers the departmental budget, including approving and overseeing all expenditures within city and departmental guidelines to ensure the optimal use of City resources. 
• Ensures compliance with the Georgia zoning procedures law including legal advertisements, public hearings, and posting of signs.
• Prepares, maintains and recommends changes to official zoning map and City limits map.
• Approves all new parcel subdivision or combinations done within City limits.
• Updates five-year Capital Improvements Project plan. Conducts long-range planning activities for capital improvements, infrastructure, etc.
• Responsible for the coordination and update of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Conducts research on growth and development; conducts research of annexation and zoning classifications; performs other research as required.
• Issues building, plumbing, electrical, sign, grading, demolition, HVAC and other construction related permits for the City of Toccoa Building Department; advises developers, contractors, etc.  Ensures all current ordinances are being followed.
• Writes and submits monthly Community Development Department report to the City.
• Exercises responsibility for compiling and maintaining census data and other information concerning the community.
• Provides technical service to other government agencies and private groups as needed.
• Maintains annexation records for local and state agencies.
• Advises residents on various housing matters including new construction and available grants/loans.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive plan and conducts long range planning activities, researches for growth and development, and assists committees with work plan implementations.
• Answers all questions and concerns from the citizens regarding zoning, planning, permitting, and grant programs/capital improvement projects.
• Establishes and maintains a business recruitment and retention program for the City, with a particular focus on downtown in conjunction with the Main Street Manager.
• Works with the Chamber of Commerce and Stephens County Development Authority in the recruitment, site location assistance, and site development of new industry, multi-family housing, and hotels within City limits.
• Reviews all site plans, subdivision plans and plats, building construction plans, sign plans, and the issuance of all city building permits and certificates of appropriateness for compliance with city regulations.
• Develops economic strategies to increase business downtown (enhancement of gateways to downtown) and to attract new consumers; maintains property inventory listing, utilizes market study for business recruitment/retention; monitors program’s success by development of data to track and assess the program; establishes opportunity zones for special tax districts.
• Works with the City Manager on special projects and assists with other departments, agencies, groups, consultants, and internships with events, reports, and projects as needed.
• Maintains positive relations with all persons/entities involved with community leadership and downtown development; conducts speaking engagements and public relations campaigns; recognizes outstanding renovation projects, volunteers, and new businesses annually and submits to DCA for consideration. 
• Represents Community Development Department at various state and national conferences, GAZA, and Community Planning Institute workshops.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of best practices for planning and zoning principles, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in the grant application process.
• 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 downtown development techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of the economic and demographic profiles of the city.
• Knowledge of computer operations and applications.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective public relations.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of civil engineering.
• Knowledge of the techniques, materials, and equipment used in building construction.
• Knowledge of the state laws, local ordinances, and construction and trades codes governing the zoning, permitting, planning, and inspection processes.
• Skill in planning diverse work activities.
• 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, including public speaking.

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 city ordinances, grant application instructions, city policies and procedures, directives from the Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, Toccoa Planning Commission, and City Commission, standard gas, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes, construction codes, zoning and development regulations, state laws, fire protection codes, and relevant state laws.  These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.  This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY:  This position consists of varied activities in planning and coordinating the downtown development program of the city.  The variety of businesses, individuals, and governing entities contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT:  The purpose of this position is to manage the operation of the downtown development and planning program.  Successful performance facilitates the development and revitalization of the downtown area and affects the image of the city. 

PERSONAL CONTACTS:  Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, members of the Downtown Development Authority, members of the Historic Preservation Commission, Toccoa Planning Commission, Toccoa Housing Team, representatives of civic organizations, developers, business owners, builders, general contractors, property owners, local elected officials, architects, design professionals, law enforcement officials, federal and state officials, surveyors, engineers, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:  Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, motivate personnel, resolve problems, provide services, negotiate and settle matters, and justify decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, or stooping. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, and inclement weather.  Some work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:  This position has direct supervision over the Events and Office Coordinator (1), Main Street Manager (1), Ritz Theatre General Manager (1), Reflections General Manager (1), and any other personnel that may be assigned to the Community Development Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning and Community Development or related field required, with three to five years experience in planning, zoning, or related experience in planning, zoning, or related experience required; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the job.  
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.