Community Development Director

Position Title:      Community Development Director (Planning & Zoning Administrator)
 
Purpose of Position:      The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of supervisory, administrative, technical and professional work in the creation and implementation of community development plans, programs and services.  Manages staff and contractors for building inspection, oversees zoning and sign code enforcement, acts as staff liaison and secretary to the New London Plan Commission.
 
Normal Probationary Period:  6 months
 
Note:  This position is exempt from FLSA overtime requirements
 
This Position Reports to:        City Administrator
 
Supervisory Responsibilities of Position:   Building Inspectors (staff and/or contractors)

• Serves as the Planning & Zoning Administrator by reviewing zoning permit applications and issuing approvals or denials in accordance with the City’s zoning ordinance.  Prepares and updates zoning ordinances and Comprehensive Plan amendments as needed.
• Assists the public with building permit applications and ensures timely review and approval by Building Inspectors.
• Provides leadership, direction, and management in the development and implementation of both short- and long-range plans and projects, including the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations, and coordinates department activities with other City departments and outside agencies as needed.
• Manages the review and approval process for land use documents—such as plats, certified survey maps, land divisions, annexations, and detachments—by working closely with developers, consultants/engineers, and City staff.  Ensure compliance with local ordinances as well as state and federal regulations.
• Supervises the evaluation of land use proposals to determine conformance with established plans and zoning ordinances. Assesses potential development impacts in alignment with the City’s adopted plans and makes formal recommendations.
• Coordinates with municipal, state, and federal agencies to maintain full compliance with planning and zoning regulations, ensuring all required documentation is submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains accurate and complete records related to department activities, including licenses, permits, maps, blueprints, overlays, and other planning-related documentation.
• Collaborates with the City Assessor to provide timely building permit and construction information for the purpose of updating assessment records.
• Responds to inquiries from citizens regarding community development, planning, and zoning regulations; helps resolve complex disputes among planners, program managers, applicants, and the public.
• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to remain current on municipal planning trends and best practices.
• Attends Plan Commission and Board of Appeals meetings; acts as Secretary by preparing agendas, public notices, minutes, and all relevant documentation pertaining to planning, zoning, appeals, and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Provides professional planning and development advice to supervisors and other officials; attends public and private meetings to offer information or presentations to supervisors, City Council, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
• Ensures that assigned responsibilities are performed within budget by conducting cost control activities, monitoring revenues and expenditures, preparing annual budget requests, and analyzing fee schedules.  Recommends adjustments to ensure efficient use of funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
• Act as a Municipal Code Enforcement officer, assists City staff, consultants, or other agencies in enforcing a wide range of municipal, state, and federal codes, including but not limited to: Zoning Code, Floodplain Zoning, Shoreland-Wetland Ordinances, Public Nuisance Ordinances, and Uniform Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire, Housing, and Dangerous Building Codes.  Issues correction notices and citations when necessary.
• Generates written correspondence and reports for various recipients, including citizens, the Common Council, and other governmental agencies.
• Attend continuing education classes, seminars and networking meetings so as to remain abreast of updates in regulations, laws, current topics and industry practices.
• Coordinates with Building Inspectors and/or conducts field visits to ensure active construction projects are in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
• With assistance of Building Inspectors, manages permits related to construction, plumbing, electrical, razing, heating, signs, excavation, moving, occupancy, and zoning.
• Assists the City Administrator with economic development initiatives and related activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the City Administrator.

• Working knowledge of municipal government functions, and the laws, statutes, and regulations pertaining to planning and land use development.
• Solid understanding of the principles, methods, and practices of urban and regional planning, including statistical and research methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting planning data.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, policies, plans, and other technical documents.
• Skilled in conducting planning-related research and in compiling, analyzing, and communicating data effectively.
• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated interest in and ability to build trusting, effective working relationships with residents, property owners, developers, businesses, elected officials, City staff, and external governmental or economic development partners.
• Familiarity with techniques in negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution, with the skills and willingness to engage in such methods when needed.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, creativity, and decisiveness in decision-making and daily interactions.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to complete work accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and high work volumes while maintaining professionalism and productivity.
• Willingness and ability to learn, adapt to, and share evolving technologies relevant to planning and zoning.
• Ability to present complex planning concepts and proposals clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including the general public, boards, commissions, and elected officials.
• Familiarity with basic building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical code concepts as they relate to zoning and land development review.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in using personal computers, Microsoft Office, and ArcView GIS; able to quickly learn and operate property record systems, measuring tools, and other required technologies.

Salary : $78,235 - $97,705