Planning Director

Dept/Div: Planning & Zoning/N/A FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $55,822 - $69,778

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult skilled technical work serving as the City’s lead professional planner, guiding growth in accordance with the of the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning & Zoning Department on behalf of the Mayor’s Office. Divisional supervision is exercised overall personnel in the Division.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary pint of contact for planning and zoning matters; advises private developers, attorneys, architects, engineers, and the public on permitted land uses, development standards, application requirements, and approval processes.
• Administers and applies the Unified Development Ordinance and related planning regulations; coordinates development applications through the Planning Commission and Common Council; prepares staff reports, technical analyses, and supporting materials; and attends meetings and public hearings.
• Reviews variance, rezoning, subdivision, and site plan applications and makes formal recommendations for approval or denial to Planning Commission.
• Coordinates review of zoning, building, and development permits in collaboration with building and inspection staff to ensure compliance with adopted codes and the Comprehensive Plan; provides planning input related to historic and cultural resources, as applicable.
• Supervises and directs assigned staff, including interviewing applicants and assigning work, setting priorities, providing training and guidance, conducting performance evaluations, and participating in hiring and disciplinary processes in accordance with City policies.
• Oversees and supports the use of permitting, tracking, and records management software; works with staff and vendors to improve workflows, online access, and operational efficiency within available resources.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding land use and development regulations; resolves routine issues and refers complex matters to appropriate individual or department.
• Meets with surveyors, developers, builders on projects.
• Guides and assists the Historic Preservation Commission as needed.
• Manages staff; provides leadership, and training opportunities, directs and evaluates work, recommends changes to work process or end results, monitors for areas of improvement, disciplines when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of municipal land use, development ordinances, real estate development, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, building codes, other construction related ordinances, and other related City rules and procedures; working knowledge of planning disciplines; general knowledge of theory, principals, and practices of community development; working knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures, and other regulations related to building inspection and construction; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, Microsoft Suite, and peripheral equipment; skill with public and/or customer service; skill in project and time management and relationship building; ability to read and interpret construction files and plans; ability to interpret and explain City policies codes; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public; ability to conduct thorough inspections; ability to prepare and present reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, boards and commissions, business owners, developers, property owners, and the general public.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, geography, or related field and moderate experience working with and enforcing city codes, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work frequently sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

AICP certification preferred, but not required.
Valid driver’s license in the State of Indiana.