Building, Planning, Zoning, and Community Development Director

Building, Planning, Zoning, and Community Development Director Job Summary

This position directs all current and long‑range County planning, manages the County’s building permitting and inspection program, Erosion & Sedimentation Control program, zoning, subdivision development and regulations, code enforcement, timber, business license, alcohol license and permitting, and all associated duties in adherence with County codes, policies, and procedures. Serves as advisor to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Appeals, and County Administrator in all areas of the department’s responsibilities.

Reports to the County Administrator.

Serves as County Building, Planning, Zoning, and Community Development Director and is responsible for development and implementation of policies and procedures related to planning and zoning. Assists the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners in developing and maintaining a comprehensive plan and development regulations.

Supervises, hires, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, handles employee concerns and problems, directs work, and counsels employees as needed.

Enforces the Zoning Ordinance, including the County’s subdivision regulations, advising appropriate parties regarding the application review process. Recommends and assists in developing subdivision regulations, land use, comprehensive plan, and related ordinances. Receives and reviews new building and subdivision plans to ensure that proposed development and construction comply with Meriwether County codes and are properly zoned.

Reviews plans and issues permits for new commercial/industrial projects to assure compliance with all County rules, codes, and regulations.

Reviews applications for rezoning to verify current land use and evaluates proposed future use.

Prepares timely reports for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Board of Commissioners, including department analysis and recommendations.

Assists in managing the County’s comprehensive plan and short‑term work programs, presenting new plan proposals to the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners for approval. Preserves goals of the land‑use plan by designing zoning, subdivision, and other planning ordinances to ensure compliance with the plan.

Serves as staff advisor for the Board of Appeals and Planning and Zoning Commission; prepares correspondence, establishes meeting agendas, analyzes requests, advertises and posts properties for rezoning and road closures, conducts site inspections, recommends action, and directs preparation of minutes. Amends existing zoning ordinances when necessary and develops new ordinances for review by the County Administrator and approval by the Board of Commissioners.

Supervises the building inspection process and assists on special projects. Communicates with other state and county departments in developing and implementing department policies and procedures.

Assists in reviewing and updating the Service Delivery Strategy as needed.

Responds to various citizen questions regarding planning, zoning, E & S control, business and alcohol licenses, timber, building inspection, and land development issues, providing information concerning County rules, codes, and regulations relevant to these areas.

Ensures that zoning maps, county codes, and all other department records are accurate and properly maintained. Uses GIS and other technology to facilitate efficient retrieval of needed records.

Develops necessary office procedures, policies, forms, and applications.

Develops and manages the office budget and monitors department expenditures to efficiently deliver services.

Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact the County regarding comprehensive planning, land‑use, and development. May also ensure compliance with other assigned state and federal laws and regulations.

Assists in coordinating the administration of grants, including but not limited to Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Community Home Improvement Grant (CHIP), and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and other state and federal grant programs as…