Assistant Director – Development & Regulatory Services

Assistant Director – Development & Regulatory Services

City of Pearland, Texas

Full-time

Salary: $ – $ per year

Pearland is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas due to affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and superb quality of life. Ranked as one of the top ten safest cities in Texas.

The Assistant Director – Development & Regulatory Services will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Health Services divisions within the Community Development Department. This position functions as the City’s Building Official, providing professional expertise on the interpretation, adoption, and enforcement of building, health, and life safety codes.

• Provides daily leadership and direction to the Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Health Services divisions.
• Serves as the City’s Building Official, overseeing the consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement of adopted construction, life safety, and health codes.
• Oversees the City’s third‑party inspection services contract, including contractor performance management, workload coordination, compliance review, and budget monitoring.
• Coordinates the adoption and amendment of International Code Council (ICC) codes, collaborating with the Fire Marshal’s Office, legal staff, and advisory boards to prepare ordinances and policy recommendations for City Council.
• Coordinates all functions of the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Prepares and presents City Council agenda items, resolutions, and staff reports related to code adoption, enforcement, fee adjustments, and development process improvements.
• Reviews and approves complex commercial and multi‑family building plans for compliance with building, fire, and accessibility codes.
• Provides expert technical guidance to design professionals, developers, contractors, and residents regarding plan review requirements, permitting, and construction standards.
• Collaborates closely with the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention team to coordinate plan review and inspection processes related to fire safety systems, hazardous materials, and emergency access.
• Oversees enforcement and education initiatives within the Code Enforcement and Health Services divisions.
• Manages division budgets, monitors expenditures, and ensures proper use of departmental resources.
• Develops, updates, and implements policies, standard operating procedures, and service delivery improvements.
• Leads and mentors staff, promotes professional development, and fosters a collaborative, high‑performing work culture.
• Coordinates cross‑departmental communication to improve alignment between regulatory and development functions.
• Participates in long‑range and short‑range planning discussions to ensure that building standards, health and safety regulations, and urban design principles contribute to sustainable community growth.
• Understands and supports the importance of Planning Division functions, including land use planning, urban design, landscaping, and connectivity that shape the built environment.
• Represents the department at public meetings, development forums, and public events.
• Serves as an essential employee during emergency operations, including leading post‑disaster damage assessments and permitting coordination.

• Comprehensive knowledge of International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, and Fire Codes, and related standards.
• Familiarity with Fire Code provisions and coordination with fire prevention and life safety systems.
• Ability to interpret technical codes, resolve conflicts, and provide clear direction under complex conditions.
• Strong working knowledge of public health regulations, food establishment permitting, and environmental health programs.
• Proven skill in performing and reviewing complex commercial plan reviews and inspections.
• Knowledge of contract management and performance oversight for third‑party inspection or plan review services.
• Experience preparing City Council agenda items, ordinances, and reports.
• Strong budget…