JOB DESCRIPTION

Supervised By: County Administrator/Controller

Supervises: Assistant Planner and Planning & Zoning Secretary

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the County Administrator/Controller, directs departmental operations which include planning, zoning and economic development. Supervises support staff and provides staff support to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and the County Board of Commissioners. Participates on various planning & zoning related committees. Serves as the County Zoning Administrator.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Supervises all Planning & Zoning Department staff. Responsible for training, scheduling and approving leave, assigning work, reviewing and evaluating performance and with the County Administrator/Controller for hiring and employee relations issues. Also, develops department wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
2. Administers County zoning regulations, includes preparing new and revised zoning ordinances.
3. Reviews zoning compliance applications.
4. Administers applications for special use permits, variances, rezonings and any other planning and zoning related issues which includes conducting research, preparing detailed reports and presenting to appropriate board or committee at public hearing. This also includes being responsible for conducting site plan reviews (for planning purposes), variance reviews, site inspections, field work and report writing.
5. Prepares for and attends substantial number of evening meetings (Planning Commission, ZBA, Townships, various committees such as advisory committees and taskforces) and serves as staff to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Provides staff recommendations on issues such as lot splits, subdivisions, special use permits, mineral extraction, planned unit developments, and related land use issues.
6. Prepares for public hearings and ensures that procedures are in compliance with the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance and State Enabling Legislation.
7. Conducts studies and develops long-range development plans to guide County and local officials in making decisions regarding community development and land use planning. Conducts research, analysis and organizes data.
8. Explains zoning ordinance and regulations related to land use.
9. Responds to inquiries from developers, owners, architects, contractors, local officials and others regarding planning and zoning regulations and procedures. Answers questions concerning planning & zoning violations and complaints.
10. Monitors staff activities to ensure compliance with planning & zoning laws and ordinances. Reviews all departmental reports and presentations. Acts as the Department's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator.
11. Coordinates economic development activities with regional economic development partner agencies.
12. Performs various administrative tasks such as preparing the departmental budgets for Planning & Zoning, developing policies and procedures, preparing department activity and status and special reports as requested by the County Administrator/Controller, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Commissioners.
13. Responsible for the completion of the County's Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update. Participates in the zoning ordinance amendment process and review of planning & zoning fee schedules.
14. Ensure the County Administrator/Controller and Board of Commissioners are kept fully informed on the condition of the Department and any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the Department's success.
15. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in regional planning or closely related field.
• Four years of planning and zoning experience with substantial experience in land use planning, site reviews, regional planning and zoning enforcement.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database entry, GIS, BS&A, and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.
• Valid Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While conducting site visits, walks over uneven terrain to inspect property to arrive at a decision on planning and zoning applications.
• Travels to various locations to attend meetings and represent the department.