Planning Director jobs in Savannah, GA

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for managing the city’s planning and zoning and building inspection functions which includes land use, strategic, and comprehensive planning; permitting; code compliance; design review; engineering; and ordinance administration. This is highly responsible and technical professional administrative work. This position serves as the City Planner.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides the supervision and direction for staff of Planning and Zoning and Building Inspections and is responsible for the planning, direction, organization, administration, and general management for the departments.
• Serves as City Planner responsible for development, interpretation, and implementation of ordinances, policies and procedures related to planning and development in accordance with local, State and Federal laws.
• Draft ordinances consistent with the goals and objectives of current and future needs of the city.
• Administers zoning, subdivision, land use, and other related ordinances and regulations and prepares amendment recommendations to such as needed.
• Provides professional level engineering services, research, analysis, report writing and presentations.
• Works with staff and applicants to review developers’ plans to ensure compliance with the regulations and policies of the city.
• Coordinates, develops, and implements the comprehensive plan and other land use, strategic, and service delivery plans.
• Maintains responsibility for boundary and mapping updates and accuracy and for reporting changes in boundaries, service areas, zonings etc. utilizing city GIS.
• Manages special projects and reports within the Planning and Zoning/Building Inspections Departments.
• Monitors plan review submittals for site plan approvals, subdivisions, zoning petitions, variances, and conditional use requests.
• Attends all required meetings: Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, City Council meetings; with City Manager, Public Works Director, developers, engineers, FEMA, CEMA, and Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia etc.
• Oversees and provides technical review of applications processed within Planning and Zoning/Building Inspections Departments including site plans, construction drawings, rezoning petitions, variances, conditional uses, etc.
• Ensures review of all phases of subdivisions from sketch plans to final plat approvals and recording, interpreting maps and drawings.
• Assists with yearly documentation and tasks to maintain Community Rating Service status for Floodplain Management.
• Ensures zoning regulations are followed, referring to land use maps, zoning maps, PUD Master Plans, PUD Development Standards, subdivisions, recorded plats/deeds, etc.
• Attends professional workshops and conferences to maintain proficiency in planning and zoning interpretation and new economic development trends.
• Reviews Special Flood Hazard area development for compliance with the City of Garden City’s SFHA Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance including obtaining all required approvals from the other agencies.
• Prepares and manage annual departmental budget; monitors approved budget.
• Performs related duties as directed by City Manager.

Education and Experience:

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Engineering or Planning degree preferred. Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require five years of related experience.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License. American Institute of Certified Planners and Certified Floodplain Manager certifications preferred or ability to obtain within two (2) years upon hire. Must be able to obtain and maintain various GA Department of Transportation planning certifications as assigned related to development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of engineering applicable in a municipal setting.
• Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Planning and Zoning/Building Inspections Departments.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of Economic Development.
• Knowledge of relevant local, State and Federal laws, standards, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to this position.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs including GIS; also, government processes and services, funding sources, and economic research methods.
• Knowledge of city financial and budgeting procedures.
• Knowledge of plan review principles.
• Knowledge of building construction practices and terminology.
• Knowledge of FEMA flood plain regulations.
• Skill in supervision and management.
• Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, maps, and aerial photographs.
• Skill in the completion of accurate and timely reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to review subdivision plans, site development plans and elated drawings for compliance to applicable local regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to use independent judgement in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to research and analyze topics and to draw conclusions.
• Skilled in operation of modern office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically in both oral and written, with State and Federal Agencies, private businesses, elected officials, community volunteers, potential developers, city staff and the general public, including formal presentations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $87,418.54 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work setting:

• Construction site
• In-person
• Office

Ability to Relocate:

• Garden City, GA 31405: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person