Description

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the City Manager, this position includes responsible administrative and managerial work related to planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Building, Planning, and Zoning Departments, and provides leadership and strategic direction for the City’s community and economic development functions.

The Director is responsible for planning and administering the City’s economic and community development initiatives, including business attraction and retention, zoning administration, master plan maintenance, and planning commission support. The position provides professional and technical guidance to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City staff, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, codes, and ordinances.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to perform any or all the following duties. These examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and do not constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

• Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Building, Planning, and Zoning Department, including supervision of staff.
• Provides technical and professional guidance to the City Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and various Tax Increment Financing Authorities.
• Oversees zoning administration, development plan reviews, and compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan.
• Coordinates and completes review of site plans, special land uses, variances, zoning permits and other development requests, ensuring compliance with City codes and development standards.
• Maintains and updates the City’s Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other planning documents as needed.
• Provides direction and oversight of the City’s Building Department functions, ensuring consistent enforcement of applicable building codes and ordinances.
• Oversees the City’s economic development programs, including business attraction, retention, and redevelopment efforts.
• Supports the City’s initiatives, ensuring continued certification and progress on RRC-related goals.
• Conducts follow-up inspections on approved developments to ensure compliance with approved plans and ordinances.
• Responds to inquiries from developers, residents, business owners, and the public regarding planning, zoning, and development matters.
• Researches, prepares, and presents reports, studies, and recommendations related to community and economic development.
• Pursues and manages grant funding opportunities to support City development and revitalization efforts.
• Assists the City Manager in developing and administering department budgets and long-term plans.
• Attends City Commission, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings and other public meetings as required.
• Represents the City in meetings with developers, state and local agencies, and community organizations.
• Keeps up on current trends, legislation, and best practices in planning, zoning, and economic development.
• Assists with code enforcement efforts related to planning, zoning, building and other community development codes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the City Manager. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office setting with attendance at evening meetings and occasional outdoor site visits. The employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, use a computer, and travel to various locations within the City. Fieldwork may include exposure to outdoor elements and uneven terrain. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. The City of Lapeer reserves the right to modify the duties or requirements of this position as needed. The City of Lapeer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, planning/zoning, and community/economic development.
• Strong understanding of state and local land use laws, ordinances, and procedures.
• Knowledge of building code administration and development review processes.
• Ability to prepare and interpret technical reports, plans, and studies.
• Skill in managing projects, budgets, and staff effectively.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, City staff, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex planning and development issues and make sound policy recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook E-mail and familiarity with GIS applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to present information clearly and persuasively in public meetings. 
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Community Development, Economics, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Planning or a closely related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in community and/or economic development, including zoning and planning administration.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license. 
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Experience in a municipal setting.