Planning and Zoning Manager
TITLE: Planning & Zoning Manager
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt) JOB CLASS: Manager II
REPORTS TO: Township Manager AMENDED: September 2025
POSITION SUMMARY: This is a supervisory, administrative position responsible for performing professional level planning duties in support of ongoing development in accordance with the township policies. The Planning & Zoning Manager often works independently, with professional judgment in initiating, planning and delegating work, along with a high level of discretion, tact and patience. This position will also be responsible for assisting in the development of both long and short-term planning, design, and implementation efforts in a team environment to accomplish the goals of the Township.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Administers the daily operations of the Planning & Zoning Department
- Supervises personnel and prepares budget recommendations in coordination with the Township Manager
- Administers and assists in enforcing the Township Zoning Ordinance, including all property maintenance inspections and reports.
- Administers all Municipal Planning Code (MPC) required duties including reviewing and processing of Subdivision and Land Development plans, Comprehensive Plan, Official Map and the Impact Fee Program; and general administrative matters to include managing all forms of financial security for public improvements, including financial security agreements, letters of credit and escrow accounts
- Oversee the inspection of all public improvement construction, including but not limited to streets for compliance with approved plans, township regulations and held securities.
- Provides interpretation and enforcement to township ordinances, regulations and policies .
- Prepares Planning Commission correspondence including meeting agenda; and attends the Planning Commission Meeting
- Prepares Land Preservation Review Board correspondence including maps and other requested planning data requested by the Land Preservation Committee.;
- Review and write Zoning & Land Development resolutions for applications to the Township and act as primary interface regarding issues as they arise. Researches, writes and submits grants in support of ongoing planning and development within the township.
- Assists in the review and processing of Subdivision and Land Development plans.
- Manages all financial transactions required for Township Land development plans; Financial Security, Bonds and Escrow balances.
- Creates maps and collects geographical information for the township with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Responsible for all transportation-related functions within the department
- Attends the Board of Supervisors, Planning & Zoning meetings; and occasionally attending Cumberland County Planning Commission meetings, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission meetings, and Joint Task Force meetings.
- Meets with Developers to collaborate plans to ensure ordinance and zoning compliance.
- Attends educational programs to maintain or increase proficiencies related to job performance at the request of the Board of Supervisors or the Township Manager. Represents the Township, as directed, in dealing with other governmental jurisdictions, professional associations, citizens and internet groups in matters concerning planning and zoning.
- Responsible for updating the Townships Codified ordinance document annually.
- Experience with Stormwater DEP rules and permitting.
- Performs all other duties assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Experience, Education, Licenses/Certifications
- Five (5) years of full time planning and zoning experience with at least three (3) years of that experience in municipal planning and five (5) years of experience in a supervisory position.
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in urban and regional planning or closely related discipline.
- AICP certification, strongly recommended.
- Shall have the ability to be bonded.
General Knowledge/Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and applications of planning and zoning particularly as applied to municipal government.
- Knowledge of all regulations and requirements governing the development of township land by private developers, property owners and the township.
- Knowledge and understanding of engineering design, construction plans and site plan techniques; and the ability to read and understand engineering and building plans.
- Basic knowledge and use of GIS for planning applications and possession of technical expertise in order to utilize GIS software.
- Basic knowledge and use of a GPS system.
- Considerable knowledge of public administration and management practices.
- Ability to manage complex projects and adapt to changing circumstances
- Ability to inspire trust in others
- Ability to cultivate customer orientation
- Ability to build relationships to strengthen community partnerships
- Ability to promote accountability for completion of goals and objectives
- Ability to develop staff and build a collaborative atmosphere among various work units as head of a major department of the organization
- Ability to collaborate on ideas and translate into plans
- Ability to facilitate long range planning within a collaborative framework
- Ability to apply supervisory principles to everyday situations, while exercising good judgment, problem-solving ability, demonstrating initiative and integrity
- Ability to work well with the public, developers and local contractors.
- Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and review administrative policies rules and procedures of the department.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in working with the public, developers and other governmental agencies.
- Ability to efficiently use Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Ability to fluently speak and read the English language along with understanding and following both written and verbal direction daily.
- Ability to speak with clarity and present information at public events.
- Ability to execute the policies and procedures of Silver Spring Township
- Ability to function independently, have personal integrity, flexibility and the ability to work effectively with the public and fellow employees on a daily basis.
- Ability to pull, push, move and/or transport twenty-five (25) pounds on a daily basis.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Zoning Officer, Administrative Assistant (Planning & Zoning) & Land Planning Specialist