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Position Summary:
The Planning and Zoning Director is a senior management position responsible for the administration, coordination, and oversight of the Township’s planning, zoning, and codes functions. This position provides professional leadership in land use regulation, development review, zoning administration, and code enforcement, while supporting the Township’s broader planning and redevelopment objectives.
The Director serves as a key advisor to the Township Manager, Township Council, Planning Agency, Zoning Hearing Board, and other boards and commissions. The Director also serves as the Township’s Assistant Zoning Officer, providing supervisory oversight and professional guidance on zoning interpretation and enforcement.
The Director serves as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Agency, presenting policy guidance, redevelopment strategy, and planning recommendations, while coordinating closely with the Zoning Officer, other staff, and consultants.
Departmental Oversight:
The Planning and Zoning Director oversees the operations and personnel of the Township’s Planning and Zoning/Codes Department, including planning, zoning administration, code enforcement, permitting, inspections, and administrative support functions. The Director provides leadership and direction to professional, technical, and clerical staff and coordinates the work of third-party consultants, including building code review and inspection services.
The Director ensures that departmental activities operate in a coordinated, efficient, and customer-focused manner and comply with applicable ordinances, statutes, and regulatory requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Administration:
- Direct, manage, and coordinate all activities of the Planning and Zoning / Codes Department.
- Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards consistent with Township objectives and best practices.
- Prepare and administer the departmental budget; monitor expenditures and recommend operational efficiencies.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff; foster a professional, collaborative, and service-oriented work environment.
Planning and Land Use:
- Oversee development review processes, including zoning permits, subdivision and land development applications, and related approvals.
- Coordinate with the Township Planning Agency, Montgomery County Planning Commission, Township Engineer, Township Solicitor, and other consultants on planning and development matters.
- Provide professional planning guidance on redevelopment initiatives, land use trends, zoning amendments, and long-range planning efforts.
- Assist in the preparation, update, and implementation of the Township Comprehensive Plan and related planning studies.
Zoning Administration and Oversight:
- Serve as the Township’s Assistant Zoning Officer, providing supervisory oversight and professional guidance to the Zoning Officer.
- Support consistent interpretation and application of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and related regulations.
- Provide assistance and continuity in zoning administration during the absence of the Zoning Officer or as assigned by the Township Manager.
- Coordinate complex zoning enforcement matters, compliance strategies, and appeal-related issues in consultation with the Township Solicitor.
- Review zoning interpretations and enforcement actions for consistency and defensibility, without supplanting the Zoning Officer’s role as the primary administrator.
Planning Commission Liaison:
- Serve as primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission, presenting policy, redevelopment, and planning recommendations.
- Ensure staff reports, agendas, and supporting materials are accurate, complete, and aligned with Township objectives.
- Coordinate with the Zoning Officer and other staff to ensure technical information is fully integrated into reports and recommendations.
Code Administration:
• Oversee enforcement of the Township’s Property Maintenance Code and related ordinances.
• Oversee the work of the third-party Building Code Official and ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
• Coordinate code enforcement activities to ensure fairness, consistency, and responsiveness to community concerns.
Boards, Commissions, and Public Interaction:
- Provide professional and technical support to the Zoning Hearing Board and other boards as needed.
- Attend evening meetings as required and present reports, recommendations, and professional opinions.
- Respond to inquiries from residents, developers, and business owners regarding zoning, land use, and code compliance.
Technology and Process Improvement:
- Oversee permitting, licensing, and code enforcement systems, including electronic permit tracking and records management platforms.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, customer service, and coordination through technology and process improvements.
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- Thorough knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, land development, and code enforcement principles and practices.
- Thorough and applied knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to interpret ordinances, plans, technical reports, and legal documents.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present effectively before boards, commissions, and the public.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and manage competing priorities in a politically sensitive environment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, planning, urban studies, public administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, zoning, land use administration, or a related field, including supervisory, managerial, or significant project management experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with planning commissions, zoning hearing boards, elected officials, and the public strongly preferred.
- Experience working with TRAISR and ArcGIS preferred.
Certifications and Licenses
- Pennsylvania Zoning Officer certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.
- AICP certification, PE, and/or BCO Certification preferred.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
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