Planning Director

The City of Huron, Ohio is seeking a progressive, forward-thinking professional for the position of Planning & Zoning Director. The ideal candidate will be a highly driven, innovative leader with proven successes and accomplishments in the fields of Zoning and Planning. 

It is the vision of the City of Huron’s Administration to pursue an individual with strong oversight in City Planning and Zoning practices. The ideal candidate will have the ability to manage, direct, and supervise the day-to-day activities of the Planning & Zoning Department. The optimal candidate will have a collaborative style that supports plan review, property maintenance, zoning code enforcement, and customer interaction. 

The Director of Planning & Zoning position is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and motivated professional who desires to build on the positive momentum that has been established over the past several years.

The ideal candidate, for the Planning & Zoning Director position, will be an individual of highest integrity and moral character. They will have an accomplished record that demonstrates Planning and Zoning progression throughout their career. 

Responsibilities:

• Manages, directs, and supervises the day-to-day activities of the Planning and Zoning Division including organizing workloads, staff assignments, trainings, evaluation of assigned staff, and goal attainment both per employee and the division.

• Reviews all relevant documentation required for all development plans (residential and commercial), plats, subdivision or other lot modifications for conformance to all development regulations. Authorizes all zoning permits and coordinates any follow-up activities as necessary.

• Assists the general public, applicants, developers, and their representatives with zoning inquiries, proposals, and applications. Directs individuals to the proper agency/agencies for other necessary permits.

• Prepares written reports and detailed correspondence, provides telephone and walk-in assistance to the public, regarding zoning code requirements and interpretations.

• Administers and ensures compliance with the city’s property maintenance code and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the City of Huron and State of Ohio.

• Analyzes and makes recommendations on preliminary plats and site plans, final plats and site plans, applications for re-zoning, variances, plan amendments, and code amendments.

• Assists staff with the preparation of staff reports, minutes, and agenda packets for the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and Board of Building and Zoning Appeals.

• Makes regular tours through the community to review existing projects and proactively discover potential issues including but not limited to code violations and non-permitted work.

• Identifies and makes recommendations regarding enhancements to division procedures, regulations, and the development review process.

• Appears in court for zoning related cases.

• Maintains and recommends periodic updates to the City’s Zoning District Map and Land Use Map as part of the Comprehensive or Master Plan.

• Maintains and administers the Transient Rental Registration program.

• Manages and works collaboratively with the Building Official to coordinate appropriate delivery of services and review.

• Coordinates internal review for all development with all necessary departments, including but not limited to, utilities, public safety, and administration.

• Administers the annual Sidewalk and Tree Maintenance Program, including providing annual inspections, reports, and working with the City Engineer and Zoning Inspector to implement any necessary improvements.

• Manages the City’s floodplain management program including field inspections, reports, and initial review of any potential development within a floodplain.

• Administers the GIS objectives for the Planning and Zoning Division.

• Attends all relevant Board and Commission meetings, including, but not limited to, Planning Commission, Board of Building and Zoning Appeals, and Design Review Board. Also serves as staff liaison to these Boards and Commissions.

• Prepares and administers the Planning and Zoning Division’s annual budget.

• Creates and reports on key performance indicators to keep City Manager abreast of departmental operations.

• Keeps abreast of changes to zoning regulations in the State of Ohio, best practices in planning and zoning activities and techniques, and actively participates in relevant training programs.

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be assigned. 

Qualifications:

A. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major or significant course work in public administration, planning, urban development, or a related field.

B. Minimum of two years of experience involving planning and zoning, construction management or inspection experience

C. Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the necessary skills and abilities to perform the job.

D. Valid Ohio Driver’s License

E. Member in good standing of the American Institute of Certified Planners or the ability to hold this certification within 3 years.