Description

The Development Services Director plans, directs, and manages municipal development services, including building permits, building inspections, planning and zoning, subdivision and plat review, variance requests, floodplain or related development regulations, and customer service for applicants, residents, contractors, developers, boards, commissions, and elected officials. The position is responsible for ensuring development activities comply with applicable ordinances, adopted codes, comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, and state and federal requirements while supporting responsible growth and efficient public service.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a collaborative municipal leader with strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance field operations, administrative responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and citizen service. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with staff, residents, elected officials, contractors, partner agencies, and the Municipal Court while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal development review, planning and zoning principles, subdivision regulations, building permit processes, public hearing procedures, and local government operations.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, comprehensive planning, land use law, open meetings requirements, records retention, and administrative procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, plats, construction plans, surveys, maps, legal descriptions, ordinances, codes, and technical reports.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, apply regulations consistently, and communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong leadership, supervision, project management, customer service, conflict resolution, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with elected officials, appointed boards, residents, developers, contractors, consultants, and staff across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, public meetings, and complex development matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with office productivity tools, permit tracking systems, mapping or GIS resources, records management systems, and related municipal software.
• Ability to work some evenings when necessary to attend meetings of the Planning and Zoning c

Education and Experience
 

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, construction management, architecture, engineering, geography, business administration or a related field is preferred. 
• A combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, permitting, development services, inspections, code administration, or local government may be considered.
• Supervisory or department management experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

•        Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record may be required.
•        Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners, International Code Council, Certified Floodplain 
          Manager program, or similar professional credential is preferred, depending on assigned responsibilities.
•        Ability to obtain job-related certifications within a designated timeframe may be required.