JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for overseeing and facilitating various city planning, zoning, and development processes. Key duties include reviewing and evaluating development, land use, permit applications, and variance requests to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The role involves performing field inspections, updating the City's Comprehensive Plan, and managing zoning, annexation, and departmental initiatives. Additionally, the individual will provide staff support to municipal boards and commissions and assist new businesses with zoning and permit applications. Strong communication, technical, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Some travel and attendance at evening and weekend meetings is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Reviews and evaluates development, land use, permit applications, site plans, and variance applications. Examines applications for compliance with established plans, ordinances, and applicable local, state and federal regulations. Solicits input from appropriate staff, schedules hearings, monitors through the approval process, prepares reports and related data as required.
2. Reviews major and minor subdivisions applications to ensure compliance with applicable state laws, local zoning regulations, and existing utility connections
3. Reviews and processes zoning map amendment petitions, annexation applications, rights-of-way dedication and abandonment applications and special use permits for telecommunication facilities.
4. Perform field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
5. Responsible for updating and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan
6. Responsible for updating and maintaining Part Thirteen: Planning and Zoning Code of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Parkersburg.
7. Conducts extensive research on topics related to planning & development activities.
8. Assists with the identification and administration of alternative funding sources for economic and community development projects, through grant seeking, writing and administration.
9. Assists the Development Director with the department's annual report as it relates to the goals/objectives of the City's PKB2030 Comprehensive Plan.
10. Write and/or assist in writing formal and technical reports, working papers, correspondences, ordinances, and regulations.
11. Provides staff support for the functions and operations of the Municipal Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Urban Renewal Authority, Tree Commission, Architectural Review Boards, and the Downtown Façade Committee, including preparation of reports regarding proposals from developers/business owners/property owners and conducting presentations/public hearings to the authority/commissions as necessary.
12. Interprets city codes and policies, provides guidance on zoning, and provides technical advice on contemplated land use or development proposals for developers, real estate salespersons, business owners/representatives, and the general public.
13. Administers the zoning variance regulations, responds to inquiries about zoning variances, processes variance applications, and prepares staff reports for the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) meetings, site postings and appears before the board.
14. Assists new businesses by providing guidance regarding zoning information and signage regulation
15. Collaborates with other divisions, departments, and organizations that may present alternate perspectives.
16. Attend evening and weekend meetings, as necessary.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, community or economic development, or closely related field. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred and/or should be sought after upon employment
• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including assisting with related presentations.
• Understand Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related computer mapping programs.
• Experience in presenting information to and answering questions from appointed and elected officials at public meetings.
• Experience in developing briefs, resolutions, ordinances, and agreements for capital projects, transportation services, and studies and meeting deadlines for agenda packets.
• Be highly proficient in using computers and word processing, database, and spreadsheet software, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Possession of a valid driver's license. Some travel required.