JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Community Planner serves as a planning professional within the Community Development Department. Under the direction of the Community Development Director/Zoning Administrator, this position assists with the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the County’s Land Management Ordinance, subdivision regulations, flood damage prevention measures, comprehensive and strategic planning program, and other Community Development initiatives. The position performs complex professional planning work, provides technical guidance to staff, applicants, elected and appointed officials, and the public, and assists in directing the day-to-day operations of the planning and zoning functions of the Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides interpretation and administration of the Land Management Ordinance and related development regulations.

Evaluates proposed developments, zoning applications, and land use requests for compliance.

Prepares recommendations and provides technical guidance regarding ordinance amendments, enforcement matters, and regulatory improvements.

Exercises considerable independent judgment in reviewing development proposals and interpreting regulations.

Reviews development proposals, including subdivisions, rezoning requests, conditional uses, special exceptions, survey submittals, and other land development applications.

Coordinates review among County departments, outside agencies, consultants, and applicants.

Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.

Provides staff support and prepares presentations, findings, and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

Researches, drafts, and coordinates amendments to zoning, subdivision, storm water, and land development regulations.

Evaluates regulatory impacts and recommends updates to improve efficiency, clarity, and consistency with County goals.

Utilizes GIS mapping, demographic data, and other analytical tools to support land use planning, development review, and policy decisions.

Provides overall management of division-related planning issues.

Advises the Community Development Director on all planning-related matters.

Attends Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other related planning meetings during evening and weekend hours.

Serves as a point of contact for the public regarding zoning regulations, land use questions, development standards, and planning-related matters.

Provides guidance and assistance to property owners, applicants, developers, consultants, and community members regarding the interpretation and application of the County's Land Management Ordinance and related regulations.

Assists with the identification, review, and resolution of zoning violations and land use compliance issues. Works with property owners, tenants, and other stakeholders to communicate applicable regulations, explain corrective actions, document compliance efforts, and promote compliance with County ordinances.

Ensures legal guidelines regarding public notice, property owner notification, time considerations and proper procedures are followed.

Reviews and approves/disapproves plats, plans and signs. Reviews and approves certificates of zoning compliance. Processes zoning applications and appeals.

Administers and coordinates updates of the Comprehensive Plan, including mandatory elements pertaining to population, economic development, natural resources, cultural resources, community facilities, housing and land use.

Oversees the maintenance of permanent records of zoning maps and text amendments, variances, special exceptions, appeals, rezoning's, public service uses, etc.

Assists in the development and implementation of various policy and legislative decisions and inter-governmental agreements made by Council and County Administrator.

Formulates recommendations regarding the development of water, sewer, roads, open space, industrial recruitment, zoning, geographic information systems, impact assessment and other functions of the County.

Generates, compiles and maintains demographic and statistical data related to both long- and short- range planning needs of the County.

Ensures the maintenance of accurate files and information to support a variety of projects.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, business administration, construction management, architecture, or other related field with three (3) years’ experience in plan review, zoning administration, plat review, surveying, presenting staff reports to a public board, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must possess a valid SC driver's license.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Salary is based on education, skills and experience.