TOWN OF BERLIN

Job Title: Planning Director

Department: Planning and Zoning Department

Reports To: Town Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Human Resources Director, KJ

Prepared Date: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:

The Planning Director plans, directs, coordinates, and administers all activities of the Department of Planning and Zoning on behalf of the Mayor and Council. This position is responsible for supervising and performing regulatory administration of plan reviews, code enforcement, issuance of applicable permits for new construction, repairs, and renovations, and other matters, serves as staff to certain Boards and Commissions, and represents the Town and Department before various agencies and the public. This position is responsible for planning for the physical development and growth of the Town of Berlin while maintaining a culture that embraces the Town's mission, vision, and values.

JOB DUTIES:

Specific job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Supervises staff and oversees all functions of the Planning and Zoning Department including the development of department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans, gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations, coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Provides professional planning and land use advice to supervisors and other officials.
Serves as the staff liaison and performs work as necessary for the proper function of the Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Housing Board of Review and reports regularly to the Town Administrator on the status of those boards and commissions.
Reviews plans and subdivisions with respect to applicable development standards and ordinances and recommends action to the Boards and Commissions or Mayor and Council.
Directs the enforcement of applicable Federal, State, County, and Town Ordinances, Codes, and other regulations relating to all phases of building construction matters.
Testifies in court and before Boards and Commissions in cases of enforcement of applicable Codes and in conflicts between builders and inspectors.
Administers or coordinates inspections by third-party contractors for buildings, structures, signs, or uses of any premises to determine compliance with zoning ordinances and other applicable sections of Town Code.
Issues permits, certificates, orders, and notifications as applicable for the department.
Responds to citizen inquiries about town planning and zoning regulations and ordinances.
Prepares zoning code amendments and recommendations as to the effectiveness of the zoning ordinance as needed.
Receives development and construction plans for stormwater management and Town utilities and infrastructure and coordinates plan reviews with the designated Town consulting engineers. Then establishes escrow accounts for payment of review fees by developers.
Develops, maintains, and updates the Town’s zoning maps, utility mapping, aerial photography images, and online Graphical Information System (GIS).
Develops and maintains a database of information for planning purposes.
Provides the initial review and processing of annexations.
Assists in the preparation of various agreements required by the Town for property development or projects.
Regularly schedules and conducts Development Technical Review meetings for all development projects between Town staff and developers of property within Town limits.
Establishes close working relationships with regulatory agencies and departments within the County and State and with property owners and developers.
Assists with the preparation and management of the Department’s annual budget.
Directs the overall planning programs, including but not limited to the Comprehensive Plan, land use plans, zoning plans, subdivision regulations, street plans, parking studies, parks and recreational plans, community facility plans, and public improvement programs.
Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
Acts as the Town's Code Enforcement Officer.
Acts as the Town’s Floodplain Manager.
Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND LICENSING:

Must possess a high school diploma or general education degree and a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Land Use Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a closely related field. Experience may be substituted for educational requirements. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification desired or able to obtain within one year of hire.

Must maintain a valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record; pre-employment and periodic review of Motor Vehicle Records are required. Pre-employment and periodic background checks are required. The employee will be subject to pre-employment, post-accident, random, and reasonable cause drug and/or alcohol testing.

JOB SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND KNOWLEDGE:

The Planning Director must have the skills necessary to perform the job which include but are not limited to the following. Read and interpret building and engineering plans and specifications. Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the Town's construction and housing inspection program. Interpret, administer, and enforce building codes. Inspect or delegate the inspection of existing housing and new construction projects. Excellent computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office 365, GIS, and software such as Adobe Pro. Excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on filing and maintaining records. Excellent writing skills. Ability to work without direct supervision. Must have thorough knowledge of inspection methods, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, masonry, and all other aspects of construction. Must have knowledge of building codes and other applicable Federal, State, County, and Town laws and regulations governing inspection programs related to all areas of building construction. Must have at least six (6) years of supervisory experience in planning and zoning or as a building inspector, builder, engineer, or architect.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Required to work evening meetings, generally the 2nd and 4th Mondays for Mayor and Council Meetings and the 1st and 2nd Wednesdays for Board and Commission meetings; other meetings outside regular working hours may be required at times. While it is not likely, may be required to work an occasional weekend or holiday. Most work is conducted in a climate-controlled environment but may be required to work outside to perform or delegate field work in the inspection and evaluation of existing and new environments, buildings, and dwellings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use arms and hands to touch, feel, and reach and use legs to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lifts/moves objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds.

RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY:

Responsible for maintaining the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the work required. This position is an appointed position as defined in Article VIII, Section C8-5 of the Town Code. This position is subject to all other general personnel regulations and procedures of the Town of Berlin, including disciplinary policy and grievance procedures, as stated in the Town of Berlin Employee Handbook.

ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY, AND OPERATIONAL REPORTING:

Reports directly to the Town Administrator. Must possess human relations skills and the ability to collaborate well with subordinates, as well as elected and appointed officials, outside consultants, outside agencies, and the public. Must provide the best possible customer service to promptly oversee all zoning inquiries and requests in a courteous manner.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Town of Berlin, Maryland

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