DEFINITION

Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and participates in the City's planning, zoning, building inspection, code compliance, environmental review, housing and community development activities; represents the City in negotiations related to land use and development; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Director of Community Development has responsibility for developing and implementing planning policies and programs and for the management of the City's planning, building, housing and redevelopment-related activities. The incumbent implements all aspects of the City General Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, and enforces and implements the state and federal planning, building, affordable housing and redevelopment laws, rules and regulations. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for accomplishing the City's community development goals and objectives and for ensuring that these goals and objectives are provided to the community in an effective, cost efficient manner.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Policy direction is provided by the City Council and administrative direction is provided by the City Manager. Responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision of professional, technical and clerical staff. Provides administrative oversight of Planning and other consultants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Manages, supervises, coordinates, researches and analyzes planning, zoning, building, affordable housing, and other community and economic development activities, programs and projects.

Develops, reviews, updates, and implements the General Plan, specific plans, the zoning ordinance, other planning documents, and other City Council policies; interprets planning and planning-related ordinances and laws and advises citizens.

Develops and implements the planning, zoning, housing, code enforcement, development and environmental review program goals, objectives, policies and priorities; represents the City in development and land use matters; participates in numerous public meetings.

Develops, implements and maintains public and community relations' activities related to planning, building, community, and economic issues.

Supervises the Deputy Chief Building Officials and oversees the enforcement and compliance of building and zoning ordinances; supervises and participates in reviewing and making recommendations on zoning and permit applications, site plans, and architectural designs; ensures that development proposals conform to the City General Plan and other applicable plans and regulations.

Supervises the Housing and Redevelopment Project Manager and provides direction for economic development, redevelopment, affordable housing, CDBG, and Rent Appeals Board programs and activities.

Reviews and makes recommendations on all proposed projects within the City including residential, commercial, and industrial projects; coordinates review and comments on all projects with City departments and other agencies as necessary.

Selects, supervises, trains and evaluates staff; supervises the preparation and administration of the department budget; resolves difficult and complex planning and administrative policy questions.

Provides professional assistance on a variety of City matters to the Planning Commission, Rent Appeals Board, and City Council.

Meets with a variety of citizens, governmental representatives, technical experts, and developers on physical issues facing the City including traffic, facilities design, subsidized housing sites, parking, commercial development, zoning, and neighborhood improvements.

Prepares and presents statistical analysis, proposals, reports and special projects to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, Planning Commission, and City Council.

Assists property owners, developers, builders, attorneys, and special interest groups to process applications and meet planning and building requirements, responding through written correspondence and with phone calls.

Works with the County of Sonoma, other cities, and local, State and Federal agencies such as the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) on joint programs, regional and subregional issues; researches, analyzes and recommends policy approaches to legislation and urban development and improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Performs code enforcement and ensures the proper filing of planning records and reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education in urban and environmental planning to coordinate and conduct the City's planning and development activities. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution with a major in urban or regional planning or other closely-related field and five years of responsible, professional governmental planning experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity. A Master's Degree in Planning or Public Administration and experience with community and economic development issues is highly desirable.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Comprehensive knowledge of modern principles, practices, techniques and laws related to urban planning and administration, economic, housing and community development; methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation, research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development, recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and community development administration.

General knowledge of architecture and landscaping; building codes; budgeting procedures; techniques, principles and practices of supervision and training; principles and techniques of providing effective customer service.

A working knowledge of California planning, zoning and development laws including the California Environmental Quality Act.

Ability to organize, direct, and implement a comprehensive community development program including current and advanced planning, zoning, building inspection, code compliance, housing and redevelopment; identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of the land use policy; develop and implement community and economic development programs and activities; ensure program compliance with Federal, State, and local rules, laws, and regulations; interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, and regulations; research, prepare, and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements & correspondence; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; speak before the public; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting and standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, and squatting in the performance of daily activities. The position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in reading maps, writing reports, and using a computer key board. Additionally, the position requires near, far, and color vision in reading maps, reports, using a computer, looking at property; and hearing and speaking is required in communicating with individuals and groups. The need to lift, carry, and push plans, file boxes weighing up to 25 pounds is required. The nature of the work requires the incumbent to visit properties and make site reviews in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold and exposes the incumbent to fumes, dust, contaminants, and above-average noise. The incumbent also must be available to be called for local emergencies, attend meetings in various other towns and cities, work irregular or extended hours to attend various committee meetings and work with constant interruptions, and at times, with clients who may be upset when discussing and enforcing codes.

License/Certificate

Possession of a Class C California driver's license by date of appointment.