About Community Planner (012-000-011)

Fairfield County; South Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive State Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability

Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Professional Development/Training

Job summary

Fairfield County is seeking a Planner to interpret and administer land management ordinances and evaluate development proposals in South Carolina. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field and three years of experience in zoning administration.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary of $55,000 - $65,000, as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, retirement plans, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field with three years of relevant experience.
• Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides interpretation and administration of the Land Management Ordinance.
• Evaluates proposed developments and zoning applications for compliance.
• Reviews and approves zoning applications and appeals.

Skills

Urban planning

Zoning administration

Plan review

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

• Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 (Depends on Experience/Qualifications) FULL-TIME
• Announcement Date: 06/17/2026

Description

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.

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

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 TRAINING 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.

SCHEDULE/HOURS:

Monday - Friday (9:00 - 5:00) 35 hours/week

Our Total Compensation Package includes:

Compensation – competitive pay, based on qualifications

• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• SC State Retirement Plan/Pension
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Spending Account (MSA)
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time, Plus 2 Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development/Training

Fairfield County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.