Planning and Zoning Director

City of St Joseph; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Petoskey seeks a seasoned Planning and Zoning Director to guide daily planning operations and advance the Livable Petoskey Master Plan.

Ideal candidate holds a urban planning degree (graduate preferred) with AICP certification, plus 1–3 years in supervisory roles, and a track record in downtown development, public participation, and economic development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning; graduate degree preferred; AICP certification.
• Experience in community planning, zoning administration, public participation, and economic development.
• 1–3 years in a supervisory role with experience working with elected and appointed officials.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and administers planning, development, zoning, sign and land division regulations.
• Serves as information source to the public, government organizations, and developers regarding planning and land use.
• Staff to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, preparing staff reports and agendas.
• Establishes enforcement procedures with the code enforcement officer.
• Develops planning documents to accomplish City goals and master plan objectives and monitors progress.
• Works with local governments and non-profit organizations on regional planning issues.
• Assists residents, businesses and developers with the development process.
• Leads Redevelopment Ready Community Certification and Green Communities Challenge efforts.

Skills

Urban planning

Zoning administration

Public participation

Economic development

Downtown development

GIS

Grant writing

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning

Graduate degree in urban planning or related field

AICP certification

Tools

GIS

Job description

The City of Petoskey seeks seasoned candidates for the position of Planning and Zoning Director. Located on Little Traverse Bay in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Petoskey is known throughout the state and beyond for its scenic beauty, year-round recreational opportunities, historic downtown, and small-town friendliness.

Identified Planning and Zoning Priorities:

• Implement recent updates to the zoning ordinance.
• Assistance in updating the Livable Petoskey Master Plan through collaboration and coordination with other governmental and non-profit agencies, City staff, and boards and commissions.
• Coordinate with selected specialized consultant in formulating a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan.
• Assistance with sub area planning efforts including updates to the parks and recreation master plan and downtown strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participates as a member of the City’s management team.
• Interprets and administers planning, development, zoning, sign and land division regulations.
• Serves as an information source to public, government organizations, and developers regarding planning and community development, zoning ordinances, land use and other related information.
• Serves as staff to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, preparing staff reports and supervising the preparation of agendas, minutes and action follow up.
• Establish ordinance enforcement procedures with the code enforcement officer.
• Establish objectives and implementation strategies through the development of planning documents designed to accomplish City goals and master plan objectives and monitors progress towards implementation.
• Works with other local governmental units and non-profit organizations on regional planning issues.
• Assist residents, businesses and developers with the development process.
• Leads the Redevelopment Ready Community Certification and Green Communities Challenge efforts.

Ideal Candidate: A minimum of bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, with preference for a graduate degree in urban planning or related field and AICP certification. Experience with community planning, zoning administration, public participation and economic development, specifically downtown development, and 1-3 years in a supervisory capacity with a record of effective work with elected and appointed officials essential.

Preferred qualities:

• A record of continuing professional education and training, keeping current with evolving urban planning and development practices, procedures and laws.
• A successful background of directing and overseeing all aspects of planning operations, consultant coordination and contract management, project management and planning commission work program.
• An understanding of the political and technical complexities and community relations aspects of plan development and ordinance administration.
• Working knowledge of GIS and other computer applications appropriate to urban planning and development.
• Grant writing and administration.
• Superior communications skills with a wide audience.
• A team player.

The City reserves the right to consider any combination of education and experience to fulfill the job requirements. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.