Deputy Director, Planning & Sustainability - Plan Review

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

2d•$106,856 - $172,039•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to plan, direct, and oversee the daily operations of the Plan Review Division, including the review of building plans, development plans, construction documents, permit applications, and related technical submissions for compliance with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, land development requirements, life safety standards, and County policies and procedures. This position is responsible for managing staff, coordinating plan review activities across multiple disciplines, improving review timelines and customer service, ensuring consistency in technical determinations, and supporting the efficient delivery of development services. The Deputy Director for Plan Review also provides technical guidance to staff, developers, contractors, design professionals, County leadership, elected officials, and the public regarding plan review requirements, permitting procedures, and development-related issues.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field required
Eight years of experience in planning, zoning, and development service
Three years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a deputy director for a smaller organization
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
ICC Certified Building Plans Examiner
Certified Building Official (CBO)
AICP
Plan Review and additional trade-specific ICC certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work regarding business development and retention; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established procedures; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Develops and implements long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for area of assignment; collects and analyzes multiple sources of data; evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of department activities; reviews and revises policies, procedures, plans and programs; and researches, assesses, and develops strategies to meet current and future business development and retention needs.
Develops, implements and monitors policies, procedures, and protocols for area of assignment; interprets, explains and implements local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conducts staff meetings; and provides information, updates, and coordination of work activities.
Develops and implements budget for assigned area; recommends staffing levels, equipment, materials and other budget allocations; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and prepares and submits budget documentation and reports.
Coordinates multi-disciplinary plan reviews involving Planning, Building, Fire Marshal, Public Works, Transportation, Watershed Management, Environmental Health, and other reviewing agencies.
Reviews complex commercial, residential, industrial, mixed-use, institutional, and special development projects for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, ordinances, codes, standards, and policies.
Serves as a liaison between developers, engineers, architects, contractors, property owners, County departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public regarding development review processes and requirements.
Responds to citizen complaints, development concerns, and sensitive or controversial issues related to permitting, inspections, and plan review determinations.
Participates in special projects, process improvement initiatives, technology implementations, ordinance updates, and departmental modernization efforts.
Prepares and presents reports, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations to County leadership, boards, commissions, elected officials, and stakeholder groups.
Attends meetings, public hearings, workshops, and professional development activities as required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.