Development Services Director

City of Folly Beach

Folly Beach, SC

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The City of Folly Beach is accepting applications for the position of Development Services Director. This position performs professional planning, and project coordination for the City, with an emphasis on coastal and environmental issues, as well as technical zoning duties. Technical duties relate to the day-to-day administration of the Zoning Ordinance and staffing of the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals. Planning work will focus on securing funding for, and implementation of, adaptation, hazard mitigation, resilience, and sustainability related goals and objectives. This is a senior level position which requires considerable independent action, initiative, and judgment.

ESSENTIAL WORK AREAS

Zoning Administration:

· Administers and enforces the Zoning Ordinance: Investigates alleged violations of the Ordinance and advises landowners/applicants of necessary corrective measures; advises the public on zoning requirements such as setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, and allowable use; develops recommendations regarding zoning and map amendments, zoning permit fee structures, zoning forms, annexations, special exception and variance requests, and other applications; testifies as necessary at public and judicial hearings; maintains and interprets the zoning map; and reviews permits and new development for compliance.

· Conducts technical plan reviews, subdivision reviews, and site inspections.

· Serves as staff liaison and makes necessary reports to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, Parks and Recreation Board, which requires developing and publishing agendas for monthly meetings, facilitating meetings, and offering ongoing trainings and general support for commission members.

· Attends City Council meetings. , including evening meetings as required.

Environmental Planning:

· Develops and evaluates long range plans, and programs with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience (e.g. City of Folly Beach Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report, City of Folly Beach Marsh Management Plan, Folly Beach Dune Management Plan, Folly Beach Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan, Folly Beach Comprehensive Plan).

· Drafts and proposes ordinances, initiatives, policies, and procedures to implement shoreline planning, coastal management, hazard resilience, sea level rise adaptation, and critical infrastructure planning activities identified by long range planning documents.

· Identifies and secures funding for long term capital projects and other activities including through grant research, writing, and administration (e.g. South Carolina PARD, LWCF, Charleston County TST and CTC funds, FEMA BRIC/Hazard Mitigation).

· Provides technical assistance to City staff in implementing future oriented environmental best practices across departments for day-to-day operations.

· Communicates to elected officials, the public, and City staff the importance of identified goals through education, outreach, and demonstration projects (flood and erosion control, rain gardens, living shorelines, marsh and dune restoration, water quality, septic management).

· Serves as liaison to outside committees, task forces, and governmental agencies such as FEMA, DNR, and DHEC for long term planning and multijurisdictional projects. (e.g. Project Impact/Charleston County Hazard Mitigation, Charleston Area Transportation Study MPO, Southeast Sustainability Directors Network, BOEM South Carolina Intergovernmental Task Force, Rethink Folly Road Staff Committee, Southeast & Caribbean Climate Community of Practice).

· Participates in other planning activities with third parties such as engineers, consultants, and others on grant projects such as ped paths and stormwater infrastructure improvements.

· Uses technology to analyze, visualize, and provide access to data and other information in areas such as land use, zoning, sea level rise, flooding, and hazard vulnerability.

· Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of urban planning and coastal and environmental planning is required. Applicant must have knowledge of SC State laws and codes, professional certification in planning, environmental science, climate resilience, or other related field and experience with ArcGIS. Applicant must be able to analyze complex data, maintain effective working relationships and communicate to Council and Staff the importance of identified goals.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Environmental Planning, Coastal Management, or a closely related field is required. Masters' Degree preferred. Three to five (3-5) years of progressively responsible professional experience consistent with this position description including knowledge, skills and abilities described below.

Compensation