Director of Planning and Zoning directs and administers the Township's Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement programs in accordance with Township ordinances such as land use and zoning as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The Director plays a critical role in overseeing and managing planning and zoning activities throughout the Township and serves as the Township Zoning Officer.

The Director will be a strategic leader with a comprehensive knowledge of the physical, social, economic, and legal implications of local planning activities and the ability to integrate diverse planning projects with the overall objectives of the Township. This position requires a deep understanding of planning principles, zoning regulations, land use management, community development strategies, and the provisions established in Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code.

1. Management and Supervision:

• Develops department-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, and prepares a recommended department operation budget.
• Supervises a Community Planner, Zoning Administrator, Ordinance Enforcement Officer, and Staff Assistant. Provides oversight and assistance to contractors for zoning, code, and other planning-related functions as needed.
• Reports events and activities to management, elected officials, and appointed officials, and ensures administration is kept fully informed on the status of planning projects, local, state, and federal trends, events, or emerging planning-related issues of significance to Ferguson Township.
• Develops projects and procedures to maintain and enhance departmental performance and effectiveness. Coordinates activities with other units of government as needed.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to departmental staff.
• Prepares performance evaluations and makes promotional recommendations.
• Makes recommendations to the Township Manager regarding hiring, firing, disciplining, training, promotion, commendation, resource management, personnel, and policy followed by personnel.
• Promotes professional development opportunities for department staff.
• Assists in assignment of work, distributes work, approves vacation/sick time, maintains staff personnel records.
• Fosters a positive and collaborative team environment.

2. Community Engagement:

• Attends civic meetings and public gatherings upon request to explain functions of the department, to maintain favorable public relations, and to foster community involvement.
• Responds to citizen and media inquiries/questions on Township planning matters.
• Presents to any given audience including public and private groups to educate, inform, and/or receive feedback on planning and land development issues.
• Facilitates resolutions to zoning and land development concerns with residents, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Conducts educational opportunities and outreach sessions with the public to promote awareness of Township zoning and land use regulations and responsible development practices.
• Seeks opportunities to foster meaningful engagement with stakeholders, residents, businesses, and other community groups to gather input, build consensus, and foster transparency in Township operations and communications.

3. Planning:

• Directs, develops, and coordinates planning and zoning responsibilities in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Ferguson Township Municipal Code, and other applicable code as identified through the Centre Region Council of Governments.
• Attends and participates in municipal and regional meetings with planning commissions, elected officials, Council of Governments and municipal staffs, and other governmental groups and individuals, as necessary. Attends Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Regular meetings with planning and zoning items on the agenda. Attends Township Zoning Hearing Board sessions. Attends Centre Regional Planning Commission meetings, Centre Regional Planning Agency staff meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Utilizes databases of social, economic, and physical characteristics of the Township in order to provide comparative analysis with similar Centre Region municipalities.
• Represents the Township's interest on a regional level regarding projects, and prepares studies of importance to the Township and, conversely, prepares reports on analysis of regional studies and their importance and effect on the Township.
• Provides monthly reports for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on updates from the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Prepares, with input from the Planning Commission and the Centre Regional Planning Commission, a work plan of the areas to be addressed in the coming year.
• Supervises and reports on the implementation and enforcement of the Township's Health and Sanitation, Buildings, Code Enforcement, Sidewalks, Signs, Licensing Permits, and General Business Regulations Ordinances, and other ordinances and policies as needed.
• Identifies, secures, and ensures compliance with grant funding sources related to community planning and development and department administration, and coordinates jointly with the Finance Department as needed.
• Interprets and enforces zoning and subdivision regulations and land use policies to ensure compliance with development goals and standards.
• Oversees the administration and enforcement of Township Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and other land use policies.
• Reviews zoning applications, variance requests, and development proposals to ensure compliance with Township regulations and development standards.
• Conducts site inspections to verify compliance with zoning regulations and building codes.
• Investigates and addresses zoning violations, illegal land use actions, and unauthorized construction activity. Issues citations and notices of violation, as necessary. Coordinates compliance with Township regulations.
• Presents recommendations on plan reviews with the Community Planner of all land developments and subdivisions.
• Assists with the management of Township parks, recreation, and open spaces.
• Works with property owners and the development community to assist in the preparation of land development plans and zoning applications that advance community goals and align with the Township's ordinances and applicable regulations.

4. Financial:

• Prepares an annual budget to meet the approved goals of the department. Identifies operating requirements, maintenance costs, training costs, personnel costs, and project future needs during the budget cycle. Identifies goals, timetables, and recommended funding resources.
• Ensures control of departmental expenditures and for operating within departmental budget limitations. Projects future personnel needs and make recommendations when appropriate.

5. Administration:

• Responsible for administering all reports, reviews, and analysis of matters affecting zoning and land use.
• Maintains accurate records, documentation, and database related to zoning permits, variances, enforcement activities, land development proposals, and other land use applications.
• Oversees the administration of meeting agendas and minutes for the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and other meetings as needed.
• Prepares correspondence on planning, land development, and zoning matters.

6. Policy Development and Implementation:

• Reviews, develops, and implements policies and procedures related to the day-to-day operations of the department and its ability to be responsive to the community.
• Research, analyze, and recommend updates and revisions to current planning and zoning policies and regulations to address emerging trends and enhance community sustainability and vitality.
• Identifies policy issues and establishes guidelines.
• Ensures compliance by employees with federal, state, and local laws, and Township and departmental procedures.