The Director of Planning, Building and Zoning is responsible for guiding thoughtful development, regulatory compliance, and responsive service within a dynamic coastal community. Overseeing planning and zoning administration, building inspections, business licensing, short-term rental regulation, and coastal resilience requirements, the Director will balance long-term community goals with the practical needs of residents, businesses, contractors, and property owners. This individual will also lead departmental operations, advise appointed and elected officials, and help shape policies that support responsible growth and preserve the community’s character.
To view the full position profile, please visit: IOP – Director of Planning, Building, and Zoning Profile
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Department Leadership: Supervises all staff members with daily operations of the Planning, Building, and Zoning Department develops strategic goals, policies, and performance standards.
- Zoning Oversight: Interprets and enforces zoning ordinances; reviews development proposals; advises planning boards and elected officials.
- Building Code Administration: Ensures compliance with state and local building codes; supervises plan review, permitting, and inspections.
- Business Licensing Management: Oversees issuance, renewal, and enforcement of 3000 business licenses; coordinates with police, fire, and finance departments.
- Short-Term Rental Regulation: Manages permitting, compliance monitoring, occupancy limits, and enforcement actions for STR properties.
- Coastal Resilience Compliance: Ensures adherence to floodplain regulations, FEMA requirements, and coastal construction standards.
- Comprehensive Plan: Leads and coordinates implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, ensuring alignment with long-term community goals; evaluates progress, recommends policy updates, and collaborates with relevant city departments.
- Budget & Resource Management: Prepares and administers departmental $865,089 budget to include $5,341,122 in revenue from business licenses, permits, short-term rentals and tree replacement; manages contracts and technology systems.
- Public Communication: Serves as primary contact for residents, contractors, and businesses; provides guidance on codes, processes, and appeals.
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Works with planning, public safety, legal, and public works on cross-functional issues.
- Enforcement & Compliance: Oversees investigations, citations, hearings, and corrective actions.
- Planning Commission: Attend, review, prepares presentations, and recommends action on ordinances and issues.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning, Urban or Regional Planning, or related field is required for consideration. A bachelor’s degree in another field coupled with appropriate planning experience will be considered.
- At least five (5) years experience in land use regulation and enforcement, or closely related field.
- At least two (2) years supervisory experience or equivalent experience and training sufficient to fulfill position requirements.
- Background in civil engineering or related disciplines is beneficial but not required.
- Certification such as AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners), CZO (Certified Zoning Official), or CBO (Chief Building Official) is preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of government office practices and services
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and regulations pertaining to zoning and land use.
- Skill in the use of oral and written communication
- Skill in data processing
- Skill in being well organized
- Skills in using monitoring software
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and effective manner
- Ability to establish good working relationships with relevant state and county officials, citizens, contractors, developers, other personnel and anyone interacting with the department.
The full salary band is $82,700 – $124,050. The salary at the time of hire is not expected to exceed $102,350, based on experience and qualifications.
The City of Isle of Palms also provides an excellent benefits package, including:
Insurance: The City pays 100% of group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental coverage for full-time. The City pays between 50% – 62% of dependent health coverage, depending on whether the coverage is for a spouse (54%), children (50%), or full family (62%).
Retirement: Employees contribute 9% of your base salary towards your state retirement plan. The city will contribute 18.56%.
Wellness & Professional Development: The City partners with First Sun for the Employee Assistance Program to provide numerous resources to employees and their families to deal with life issues and enhance their emotional, financial, professional, and intellectual wellbeing. The City has two fully equipped fitness centers available 24 hours a day. Employees also have access to the Recreation Center’s Cardio Room and fitness classes at no cost. The City’s Tuition Reimbursement Program provides full-time, eligible employees with tuition reimbursement for successful completion of college credit hours earned.
