SUMMARY:
The Planning and Development Director serves as the administrator of the Planning and Development Department, overseeing its operations, including planning, development, zoning, subdivision, building, contractor licensing, flood damage prevention, and code enforcement. The Director manages budget preparation and administration, advises the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and participates in interdepartmental and external stakeholder committees. Additionally, the Director serves as the City liaison to developers, property owners, and the public in all matters related to the mission of the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include the following, and any other duties which may be assigned.

• Establishes policies and procedures; interprets, administers, and enforces zoning and subdivision ordinances, development application procedures, and building code regulations.
• Manages and organizes activities relating to the City’s planning and zoning, building permitting and inspections, land use maps, and development functions to ensure enforcement of ordinances, comprehensive plans, and policies as adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Commission.
• Reviews petitions for annexation and applications for zoning, platting, specific use, variance, appeal, and notable exception to be heard by the City Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, or Zoning Board of Adjustment; guides applications through the required processes.
• Prepares and distributes agendas for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment; schedules and organizes hearings; creates minutes for meetings and hearings.
• Recommends zoning and subdivision regulations and subsequent revisions thereto to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Monitors compliance with zoning and subdivision ordinances; maintains official land use maps.
• Delivers presentations to the City Commission as required.
• Meets and confers with groups and organizations concerning planning and development services.
• Responds to requests and inquiries regarding the City’s zoning, subdivision, building, substandard structure, nuisance, and flood damage prevention ordinances.
• Advises and instructs the Building Official and inspectors.
• Supervises inspectors and inspects buildings and similar structures to verify that construction, alterations, maintenance, structural work, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work are being done in compliance with provisions of codes and ordinances and approved plans and specifications.
• Interprets codes enforced.
• Acts as Floodplain Manager for the City.
• Participates as a member of the Development Review Team; acts as liaison to the team, other departments, developers, and the public to effectively carry out the City’s development regulations and policies.
• Prepares operating statements; researches and prepares reports; and provides reports and records accurately, concisely, and on time.
• Works with information restricted to specific persons.
• Responsible for preparing the yearly budget for the department.
• Coordinates updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan with a focus on Land Use and Housing elements.
• Leads public engagement efforts, including educational events, professional webinars, and stakeholder outreach.
• Manages the operations of Canyon Housing Program, Inc., Canyon's Housing Rehabilitation Program

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as Director of the Planning and Development Department.
• Directly supervises the activities of the Assistant Director and Administrative Staff (3).
• Oversees staff and consultants engaged in land use planning, housing strategies, and public engagement efforts.
• Mentors early-career staff and supports professional development pathways.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of planning, community development, and budgeting.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances relating to planning, zoning, building construction, and flood plain management.
• Principles and practices of personnel management, including hiring, supervision, training, evaluation, and discipline.
• Knowledge of current technological equipment, including computers and mobile devices.

• Methods for interpreting and using demographic and parcel-level data for decision-making.
• Understands current building methods, materials, and inspection procedures.

Skills:

• Communicates effectively and courteously with associates, developers, community leaders, citizen groups, and the general public to present an overall professional image.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Prioritizes tasks and manages multiple ongoing projects.

Abilities:

• Schedules and assigns work to maximize departmental productivity.
• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Provides effective leadership, training, and evaluation to subordinates.
• Produces effective results aligned with plans such as the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan.
• Analyzes situations, solves problems, and makes decisions under pressure.
• Applies knowledge of applicable codes and standards in schools, public facilities, and other development contexts.
• Engages confidently with elected officials, staff, contractors, and the public in technical and policy discussions.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Effectively executes Department activities; directs, coordinates, and performs enforcement activities effectively and efficiently.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 years related work experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for 1 year of required work experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• AICP Preferred 
• Certified Floodplain Manager (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
• Active participation in state and national planning associations is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent sitting, some standing, and walking are required, and daily tasks such as stooping, bending, and reaching are also necessary. Moderate use of senses such as vision, audio, and speech is required. High use of cognitive skills is needed to complete the essential functions of the job.

WORK SCHEDULE:

The position is a full-time position and will work 40 hours per week. The position is a salaried, non-exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay. There may be instances where work on weekends is required to provide planning and development services to citizens.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

• Essential duties are performed the majority of the time indoors in an office setting. There may be a need to perform work outdoors when required.   

• Exposure to weather conditions is not likely for the majority of work performed indoors. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Travel for the position is considered moderate.  Travel will be required for training, meetings, and certification maintenance.  

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this job. Other tasks and duties may be assigned to support the City of Canyon’s overall mission.

Please click the link below to view full brochure

https://www.canyontx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5922/Planning-Development-Director-Job-Packet-2025