Planning Director

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in planning or closely-related field, including public administration, or urban geography. Preference will be given to applicants that have a Master’s degree in Urban Planning.
• 5 years progressively responsible experience in city and/or regional planning
• American Planning Association membership and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners are required
• 3 years supervisory experience

• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of city planning and comprehensive planning, policy development processes and implementation approaches
• Extensive knowledge of land use law, including zoning and subdivision regulations; extensive knowledge of community and economic development
• Considerable knowledge of downtown development, redevelopment and urban design; considerable
• Considerable knowledge of public administration
• Knowledge of transportation, environmental and neighborhood planning
• Knowledge of state and federal community development programs; Familiarity with Connecticut land use and zoning laws
• Knowledge of Planning computer applications

• Excellent communication skills; including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely across multiple audiences and partners
• Public Speaking
• Written and Oral Communication Skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office

• Use sound judgment in the administration of land use regulations.
• Analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Plan and manage department operating budget
• Identify partnerships with other programs/institutions
• Interact with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations
• Work independently and as a team, assume responsibility and take initiative
• Balance and prioritize multiple demands and deadlines
• Ability to work off hours for attendance at land use commission meetings, City Council meetings, and other meetings as necessary

Under the direction of the Mayor, the Planning Director manages and supervises all activities and employees of the Department of Planning and Zoning. The Director prepares and implements the Plan of Conservation and Development, community and neighborhood plans, and other public improvement and/or affordable housing plans and projects; directs the enforcement of zoning, subdivision, and other land use regulations and prepares amendments thereto; and, develops, manages and directs improvement projects for the revitalization of the city. The Director coordinates development and capital improvement programming activities for the City and prepares the annual five-year capital improvement program; monitors state and federal legislation, programs and funding resources; and, as appropriate, applies for funding and manages grants for projects that promote the planning objectives and the orderly development of the City. In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Ordinances, the Director also reviews applications for deferral of assessment increases attributable to construction of improvements and reports to City Council as required pursuant thereto.   The Director promotes the economic development of the city in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, supervises permit coordination, and advises the City officials and land use commissions on planning and zoning matters.  The Director ensures the City is in compliance with mandated land use, zoning, and other applicable provisions of state statutes.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assumes full management responsibility to lead, develop and implement the planning program goals, funding, objectives, policies and priorities
2. Advises and makes recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, land use commissions, and other authorities, boards and commissions on matters pertaining to planning, land use regulations, and community and economic developments
3. Prepares and periodically updates the Plan of Conservation and Development, The Affordable Housing Plan, and neighborhood plans
4. Tracks the inventory of affordable housing units pursuant to CT General Statutes Section 8-30g and assists the Department of Health and Human Services, as necessary, with affordable housing zoning-related issues
5. Makes recommendations for and on amendments to the zoning and subdivision regulations and aquifer protection area regulations
6. Directs staff recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commissions
7. Provides general direction in the operation of the Permit Center, as may be necessary in coordination with the Director of Permit Coordination
8. Prepares planning studies and improvement projects
9. Serves as Executive Director of the Danbury Redevelopment Agency
10. Coordinates downtown revitalization plans, programs, and projects and serves as liaison to CityCenter Danbury
11. Annually prepares a five-year capital improvement program
12. Promotes economic development efforts
13. Monitors state and federal programs and funding sources related to community development
14. Directs staff recommendations on proposed public improvements, the acquisition, sale or lease of public land, the location or extension of public housing, development and redevelopment, and the location and extension of public utilities
15. Coordinates regional planning programs with WestCOG and neighboring towns
16. Meets with the public and business and community organizations on planning issues facing the City
17. Prepares and manages the department operating budget
18. Coordinates department activities with other City departments, outside agencies, and organizations
19. Oversees resolution of difficult planning, development, and administrative policy questions
20. Supervises department staff
21. Undertakes such other duties as prescribed by the Mayor.