Director of Planning and Zoning, City of West Columbia
Leading urban planning initiatives that promote vibrant, sustainable, and well-designed neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public spaces. Managing long-range planning activities, including data collection, demographic and economic forecasting, land use trend analysis, and strategic problem solving. Serving as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, preparing reports, recommendations, and presentations for development proposals and public hearings.
Overseeing zoning administration and enforcement, processing amendments, and creating new or updated land development regulations to support the City’s vision. Collaborating closely with developers, property owners, design professionals, and community stakeholders to ensure projects meet high-quality design, infrastructure, and compatibility standards. Coordinating the review of site plans, subdivision plats, and other development applications to ensure compliance with codes, ordinances, and adopted plans.
Directing departmental operations, including budgeting, personnel supervision, workload management, and cross-departmental coordination. Acting as a spokesperson for planning matters, engaging with residents, business leaders, and regional partners to promote West Columbia’s development goals. Maintaining accurate and permanent records for zoning maps, amendments, variances, and other planning-related actions.
Requires a Master's degree in city, urban, or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or related field with five to seven years of experience in urban planning, some of which have been at a supervisory level; specific knowledge of comprehensive planning, zoning administration and enforcement, administration of building and technical construction codes and inspection programs; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Proficiency in hand sketching, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe illustrator/InDesign, morphilo trace, or gis+spatial overlay is preferred.
Must posses a valid SC driver’ license. Must be able to obtain American Institute of Certified Planners certification.
Employment application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Completed, signed applications may be mailed to Brittany Raven, Human Resources Coordinator, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634 or e-mailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.