Development Administrator

SUMMARY

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Community Development, this position performs a combination of technical, administrative, and development coordination duties related to permitting, zoning, planning, and community development activities. The Development Administrator serves as a primary point of contact for residents, contractors, developers, and business owners, providing guidance related to permitting requirements, zoning regulations, development procedures, and general code-related matters. This position is expected to independently interpret and communicate applicable ordinances, policies, and procedures while assisting applicants through the development review and permitting process from initial inquiry through project completion. The position manages and coordinates a wide range of development-related activities, including permit applications, site plans, zoning requests, certificates of occupancy, contractor registrations, and development review processes. Responsibilities include coordinating with applicants, staff, inspectors, and outside agencies to facilitate timely review and resolution of development-related matters while ensuring consistency with applicable codes and City standards. In addition to development coordination responsibilities, the position performs operational and administrative support functions including permit processing, fee collection, records management, report preparation, departmental communication, and additional related duties or assignments as assigned. The position requires strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service in a fast-paced public service environment. DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions: Serves as the primary departmental liaison, providing professional and responsive customer service to all inquiries related to permitting, zoning, and community development activities. Provides interpretation and guidance regarding zoning regulations, land use requirements, development procedures, plan reviews, permit requirements, and applicable City ordinances. Performs analytical reviews and manages cases of assigned subdivision plats, site plans, zoning requests, special use permits, building permits, and other development related documents ensuring conformance with appropriate ordinances, codes, and regulations. Coordinates the City’s development review process, including Development Review Committee meetings, interdepartmental review coordination, and preparation of formal comments to applicants. Reviews permit applications and plans for completeness and general compliance with applicable codes and ordinances; processes and issues building and fire permits, contractor registrations, and certificates of occupancy in accordance with City regulations. Coordinates permit intake, routing, and tracking, facilitating communication between departments and applicants to ensure timely and consistent processing. Verifies compliance with zoning and building regulations prior to permit issuance. Schedules inspections and assists in coordinating communication between inspectors, staff, and applicants. Manages annual registration, permitting, inspection, and compliance tracking processes related to rental properties, contractor registrations, and other recurring regulatory programs administered by the department. Calculates and collects applicable fees in accordance with the City’s adopted fee schedule; performs daily cash drawer handling and reconciliation according to financial policies and procedures. Maintains and updates departmental records, including permit files, contractor registrations, certificates of occupancy, plats, site plans, and related documentation. Maintains the department’s permitting and work management software, ensuring accuracy and completeness of records. Assists in preparing correspondence, public notices, reports, and agenda materials for boards and commissions, as needed. Supports community compliance operations by responding to general inquiries, inspection scheduling, and preparing lien payoff invoices and release letters. Maintains and updates departmental web content to ensure accurate, current, and user-friendly information related to permitting and development processes. Conducts research, analysis, and coordination related to zoning, permitting, development, and planning matters; assists in resolving development-related issues and supports ordinance updates, process improvements, development trends, and long‑range planning initiatives. Performs general administrative support duties including filing, data entry, document management, mail processing, and coordination of departmental activities. Assists in identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance departmental efficiency and customer service delivery. Manages the tracking and reporting of permitting activity, development trends, and departmental metrics, as needed. Marginal Functions: Assists co-workers and other departments as needed. Performs additional related duties or special assignments as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of Municipal permitting processes and procedures Zoning, land use regulations, and development regulations and procedures Building codes, construction terminology, and plan review processes Principles and practices of customer service General office procedures and record keeping practices Applicable software, databases, and permitting systems Basic mathematics for fee calculation Ability to Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Provide responsive, professional, and courteous customer service Interpret and explain regulations, procedures, and requirements clearly Maintain accurate records with strong attention to detail Effectively compose and edit reports, letters, memos, departmental updates, newsletters, and other related documents Manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, contractors, and City staff Effectively resolve issues Operate standard office equipment and software systems Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines Work independently with limited supervision Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and strong organizational skills Experience and Training Guidelines Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education and/or Experience This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development or a related field is preferred. Three years of experience working in a municipal, administrative, permitting, construction, or development-related environment. Experience in municipal permitting or planning is strongly preferred. Must demonstrate excellent customer service and organizational skills and have regular, reliable attendance and ability to maintain confidentiality. License or Certificate Possession of an appropriate, valid Texas driver's license ICC Permit Technician certification or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment. Supervision Received and Exercised Receives direction from the Executive Director of Community Development. Exercises no supervision. Working Conditions Environmental Conditions Work is performed in a normal office environment which is generally sedentary with exposure to computer screens and required frequent phone and personal contact with the public, businesses, development community and other city departments; frequently carries files, may have to lift and/or carry, push or pull various objects. Physical Conditions While performing the essential and marginal functions the employee may be required to maintain physical condition necessary for adequate physical performance abilities including: bending, stooping, kneeling; sitting for prolonged periods of time; use of both hands and both arms, the use of legs; walking, standing; finger/manual dexterity is essential. Adequate speech, hearing and eyesight required; lift, carry, push, pull, drag or hold moderately weighted objects (up to 25 lbs.); visual acuity and ability to distinguish color, constant talking, hearing, concentrating, judgment and writing. THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR REVISE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE NEED ARISES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A WRITTEN OR IMPLIED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Richland Hills