Introduction

West Chester Borough, Chester County, PA, is seeking a responsible, enthusiastic, and organized person to join the Borough's management team as Director of Building and Housing. The person in this position reports to the Borough Manager and partners closely with a seven (7) member Borough Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Historic Architecture Review Board (HARB), department heads, administrative staff, consultants, attorneys, and the public.

The Director is responsible for the administration of the Borough's planning, land development, codes enforcement, zoning, building permits, and rental licensing business processes. They coordinate the agendas of the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and HARB. They supervise employees and consultants responsible for code enforcement, building plan reviews and inspections, and permit administration. The Director coordinates closely with the Borough Solicitor, Engineer, planning consultant, and third-party inspection and plan review partners.

Duties

· Manage the review and approvals of subdivision and land development applications.

· Manage the review and issuance of building, electric, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning permits.

· Manage and maintain code enforcement policy and practice. Coordinate appropriately with the District Justice Courts.

· Coordinate effectively with other department directors and manage the scheduling and quality of consultant work.

· Attend night meetings of Borough Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board (as needed), Community Campus Committee, and submit reports on activities of the department to Borough Council and the Manager.

· Utilize the digital records system of applications, permits, inspections, licenses and codes enforcement.

· Effectively communicate with applicants regarding compliance with Borough Codes. Develop and maintain a high standard of customer service. Provide public information in accordance with communication plan and directives.

· Recommend to the Borough Manager and Borough Council policies and other items related to the department's effective operation.

· Supervise personnel, institute performance management goals, coach employees and apply appropriate discipline as necessary while abiding by all rules and regulations of Borough policies and state and federal laws.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Borough Manager.

Requirements

· This position requires substantial knowledge and experience in planning and zoning, building codes, and relevant administrative processes. The Director must be able to deal tactfully, effectively, and professionally with people both verbally and in writing.

· Qualified candidates should have experience and expertise in the laws and practice of building permits, zoning, codes enforcement, and land development. Professional certification is preferred.

· Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, public administration, geography, or a related field with at least five (5) years of relevant experience. A master's degree and experience working in municipal government is preferred.

· Experience in using digital technology and data management systems is required.

· Maintain a valid driver's license.

Essential Functions

· Must be physically able to perform inspections on job sites.

· Must be physically able to operate standard office equipment.

· Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

· Must be able to read and interpret blueprints.

· Must be physically able to provide customer service at the Building, Housing and Codes enforcement office.