CITY OF LAMAR, COLORADO

Community Development Director

Department: Community Development
Reports To: City Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Grade: 200
Salary Range: $73,091 - $101,150 annually
Hiring Range: $73,091 - $87,110 DOE
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

About the City of Lamar

Located in southeastern Colorado, Lamar is the regional center for government, healthcare, education, agriculture, and commerce. The City offers affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and is focused on economic development, downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, and responsible growth.

The Community Development Director plays a key role in shaping Lamar's future by helping facilitate quality development, protecting neighborhood character, supporting local businesses, and providing responsive service to residents, contractors, developers, and community stakeholders.

Position Summary

Under the City Administrator's direction, the Community Development Director leads planning, zoning, development review, permitting, building inspection coordination, and code enforcement.

This hands-on position ensures responsible growth, consistent application of regulations, and responsive service to residents, contractors, property owners, and developers.

The successful candidate will balance community development goals with regulatory compliance in a collaborative, customer-focused manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Leadership (Hands-On)

• Directs daily planning, permitting, plan review, inspection coordination, and code enforcement activities.
• Supervises assigned staff.
• Prepares and manages the department's operating budget.
• Develops efficient customer service procedures.
• Advises the City Administrator on development and regulatory matters.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and organizational efficiency.
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Planning & Zoning Administration

• Administers zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Processes rezoning, annexation, plats, site plans, variances, special uses, and other development applications.
• Prepares staff reports, recommendations, ordinances, and resolutions for the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Leads updates to the Comprehensive Plan, development codes, and related planning documents.
• Provides guidance on land use and development matters.
• Conducts research on growth and planning initiatives.

Development Review & Permitting

• Coordinates development review across City departments and partner agencies.
• Oversees building permit applications for zoning and development compliance.
• Coordinates inspections and code compliance.
• Resolves development and compliance issues with project stakeholders.
• Evaluates development proposals for compliance with City regulations and adopted plans.
• Improves permitting and development review processes.

Code Enforcement & Neighborhood Standards

• Oversees code enforcement investigations.
• Applies property maintenance, nuisance, and municipal code regulations.
• Works with property owners and residents to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible.
• Coordinates enforcement actions with legal counsel and other departments.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Promotes neighborhood preservation and community appearance initiatives.

Public Engagement & Customer Service

• Serves as the primary contact for land use, zoning, development, and permitting.
• Responds to citizen concerns and requests for information.
• Facilitates public meetings and attends evening hearings and meetings as required.
• Presents recommendations to boards, elected officials, and the public.
• Builds productive relationships with community stakeholders.
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and customer service.

Organizational Relationships

The Community Development Director reports directly to the City Administrator and works closely with Public Works, Utilities, Fire, Police, Engineering consultants, developers, contractors, and community stakeholders.

The Director oversees planning, zoning, permitting, development review, code enforcement, and inspection coordination through City staff and/or contracted services.

This position requires a collaborative, hands-on leadership style.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, zoning administration, code enforcement, development review, building inspection, community development, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• International Code Council (ICC) certifications.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) designation.
• Experience administering zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Experience with municipal permitting systems and development review processes.
• Experience working with Planning Commissions, Boards of Adjustment, and City Councils.
• Experience in a small or mid-sized local government environment.
• Knowledge of Colorado municipal land use law and development practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of zoning, subdivision regulations, building codes, municipal codes, and development review processes.
• Ability to interpret and consistently apply municipal regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of planning and community development practices.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, recommendations, and presentations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience handling difficult or sensitive public interactions.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Practical problem-solving skills in a small-team environment.
• Ability to balance enforcement responsibilities with customer service expectations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field settings. The position requires attendance at evening meetings and occasional site visits in varying weather conditions. Work may involve exposure to construction sites, undeveloped properties, and other field environments requiring moderate physical activity.

Benefits

The City of Lamar offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation leave
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Memberships and conference attendance related to professional certifications and continuing education

Why Join the City of Lamar?

This is an opportunity to shape development policy, improve permitting, support economic growth, protect neighborhood character, and help guide Lamar's future.

The City of Lamar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply: Email your resume, cover letter, and anything else you would like considered to Mitch Hammes, City Administrator.  Mitch.hammes@ci.lamar.co.us.