Planning Director

ABOUT THE PLANNING DIRECTOR POSITIONLancaster County is seeking a visionary and collaborative Planning Director to lead the County’s planning, zoning, and development functions during a time of growth and opportunity. This leader will guide responsible development, advance long-range planning initiatives, and partner with internal teams, elected officials, developers, and residents to strengthen the County’s quality of life.Lancaster County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and growing community. The County is committed to thoughtful planning, responsive yet proactive governance, and professional delivery of services to the public. This role offers both influence and purpose, allowing the Planning Director to shape development outcomes that will benefit residents and businesses for generations to come.The Director of Planning and Development serves as the County’s lead authority on planning, land use, zoning, and development strategy. Reporting to the County Administrator, this role provides direction and oversight for planning and development services while aligning departmental goals with the County’s long-term vision, policies, and strategic priorities.This is a high-impact leadership role operating at the intersection of policy, politics, and development. The Planning Director plays a critical role in shaping growth outcomes, advising decision-makers, and ensuring that planning processes are transparent, defensible, and consistently applied.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & OperationsDirect and manage all Planning Department functions, staff, and daily operationsEstablish priorities and ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery in a fast-growth environmentDevelopment Review & ImplementationOversee and participate in complex development review, including rezoning, subdivision plats, and site plansCoordinate with Public Works, Building, Economic Development, Zoning, and legal counselEnsure infrastructure considerations, stormwater coordination, and regulatory complianceDraft and negotiate Development AgreementsLegal & Regulatory OversightEnsure full compliance with South Carolina planning law, including the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act (Title 6, Chapter 29)Apply and interpret zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land use policiesMaintain consistency in ordinance application to avoid precedent-setting decisionsUnderstand and apply principles of takings law, vested rights, and due processStrategic & Long-Range PlanningLead Comprehensive Plan updates with a focus on land use, growth management, economic development, and housingIdentify emerging trends and guide policy development to manage growth effectivelyAdvisory & Public EngagementServe as a trusted advisor to County Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)Navigate complex political environments with professionalism, neutrality, and sound judgmentClearly communicate complex planning and zoning issues to elected officials, stakeholders, and the publicWHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORStrong political awareness and ability to operate effectively among elected officials, developers, and citizensExceptional public communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, accessible languageProven development review experience across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and mixed-use projectsDemonstrated ability to lead or update a Comprehensive Plan in a high-growth environmentExperience working collaboratively across departments and with legal counselCommitment to consistency, fairness, and defensibility in decision-makingStrong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skillsQUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATIONBachelor’s degree in planning and development, urban design, public administration or related field is required; master’s degree preferred.5–10+ years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a high-growth communityAICP Certification strongly preferredProven leadership experience in public-sector planning, development, or community developmentStrong knowledge of land use planning, zoning, and development regulationsExperience working with elected officials, boards, and diverse stakeholder groupsA collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership styleThe ability to balance growth, community character, and regulatory responsibilityCOMPENSATIONThe salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $115,000 - $135,000. The salary offered will be negotiated depending on qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided to complement the salary compensation.TO APPLYThe position will remain open until filled, with priority given to candidates who apply prior to June 5th. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the FGP team.Candidates must meet the qualifications listed above in order to be considered.Lancaster County, SC is an equal opportunity employer.