Director of Building & Development - Internal Only

Shape the Future of Rockport

The City of Rockport is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking Director of Building and Development to lead the City’s planning, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement functions. This executive-level position plays a critical role in guiding responsible growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional service to residents, businesses, and the development community.

If you are a seasoned planning or building professional who thrives at the intersection of community vision, technical expertise, and public service, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

As the Director of Building and Development, you will provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all departmental operations, including planning, inspections, permitting, and code enforcement. You will also serve as the City’s Community Planner, helping guide Rockport’s growth while preserving its character and resilience.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Administration

• Plan, organize, and direct all Building and Development Department activities


• Prepare and administer the department’s operating budget


• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team of professional, technical, and administrative staff


• Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, procedures, and performance measures


• Evaluate and communicate the impacts of legal and regulatory changes

Planning & Development

• Serve as Community Planner, overseeing land use planning, zoning, and development regulations


• Interpret and administer adopted codes, ordinances, plans, and policies


• Develop short- and long-range comprehensive plans, zoning studies, and infrastructure analyses


• Review development proposals, site plans, and building plans for regulatory compliance


• Provide case management for zoning issues, variances, and special projects


• Assist developers, design professionals, and the public with planning and technical review matters

Building Inspections & Code Enforcement

• Oversee building inspections, plan reviews, and enforcement of building and zoning codes


• Ensure compliance with residential and commercial construction standards


• Address public complaints related to code enforcement and ordinance application


• Coordinate inspections, re-inspections, documentation, and corrective actions


• Serve as the City’s Floodplain Administrator

Coordination & Public Service

• Provide staff support to boards, commissions, and committees


• Assist with preparation of City Council agenda items and supporting materials


• Respond to Public Information Act requests


• Attend City meetings and represent the department professionally


• Prepare clear, concise reports on departmental operations and performance


• Administer emergency preparedness, response, and risk management plans

Who You’ll Work With

You will collaborate with elected officials, city leadership, staff, developers, design professionals, other governmental agencies, and the general public to ensure thoughtful, compliant, and sustainable development.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership ability, and public-service mindset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, land use, zoning, and development regulations


• Strong understanding of building inspection practices and construction codes


• Ability to interpret complex codes, ordinances, plans, and technical documents


• Proficiency in reading plats, site plans, architectural drawings, and construction plans


• Experience with GIS data, mapping, and graphic presentations


• Excellent organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills


• Strong written and verbal communication and public engagement skills


• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and lead diverse teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, engineering, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)


• One to two years of progressively responsible experience in planning, building, or development administration (additional experience may be considered)


• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain


• Ability to obtain Floodplain Administrator Certification within two years of hire


• Ability to obtain appropriate state inspection certifications


• Valid Plumbing Inspector License from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners


• Certification through a nationally recognized code organization (ICC preferred) in at least one inspection discipline

Work Environment

This position involves a combination of office work and field inspections. The Director may work outdoors in varying weather conditions and occasionally lift light to heavy objects. Use of protective equipment may be required.

Why Rockport?

Rockport is a vibrant coastal community committed to smart growth, transparency, and high-quality public service. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the City’s future while working with a dedicated leadership team and engaged community.

Full Job Description