Peer review finds experienced but aging Randolph County planning staff; recommends structural, facility and technology improvements

County staff reported results of a peer review of the Randolph County Planning & Zoning Department conducted by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. The review praised staff knowledge and commitment while recommending organizational, facility and technology changes.

Assistant County Manager summarized the findings: staff are “diligent, committed to their duties” and include four employees with more than 20 years of experience, but that experience also raises short-term succession and capacity concerns. The review advised considering a more vertical department structure, long-range staffing plans, and measures to restore a centralized permitting customer experience.

The report highlighted the department’s physical facility as an obstacle to efficient public service, calling the current building “segmented” and noting it is shared by environmental health and building inspections. The reviewer recommended revisiting the permitting flow, improving customer experience and investing in technology and software upgrades.

County leaders said the peer review was informational and that they plan to hire a new planning director and work with staff and the planning board to implement recommendations. No formal action or funding request was taken that evening.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the report and asked staff to move forward with hiring and implementation planning; staff warned facility renovations and technology upgrades could require budget consideration in future budget cycles.