After a nationwide search, the city of Asheville has filled the position of development services director. Wayne Clark will take the reins from interim Director Jason Nortz, effective Nov. 23. Nortz has served as interim director since June.
“We are pleased to fill the critical Development Services Director position with such a proven leader. I am excited about the proven track record Wayne brings to us in streamlining plan review, permitting and inspection services,” said City Manager Gary Jackson. “He also understands how an efficient and effective development review process hastens the creation of jobs, housing and sustainable development.”
The Development Services Department has been criticized over the years for being slow and hard to navigate. “With all the new development that’s occurring, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with it at a breakneck pace,” Jason Nortz told Mountain Xpress last month.
Clark comes to Asheville from the City of Port Orange, Fla., where he leads building, planning, code enforcement and construction as Port Orange’s community development director. The move will bring Clark back to North Carolina, where he previously served as the development services director for the City of Wilmington.
Clark received a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and communications, also from Clemson University.
“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my development management experience to the City of Asheville,” Clark said in a press release from the city of Asheville. “With the development boom the city is experiencing, it’s critical to deliver timely, efficient plan review, permitting and inspection services. My approach is to balance safety and service when it comes to the development process.”
The Development Services Department provides assistance and regulation through review, inspection and enforcement in building safety; planning and zoning; stormwater, grading and driveway of commercial and residential properties within the City limits.
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