The Katy City Council Monday established a new community development director position that, when filled, will oversee the city’s planning, permits and inspections.

The position will report to Elaine Lutringer, who herself is being promoted to a newly created position of executive director for public works and community development. She will supervise both the public works director that will succeed her, as well as the new community development director, when they are hired. City Administrator Byron Hebert said the city will look to interview candidates for both positions.

Requirements for the community development director position include a master’s degree with 8-10 years in urban development, municipal planning, code administration, or broad and extensive experience in economic development and 3-5 years of supervisory experience. Experience in a home-rule city such as Katy is preferred.

Hebert said the new community development director would begin by “taking a snapshot” of the city’s situation.

“We’re landlocked,” Hebert said. “We’re surrounded by Houston extraterritorial jurisdiction.”

The director would be expected to ensure completion of projects, now being done, to improve the city’s permit process. Overseeing the city’s grant applications is another priority.

“We have grants out there, and we want to get them completed,” Hebert said.

The city has for some months been working on revising its comprehensive plan. Hebert said the new director would be expected to help guide the city based on the plan.