City Names New Planning & Code Administration Director

The city of Gaithersburg has hired John Schlichting as Director of the Planning and Code Administration, according to a news release Monday morning.

Schlichting, a resident of Kentlands in Gaithersburg since 1992, previously served on the Gaithersburg Planning Commission from 1995-2001 and was elected to the Gaithersburg city council in 2001, where he served until 2007.

"I am absolutely delighted that I have been chosen for this position," Schlichting said in a statement. "Throughout my career, I have been passionate about careful, smart and sustainable stewardship of our built environment. I've also been passionate about the City of Gaithersburg and serving my community, and I look forward to bringing together these passions to benefit all of our neighborhoods and residents."

Schlichting was appointed by Acting City Manager Tony Tomasello and will begin working on Monday, July 9, earning a salary of $140,000.

“There is a lot going on in Gaithersburg from a development perspective right now, and our Planning and Code Administration Director must be adept at managing it all,” Tomasello said in a statement. “John impressed the four staff and community-based interview panels with his extensive knowledge and involvement in the Gaithersburg community, his broad experiences, and his strong desire to further the goals of the City of Gaithersburg.”

The city's Planning and Code Administration encompasses six divisions, including Community Planning, Long Range Planning, Neighborhood Services, Permits and Inspections, Environmental Services and Animal Control. The department's budget for fiscal year 2013 is $4.3 million.

In January, Tomasello said 61 people applied for the position. .

Former Planning and Code Administration Director .

Ossont had been with the city for 15 years.