The county has named Jason Giffen, land use chief for San Diego County, as its new director of Planning and Building.

County Counsel Warren Jensen made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after an executive session.

Giffen was one of four finalists. The others were Kami Griffin, acting director; Chuck Stevenson, manager of the county's Long Range Planning Division; and Greg Fuz, planning director for the city of Pleasant Hill in the Bay Area.

The job became vacant in June 2009, when Vic Holanda resigned.

Jensen said the county is negotiating a contract with Giffen, who could be on board within 45 days.