Planner

Job Title

The purpose of this classification is to implement the Town's comprehensive plan and land development regulations; develop and review zoning text amendments and plan amendments; and evaluate permits and land development applications for compliance with the comprehensive plan, Town codes and ordinances.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Interprets and applies Town codes, comprehensive plan, strategic plan, ordinances, and resolutions pertaining to zoning, land use, and site development, including public notification requirements.

Provides information and technical assistance to citizens, property owners, land developers, contractors, architects, staff members, or other individuals/agencies regarding planning and zoning issues, primarily related to the Town's comprehensive plan, land development regulations, zoning and comprehensive plan amendment process, development applications, Town Code text amendment, future plans, demographics, codes/ordinances, building permits, site plan reviews, procedures, forms, fees, or other issues; assists public with inquiries about County Business Tax Receipts; responds to routine questions or complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.

Conducts meetings with developers, property owners, the public, or other individuals regarding planning/zoning issues; provides customer service at front counter, by telephone, electronic communication, or by mail.

Analyzes annexation, rezoning, future land use map amendments, and comprehensive plan and Town code text amendments requests for compatibility for surrounding uses, consistency with state statutes, and comprehensive plan; conducts review of population estimates, demographic data, and development proposals from other governments.

Performs site plan, special exception, planned unit development, and variance application review; determines whether proposed development complies with applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and strategic priorities; and prepares comments on proposed projects utilizing the Town's electronic project management and plan review systems. Review and analyze site and landscape plans, architectural plans, photometric plans, traffic studies and patterns, environmental studies, plats, property appraisal data, and drainage plans and conditions, statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, professional publications, manuals, reference materials, environmental studies, or other documentation and research the history of projects. Review, completes, processes, forwards, retains or prepares comments on proposed projects or applications.

Implements the historic and archeological preservation regulations of the Town; reviews, processes, and prepares staff reports for certificates to dig, certificates of appropriateness, local historic designations, historic preservation grants, and Town and County Historic Exemption applications.

Reviews and analyzes applications, building permits, engineering plans, zoning determination letters, or other proposed projects to determine whether proposed development complies with Town codes/ordinances and other documents as necessary.

Prepares and updates project staff reports, findings, correspondence, memorandums, technical reports, population projections, legal advertisements, ordinances, resolutions, charts, graphs, presentation, recommendations, and/or other documents pertaining to proposed development for presentation to Town officials and/or the public. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required for this position.

Prepares correspondence to explain applicable codes/ordinances and to provide status of various projects/applications for applicants, developers, contractors, property owners or other individuals.

Performs mapping and graphics activities involving zoning maps, land use maps, aerial photographs, location maps and other graphics to convey information.

Maintains and updates website information related to planning and zoning activities.

Maintains current files/records of work activities, application files or other department documentation; updates project files with current information and documentation; retrieves and replaces files.

Conducts research of Town codes, county codes, state statutes, various maps, computer/hard-copy files, reference materials, or other resources; verifies accuracy of information and ensures information is used correctly.

Maintains demographic/population information relating to the Town; analyze and recommend revisions to population projections; and coordinates with other agencies to develop and share information.

Writes, drafts, and/or updates ordinances and resolutions; reviews ordinances and resolutions.

Conducts site visits to conduct research, review projects, or ensure compliance.

Prepares records to document weekly work schedules and maintain timesheets to document time spent on projects/tasks.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, applicant status correspondence, staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, charts, graphs, tables, presentations, or other documents.

Review various forms, reports, correspondence, building permits, site plans, engineering plans, architectural drawings, elevations, surveys, traffic studies, environmental studies, engineering reports, drainage statements, landscape plans, photometric plans, plats, maps, zoning maps, future land use maps, setback books, codes, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, comprehensive plan, policies, procedures, professional publications, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; performs electronic plan review, verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, mapping, research, e-mail, Internet, electronic project management and plan review systems, or other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.

Operates/utilizes a variety of equipment or tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, computer, printer, copier, scanner, digital camera, light meter, sound level meter, calculator, telephone, or architectural/engineering scale.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other divisions, other departments, Town officials, property owners, developers, contractors, architects, consultants, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Assists in completing agenda items, prepares, and makes presentations for the Town Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Local Planning Agency, Historic Resources Board meetings. Prepares and/or makes presentations, coordinates, leads, and/or participates in public workshops, and/or internal meetings as appropriate;

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes/ordinances; maintains an awareness of trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends conferences, workshops and training sessions.

Additional duties when assigned natural resources functions

Assists with the development and implementation of all natural resource related issues with the Town along with the coordination and development of a comprehensive environment strategy for the Town.

Assist with landscape and marine facility code compliance actions when needed; recommends whether to prosecute code violations; prepares summary reports of code compliance issues when requested.

Assist with project management functions; oversees, coordinates, and monitors construction activities associated with projects; solicits bids and prepares contracts with outside service providers; develops schedules and work orders for consultants.

Assists with overseeing the design, development, management, construction, and implementation of the Town Open Space Program and management of Town owned preserve properties; supervises work of contracted consultants; meets with contractors regarding construction, permitting, exotic plant removal and restoration, and other project activities; coordinates permitting necessary for construction.

Reviews landscaping plans, marine facilities permits, environmental management plans, site plans, engineering plans and permits and related documents, determines compliance with Town codes and Comprehensive Plan, and provides comments in coordination with other jurisdictional agencies; conducts landscape and marine facilities inspections for compliance with approved plans and permits.

Processes applications for vegetation removal permits; ensures property limits of clearing, tree preservation, and proper methodology; oversees proper methodology and compliance with approved plans, codes, and industry standards.

Assists with the evaluation of trees and other landscaping for the structure, safety and conformance with State and industry standards.

Assesses value and quality of habitat; evaluates condition of land and/or habitat specifically understanding impacts of native and non-native.

Additional functions

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, word processing, copying standard documents and maps, retrieving files, filing documentation.

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, or closely related field.
• Previous experience, master's course work, and/or training involving site plan review, urban planning, local/state land use, zoning, and personal computer operations.
• A valid Florida driver's license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized, and the ability to obtain the State of Florida license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment is required.