ASSOCIATE PLANNER

The Position

Under general supervision, provides journey level professional urban planning work in support of planning activities including planning research and land use planning studies and preparation of complex technical reports; and assists developers and the public in understanding and applying planning and zoning regulations and City guidelines to development projects, technical issues and land use plans.

Example Of Duties

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provides professional planning services to achieve structured and organized growth and development in the City in compliance with all regulatory requirements; assists to administer the General Plan update; ensures project plans, policies and procedures are in conformance to City General Plan, and in compliance with local, State and federal codes and regulations.
• Reviews plans and technical documents for compliance with City regulations and ordinances; produces professional quality staff reports, presentations and recommendations on planning issues; prepares environmental impact assessments according to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards; prepare and analyze planning studies and communicate findings of these studies in an understandable manner.
• Reviews and evaluates development proposals, development designs, applications, planning and zoning changes, variance requests, technical documents and special permits for compliance with City standards and regulatory requirements; reviews development plans with residents, developers and builders; develops recommendations, and summarizes all issues for the Planning Commission.
• Makes recommendations on development permits, special use permits, variance, conditional use permits, tentative tract maps, residential planned development permits, as well as other zoning applications.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public and other agencies in matters relating to planning, zoning and permit review, and other City standards and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority.
• Manages special projects as assigned; researches planning issues and regulations, and provides data and analysis on land use and planning issues as requested.
• Participates in meetings with government officials and community groups; coordinates with various regional government organizations, community groups, and State and federal agencies; attends public meetings and presents information on regional planning and zoning issues.
• Meets and advises developers regarding development applications and processes; explains purpose, regulations, and directive of accepted development practices.
• Represents the Planning Division at public meetings, and presents planning and zoning matters to Planning Commission, City Council, and citizen committees as required.
• Conducts field inspections and investigates complaints concerning property maintenance, zoning issues and health and safety violations; performs field surveys to identify problems and ensure conformance to project conditions and development standards.
• May assist in developing goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
• Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, engineering, architecture or a closely related field. AND Three (3) years of municipal, urban or regional planning experience.

Special Requirements

Required Licenses or Certifications: Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record.