Planner I

Planning And Zoning Administrator

Performs intermediate skilled administrative support work and zoning code interpretations. Receives and processes various land use and zoning applications and permits, prepares and maintains electronic and paper files, researches codes, prepares draft reports, and performs related work as apparent or assigned.

Essential Functions

• Maintains a complete and thorough knowledge of the City's Zoning and Land Development Ordinances.
• Encourages and promotes a culture of excellent customer service. Answers telephone; provides accurate information and assistance relating to zoning and general land development processes; refers to appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Prepares responses to zoning verification letters and collects requested background information.
• Performs zoning verification for occupational tax applications (business licenses).
• Prepares and presents staff reports, findings, and recommendations for planning and zoning applications to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other applicable boards or committees.
• Assists in interpreting and communicating Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Ordinance requirements, processes, and standards to the general public and the development community.
• Assists in the preparation of Planning Commission agendas, packets, and meeting room set-up.
• Distributes Planning Commission agendas and packets; posts agendas and packets to the City website; e-mails agendas to media and mailing list; and attends meetings as required.
• Ensures meeting minutes are signed and recorded per City's requirements.
• Prepares public hearing advertising notices and ensures publication.
• Assists with the preparation, presentation, coordination, and verification of electronic meeting materials for Planning-related matters presented by the department. Reviews development plans, subdivision submittals, rezoning, variance, and special use permit applications for completeness. Receipts and posts appropriate fees.
• Assists with development, implementation, and modernization of the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), zoning regulations, subdivision ordinance, sign ordinance, and other development-related regulations.
• Conducts site visits and field investigations related to zoning, development, and land use matters.
• Receives, reviews, evaluates, and prepares reports and recommendations for applications involving rezonings, special land use permits, site plans, landscape plans, variances, zoning appeals, conceptual and preliminary subdivision plats, and future land use plan amendments.
• Assists in development plan review tracking and reporting.
• Assists in research and drafting of ordinance amendments.
• Assists in landscape inspections.
• Maintains and updates electronic and paper records in accordance with department retention policies.
• Assists with non-building department permits when necessary.
• Assists in maintaining and ordering office supplies within department budget constraints.
• Assists in processing open records requests.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required By The Position

• Knowledge of the City Zoning Ordinance, Land Development Regulations, and Code of Ordinances.
• Knowledge of comprehensive and current planning principles, procedures, techniques and their implications
• General knowledge of permit processing and plan review requirements in the State of Georgia.
• General knowledge of State records retention requirements.
• General knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe reader.
• Knowledge of or the related experience and ability to learn ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of or the related experience and ability to learn BS&A and EPlansoft.
• Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Skill in the provision of excellent customer service.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the maintenance of files and records.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in commercial arithmetic.
• Skill in office management.
• Ability to analyze and understand city, county, regional, state and federal codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to planning, including transportation planning.
• Ability to write reports clearly and in an interesting manner while conveying technical information to the general public.
• Ability to conduct technical planning research.
• Ability to speak publicly in a succinct and clear manner.
• Ability to perform a considerable volume of detailed work in a complex and disruptive environment.
• Ability to read plans to scale.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Supervisory Controls

The Senior Planner assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope Of Work

• The work consists of related planning and administrative duties. Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide general support for the operations of the Planning and Development Department. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City employees, elected and appointed officials, contractors, appraisers, attorneys, engineers, real estate agents, architects, land owners, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

Supervisory And Management Responsibility

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in community development, environmental design, public policy, urban or regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, or closely related field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship, specialized training, or having had a similar position for one to three years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.