Planner III

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of full performance level professional and technical duties as needed to expedite the implementation of department work plans and programs related to long range and/or current planning; coordinates, reviews and reports on current planning applications; and assists with the preparation of planning studies, policies, and ordinances as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under direct supervision of the Community Development Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

essential functions

Participates in planning projects related to policy development, land use, demographic analysis, housing, economic development/impact, transportation, environmental assessments, conducts planning research and studies; presents findings to department head and/or planning commission; conducts field inspections on development proposals, land-use issues, surveys, planning studies and other projects.

Reviews subdivision, conditional use, site plan, rezone, master development plan, general plan amendment, and other development applications for conformity to City ordinances; provides zoning, land-use and other code information to developers, property owners, contractors and the general public; processes land-use applications and submissions and coordinates reviews in accordance with City regulations, ordinances and codes while in the office, or on site, or by phone; assists in the coordination of development proposals with other City Departments and governmental agencies to assure that all applicable development standards are met; work with developers through the City's development process; communicates with applicants, particularly in the transmittal of Development Review Committee (DRC) comments and in the scheduling of DRC meetings.

Assists in the development and preparation of Planning Commission and City Council Staff Reports, agendas, and other information; analyzes general plan, policies, ordinance compliance, negotiated development exactions, performance standards and recommends approval or denial of requests; prepares written reports in response to public requests for zoning applications and various ordinance changes; assists in the implementation of land development ordinances; maintains records, logs, and pertinent reports.

Acts as staff to the Development Review Committee and Planning Commission; conducts feasibility studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signage, traffic, development and related departmental areas; attends meetings and makes public presentations as required; conducts field inspections of projects under construction for compliance with City ordinances and conditions of approval imposed by the City. Participates in project review meetings with various city departments and developer representatives and identifies problem areas related to zoning and negotiates options for compliance.

Assists to coordinate the citizen participation process; meets with the general public to discuss planning, zoning, and development issues; assists the public to define concerns and presents public questions to management; follows up with public to apprise of city policy and decisions; coordinates the preparation of meeting agendas as required; publishes notice of meeting via local newspaper and posts notices as required.

May assist to review and approve landscape plans for compliance with city landscape ordinance; monitors building setbacks, signage requirements, driveways, parking lots, and related site compliance concerns.

Updates, revises, and drafts ordinances and resolutions relating to land use and growth management; revises or creates language which updates and/or clarifies interpretation and intent of the codes and ordinances.

Assists in managing the progress of applications through the approval process; assures the timely review by staff and the timely presentation to commissions or boards as needed; follows established processes or expedites processes where possible.

Attends and participates in professional functions, meetings and classes; researches and stays abreast of Federal, State and local laws, legislation, codes, regulations, environmental matters, and zoning and land-uses issues pertinent to planning;

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:
2. Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in urban planning or a closely related field;

AND

1. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties;

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of principles and practices of community development, urban planning and design, local government operation and structures; map reading; principles of public relations; personal computers and applications; and ARC View / ARC Info GIS mapping systems; current and long range planning and site plan compliance; site development, zoning ordinances, urban design, environmental protection and architecture; economics, sociology and community organization as applied to urban planning models; relationship between factors affecting urban planning policy, such as economic, political, sociological, legal, etc.; research and statistical methods typically used in the analysis and the evaluation of research data; land use, zoning, federal, state, and local laws.

Some Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; the use of various computer programs; ARC View GIS mapping systems; calculator.

Ability to research relevant information and present the information to the public in a concise and clear manner; complete daily work programs; complete the compilation, analysis and preparation of planning related professional reports; coordinate a variety of major projects and programs; plan and organize comprehensive research studies; prepare and present technical reports; enforce regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality; interpret codes accurately and effectively; operate personal computer and various software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, design, presentation, etc.); communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; operate standard keyboard and perform data entry activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

1. Special Qualifications:

Must maintain membership in the American Planning Association. Must possess a valid state driver's license.

1. Work Environment:

Tasks require a variety of physical activities not generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Occasional exposure to environmental hazards resulting from on-site project inspections. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in course of performing portions of job functions.