City Planner

Professional position involving varied technical and administrative work related to city planning, zoning, sustainability, and review of permitting functions within local government Planning office. Interpret the potential environmental impact of local and regional projects to ensure all local, state, and federal guidelines are being followed to protect the environment and human life.

• Provides staff support to and is under direct supervision of the Neighborhoods Director and Community Development Board, but involves close coordination with other City Departments including, Building Department, Public Works and Public Utilities, Code Enforcement and Public Safety.
• Processing of zoning related applications, waivers and variances, preparation of public notices and technical reports on land use and zoning issues. 
• Presents zoning variance and other zoning or land use related matters to Community Development Board.
• Conducts examination of building plans, specifications, blueprints, surveys and sketches for compliance with codes and regulations governing land use and zoning and concurrency.
• Assist with developing changes related to land development codes including analysis of other city/county ordinances and making recommendation for changes.
• Responding to citizen, builder and developer inquiries related to zoning and land use regulations, and related procedural requirements. Good writing skills and ability to work and communicate well with the public are essential functions of this position.
• Takes part in predevelopment meetings with property owners and their agents.
• Assist with the activities involved in administering existing City codes through building permits, variances and exceptions.
• Provide staff support, reports and support to the City Commission, Community Development Board, and the Environmental Stewardship Committee
• Frequent land use, zoning, and environmental related research assignments using ArcGIS.
• Assist with the City’s Land Use Plan – monitors, updates, manages and submits land use planning data for review, certification and inclusion in the City’s Land Use Plan.
• Requires ARCView GIS skills adequate to prepare maps suitable for presentation to and while attending City Commission and other public meetings as required.
• Ability to read plans and maps as needed to review for compliance with zoning, land development regulations, and sea level rise.
• Takes a proactive approach to customer service issues and Cconfers with individuals, citizen groups, business organizations, consultants, government agencies and other City departments and exchanges planning information on problems, changes or projections.
• Prepares studies, projections, maps, reports and recommendations for community improvement projects.
• Comprehend and explain City’s Comprehensive Plan and other regulations to the public.
• Position may assist with staff support to Local Planning Agency, City Commission and various boards.
• Must develop understanding of Florida’s Growth Management Laws.
• Work with other departments to develop and track environmental and sustainability metrics
• Improves the effectiveness of the City’s environmental and sustainability practices by monitoring best practices related to sustainability and the ability to write concisely and to follow technical formats including skills in research.
• Act as department supervisor when the director is out.
• Act as staff liaison for sustainable projects.
• Draft site plans and/or create graphics to express ideas.
• Coordinate and provide analysis, policies and regulations for sustainability and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
• Draft analysis for policies and regulations for resiliency and implementation of resiliency related initiatives.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in City or Urban Planning or a closely related field with 4 or more years' experience in local government zoning or planning office. Master’s degree in planning preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and other standard software applications including ArcGIS. 

Knowledge of Local/state/federal permitting processes including NEPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc. Knowledge of ARCView GIS software. Knowledge of Land use planning, zoning, transportation, and sustainability principles. Knowledge of Familiarity with hazardous materials, water quality, air quality, or biological resources. Skilled in and ability to prepare maps in ArcGIS suitable for presentation. Ability to read plans and maps as needed to review for compliance with zoning and land development regulations. Skilled in preparing clear, concise, and legally defensible environmental documents and recommendations. Ability to translate complex environmental laws into actionable planning steps. Ability to provide guidance to junior staff and consultants and facilitate public meetings and respond to community concerns.

for more information and to apply please visit our city website at CoAB.us