Planner II

The Planner II contributes to the Planning, and Zoning functions of the Planning & Development Department and is responsible for zoning plan reviews, staff reports, pre-application meetings, and the public participation process. This position serves as an area specialist in housing, urban design, transportation, sustainability, environment, and real estate. This position also conducts long range planning, research & analysis, and maintenance of Master and Comprehensive plans. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communication

• Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines
• Collaborates with other City Departments and outside agencies regarding applications
• Manages public participation process for planning and zoning applications; to include conducting legal ad efforts, mailing notification letters, and sign requirements 

Planning

• Manages Pre-Application meetings for Planning and Zoning related applications, this includes pre-review of all applications
• Reviews development proposals and other requests made to the Planning & Development Department for conformance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports and make recommendations. 
• Assesses commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning compliance.
• Performs Land Development Manager functions including the land disturbance and subdivision reviews and zoning inspections.
• Supports Land Development Manager functions including coordinating land disturbance and subdivision process for the City, collecting, and releasing bonds, etc.
• Serves as planning area specialist in topics such as housing, urban design, transportation, sustainability and the environment and real estate, among others. 
• Conducts long range planning activities including maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and supporting Master Planning work.

Zoning 

• Completes zoning plan reviews for complex commercial building permits, land disturbance permits, plats and other land development/zoning related applications.
• Writing staff reports for all Zoning related cases including Variances, Rezonings, PUD/DCI, Plats, etc.

Research and Analysis

• Participate in the research, analysis, and interpretation of social, economic, population and land use data and trends
• Compiles information and make recommendations on special studies; prepare technical reports.
• Research and draft ordinances for review. 
• Attend training sessions, meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Reporting and Record Keeping

• Prepare staff reports and graphic displays.
• Attends or leads Design Review Board meetings and presents cases to the board
• Managing GIS projects for the Department by working with the City’s GIS Analyst to maintain and expand GIS capabilities.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uses a variety of computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, BlueBeam Revu, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and standard permitting software.   
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field is required.
• Master’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Certification with The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred – required to obtain within 1 year of hire.
• Local government experience is preferred
• Knowledge of Code Enforcement processes and best practices
• Knowledge of Planning and zoning principles
• Business math, including the calculation of areas (square footage), fees, and penalties
• Knowledge of Georgia Open Records Act
• Familiarity with permitting software systems
• Read and interpret building plans, related construction documents and various maps
• Interpret, explain, and apply policies, laws, and procedures
• Perform detailed, technical and specialized permit support work.
• Organize and prioritize work and follow-up on assignments with a minimum amount of supervision.
• Organize and maintain accurate files and records; draft official memos and/or decision letters 
• Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across departments to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others
• Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in documentation and data; carefully monitors gauges, instruments, or processes; concentrates on routine work details; organizes and maintains a system of records.
• Works cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization, to accomplish objectives to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships, leverage information, and achieve results.
• Writes and speaks effectively, using conventions proper to the situation; asks questions to ensure understanding; exercises a professional approach with others using all appropriate tools of communication; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions
• Writes and speaks effectively, using conventions proper to the situation; states own opinions clearly and concisely; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback sessions; explains reasoning behind own opinions; asks others for their opinions and feedback; asks questions to ensure understanding; exercises a professional approach with others using all appropriate tools of communication; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions
• Remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information; performs a wide variety of tasks and changes focus quickly as demands change; manages transitions from task to task effectively; adapts to varying customer needs
• Able to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a practical way; uses goals to guide actions; creates detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively
• Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.