Planner II (Planning Division)

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to provide advanced technical assistance and analysis related to City planning initiatives and land development applications. This is accomplished by accepting and processing various land development applications; preparing plans, reports, studies, and analyses pertaining to current and long-range planning concerns; collecting and maintaining current planning and long-range planning data; assisting the general public; and providing staff support to various boards, commissions and the City Council, as needed. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Community & Development Services.

Examples of Duties

Land Use

• Serves as staff liaison to Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and/or City Council meetings, as needed.
• Coordinate the review and processing of various planning activities relating, but not limited to, rezonings, site plans, preliminary and final plats, special use permits, signs, annexations, text amendments by performing technical reviews of the city code, maps and the comprehensive plan and making presentations to the appropriate board, commission, and/or City Council.
• Administer review of Certificates of Appropriateness and facade improvement grants.
• Utilize GIS to retrieve parcel data, create presentations, etc.
• Assist in pursuing grants relative to Division responsibilities.
• Respond to inquiries from and provide technical assistance to the general public, property owners, and professionals in matters related to historic preservation practices and regulations.
• Ability to perform zoning enforcement duties for the City.
• Project management of land use development plans as needed.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence as needed.
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
• Provide technical assistance to engineers, architects, surveyors, and attorneys.
• Prepare case files and maintain databases.
• Provides assistance to citizens and developers regarding zoning and development related matters.
• Other duties as necessary or directed.

• Coordinates the development and drafting of planning documents (Comprehensive Plan, Neighborhood Plans, Corridor Plans, Small Area Plans) by collecting and compiling data and public input;
• Organizes and facilitates opportunities for public input; and
• Drafts planning documents and tracks the plan's implementation progress.

• Provides staff support in researching and developing reports and studies related to land use and general planning issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, public administration or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in urban planning or a closely related field.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in urban planning or a closely related field.

• Principles and practices of urban planning, including socioeconomic implications of planning, and thorough knowledge of the City's subdivision and development program and principles and practices of historic preservation.
• Land use concepts, population density, and annexation problems.
• Quantitative methods, research techniques, and municipal government framework.
• Best practices of economic development tools, historic preservation, transportation plans, and transit-oriented development (TOD).

• Preparation of charts, graphs and maps.
• Interpreting statistical data.

• Organize and conduct complex planning and research studies and to formulate relevant recommendations.
• Prepare and maintain with technical accuracy comprehensive master City plans and maps, especially as it applies to land use planning.
• Direct, supervise, and coordinate several major planning projects concurrently.
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports of planning activities to internal and external agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other City employees and officials, and other departments.
• Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license (Class C) and acceptable driving record.
• This position requires attendance at one or more monthly evening meetings.
• Certified Zoning Officer (CZO) certification or the ability to obtain within one year.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer