Planning Technician

Pay Range: $43,737- $61,232

Pay Grade: 53

FLSA Status: Non- Exempt

General Statement of Duties

Performs technical and administrative support work in the City of Mount Holly Planning and Development Department; Reviews development site plans for compliance to ordinances and regulations; performs related duties as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Planning Director.

Typical Functions

• Reviews site plans to ensure compliance with requirements such as use, size, placement, and parking requirements;
• Reviews application packets & permit requests, & issues permits-including sign, ABC, zoning, and new business registration permits;
• Conducts technical, administrative and investigative work to maintain and update zoning and related ordinances;
• Follows the planning and zoning processes and procedures as described in the North Carolina General Statutes and as identified by local codes;
• Attends public meetings and assists when needed for Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings. Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity;
• Prepares maps, charts, and tables to determine site options/limitations for flood, zoning and other codes;
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and records for all Planning related responsibilities;
• Prepares and maintains application packets to guide developers through the planning/permitting processes and track development projects through each procedure;
• Researches and prepares planning elements necessary for decision by management or boards regarding land use, zoning, housing transportation, open space, and environmental impact;
• Compiles, collects, prints and records a variety of data and records for analysis of trends and preparation of reports; creates reports and databases; maintains databases;
• Responds to queries from citizens regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits, and general information;
• Leads the enforcement of the City’s Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance including field inspections, working with property owners, sending out official letters, and using legal approaches in coordination with the City Attorney when needed to gain compliance;
• Performs other duties as assigned;
  
  

Secondary Job Functions

The Planning Technician will also occasionally be called on to perform the following functions either to ensure tasks are completed/to cover shifts during absences of other staff members or for the employee to gain additional experience, though these will not be the primarily focus of this position.

• Works various meetings including the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment or/and the Public Arts Advisory Commission in a supporting role-to take minutes or to help with room setup;
• Presents cases, as assigned, in front of the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment;
• Provide input on potential ordinance updates & Departmental process improvements;
• Placing/retrieving public notice signs & assists with Planning Commission packet distribution;
• Assist with issuing floodplain development permits;
  
  

Job Duty Percentages

50% Code Enforcement

35% Permitting

10% Site Inspections/ Site Plan Review/ Housing

5% Other Department Needs

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Considerable knowledge of planning principles and practices, including pertinent specialties; broad knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS; considerable skill in oral and interpersonal communications; general statistical, algebraic or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge; ability to follow written and oral instructions and to plan, organize, and execute work; broad knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection; ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions; ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously; ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed; ability to form effective working relationships with staff and to work with residents in a firm but tactful manner; ability to multi-task and make independent judgments and decisions.

Physical Requirements

This position involves work requiring the employee to occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force and less force frequently to move objects. Physical activity related to this position may include climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Sufficient visual acuity is required to prepare and analyze data and figures, do extensive reading, accounting functions, and use a computer terminal. An employee in this position will be exposed to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates Degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences or related field. Two years of experience in plans review, zoning administration, building code issuance or surveying, is also required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred and may substitute for two years of experience. Applicants with a High School Diploma & five years of related experience will also be considered. Position requires the possession of, the Certified Zoning Official (CZO) certification through the School of Government or the ability to obtain within two years of hire. Requires possession of a North Carolina Driver’s License.

City Of Mount Holly Benefits

All benefits are subject to change and are contingent on the annual approval of City Council.

• Full coverage health insurance equaling $891.91 monthly in value
• 50% dependent medical care coverage
• 401K - City contributes 5% regardless if employee contributes
• General Retirement – City contributes 14.39%
• $25,000 Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Vacation and sick time accrual based off of years served in NC retirement system
• 12 hours personal and/or parental leave given to hourly employees
• 13 days of holiday pay (including a floating holiday)
• One annual Grand Hall rental
• Longevity bonus based off years served in the State retirement system
• Free usage of city workout equipment
• Complimentary alternative medicine reimbursements up to $1,000 per plan year when enrolled in City's health insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (5 free counseling sessions)
• 50% off YMCA Membership
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,000 per semester