Planner

This is responsible and advanced professional planning requiring highly technical proficiency while assisting the Zoning Manager with zoning services in the City’s Community Planning and Development Department. Work is specialized and technical in nature. Duties are performed in accordance with the City’s Land Development Regulations, Comprehensive Plan, and general policy guidelines. However wide latitude is given for responsible, independent judgment. Work includes extensive public contact, interaction with developers, engineers, architects, residents, businesses requiring the exercise of tact, good judgment and extensive knowledge of the laws and ordinances affecting zoning. The position is suited for a knowledgeable and resourceful individual passionate about planning, and zoning issues, with proven experience in interagency coordination at the local level.  The individual will work closely with key city departments in coordinating, assessing, managing, reviewing and recording information required to maintain and implement the City’s community development and redevelopment goals. Although the Planner will be involved in providing planning and zoning support to the Zoning Manager as needed, the individual’s role will require collaboration with other staff in order to implement the City’s vision to create sustainable developments that enhance the public health, safety and welfare of North Miami’s residents and businesses. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
 
This technical position, which reports to the Zoning Manager in the Community Planning & Development Department is responsible for reviewing, processing, and making recommendation on zoning activities while enforcing the City’s Land Development Regulations.  An employee in this class is versed in the relevant zoning ordinances, and other pertinent local, state and federal laws, is able to think independently and innovatively in supporting the zoning needs within the city and facilitate the development review process.  

• Serves as technical expert in the evaluation of plans and specifications for community development projects to ensure conformance to applicable building and zoning regulations;
• Under supervision of the Zoning Manager, reviews and approves large scale building and Master Plans and applications for permits in the preliminary and final states of review to ensure compliance with applicable codes, laws and ordinances and advises applicants of required changes;
• As directed by the Zoning Manager, confers and corresponds with property owners, buyers, sellers, developers, engineers, architects, attorneys, contractors and skilled trades workers and the general public to advise them of the requirements and applicable regulations pertaining to property development affecting building and to hear code concerns to resolve complaints;
• Works closely with Zoning Manager to provide staff support to the Board of Adjustment and make oral presentations as required during Board of Adjustment Public Hearings,
• Reviews and Recommends text amendments in the sections of the Land Development Regulations and or Comprehensive Plan that would further advance the City’s goals and promote sustainable growth and development; 
• Draft staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and memos as needed for Planning Director for City Council consideration;
• Serves as member of the Development Review Committee, 
• Reviews and evaluates site plan proposals as part of the overall site plan review process;
• Assists in the preparation of the departmental budget. Speaks as the subject matter expert at public hearings, workshops and civic meetings on topics such as zoning, land use, permitting, and development as needed;
• Ensures the training/retraining and effective oversight of technical personnel and encourage maintenance of applicable certification in their respective fields;

Performs related work as required.Must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban or Regional Planning, Construction Management, Engineering, Public Administration or a closely related field, plus minimum three (3) years professional Urban Planning experience.
 
Master’s in Urban Planning Preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.Must have experience in:

• Preparing zoning, special exception and variance reports for various official boards, municipal administration or the City Commission.
• Reviewing site plans and development permits for compliance with local regulations for physical development within the community.
• Disseminating information to the Development Review Committee or the public on planning, zoning and development regulations; makes interpretative decisions regarding zoning and development regulations.

Salary : $56,767 - $85,150