Senior Planner
JOB SUMMARY
This position performs professional planning duties in support of department operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Encourages and promotes a culture of excellent customer service. Provides general information to citizens, developers, staff, and elected and appointed officials regarding planning-related matters.
- Ensures website, brochures, applications, and other sources of information pertaining to the Planning & Development Department are up to date and correct.
- Assists with the deployment of the City’s on-line permit application software and addresses issues as they arise.
- Maintains thorough knowledge and understanding of the City's Code of Ordinances, Zoning Ordinance, and Land Development Ordinance.
- Makes presentations to the Planning Commission.
- Assists the Director in maintaining the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvements Element, and other special plans as they arise.
- Assists the Director in processing and reviewing rezonings, annexations, special land use permits, site plans, landscape plans, variances, zoning appeals, conceptual and preliminary subdivision plats, annexations and future land use plan amendment requests.
- Prepares and presents staff reports, findings, and recommendations for Planning and Zoning applications to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other applicable boards or committees.
- Assists in interpreting and communicating Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Ordinance requirements, processes, and standards to the general public and the development community.
- Assist in distributing and preparing Planning Commission agendas and packets; posts agendas and packets to the city website; e-mails agendas to media and mailing list; and attends meetings as required.
- Ensures meeting minutes are signed and recorded per City’s requirements.
- Prepares public hearing advertising notices and ensures publication.
- Ensures meeting minutes are signed and recorded per City’s requirements.
- Assists with the preparation, presentation, coordination, and verification of electronic meeting materials for Planning-related matters presented by the department.
- Reviews development plans, subdivision submittals applications for completeness and post appropriate fees.
- Assists with development, implementation, and modernization of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, subdivision ordinance, sign ordinance, and other development-related regulations.
- Conducts site visits and field investigations related to zoning, development, and land use matters.
- Ensures meeting minutes are signed and recorded per City’s requirements.
- Prepares public hearing advertising notices and ensures publication.
- Researches and prepares updates to the City’s zoning and land development ordinances.
- Coordinates the maintenance and on-going enhancement of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS).
- Provides interpretation and assistance to the Code Enforcement Department.
- Assists with maintaining related files and records.
- Performs landscape inspections for non-residential projects.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of planning principles and practices.
- Knowledge of land management principles.
- Knowledge of City and department policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of City codes and ordinances.
- Knowledge of architectural and urban design principles.
- Knowledge of landscape architecture principles.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Knowledge of permit processing and plan review requirements in the State of Georgia.
- Knowledge of planning requirements in the State of Georgia.
- Knowledge of Zoning Procedure Law requirements in the State of Georgia.
- Knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
- Ability to analyze and understand city, county, regional, state and federal codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to planning, including transportation planning.
- Ability to write reports clearly and in an interesting manner while conveying technical information to the general public.
- Ability to conduct technical planning research.
- Skill in reading plans and interpreting technical reports.
- Skill in management and supervision.
- Skill in project management
- Skill in the facilitation of meetings.
- Skill in public relations.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Ability to write reports, communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to speak publicly in a succinct and clear manner.
- Ability to read plans to scale.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Planning and Development Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Director spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include City codes and ordinances, state planning law, state zoning procedures law, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.
- The purpose of this position is to coordinate the updating and enforcement of City ordinances. Successful performance contributes to the planned and positive development of the City.
- Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, real estate professionals, business leaders, property owners, developers, surveyors, local and state elected officials, architects, engineers, and the general public.
- Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters.
- The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and distinguishes between shades of color.
- The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt and grease. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
This position has direct supervision over Planner I (1).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
- Three to five years of professional experience in planning, zoning, community development, or a related field, with sufficient knowledge to oversee and support subordinate positions.
- One to three years of experience in supervising individuals, including assigning tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring project completion.
- Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
