Planner II - Community Development & Planning

This is responsible journey-level professional work in planning, zoning, and community development.  

Work involves responsibility for organizing and conducting complex planning studies; managing and evaluating the review of development plans for conformity with laws, regulations, and policies; or processing, reviewing, and recommending policies related to zoning.  Work is performed with considerable independence in achieving study objectives or in the interpretation and application of development, subdivision, and zoning laws and regulations.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Division Chief and the Director of Community Development and Planning who provide general and special instructions and review work for technical soundness and quality.

Collects and analyzes data and formulates recommendations relating to zoning, land use, public facilities, historic preservation, architecture, and environmental planning.

Analyzes data on plans to evaluate compliance with zoning requirements; prepares staff reports on applications, ordinance amendments, plan amendments, proposals, and appeals.

Provides service to customers by answering questions, providing information, making referrals, and assuring appropriate follow-through and/or resolution.

Develops and updates Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances and other planning documents.

Conducts on-site inspections of architecture, landscaping, site amenities and other required improvements for review or applications and to ensure that development complies with conditions of approval.

Presents staff positions at public hearings before the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review, Board of Zoning Appeals, and citizen groups.

Designs and makes illustrative material such as charts, graphs and tables from statistical data and 3D renderings for reports and displays.

Maintains department web page and social media.

Coordinates and implements community outreach and marketing of meetings and plans.

Negotiates positions on issues, proffers, and conditions on behalf of the City with applicants, citizens, City staff and others.

Develops a wide variety of studies, analyses, and recommendations in connection with the current and long-range physical, social, and economic development of the City.

Gathers, selects, compiles, and analyzes data pertaining to area characteristics.  

Analyzes and summarizes conditions, derives conclusions, and develops projections for planning related issues such as population trends, highway needs, and land use.  

Researches and prepares amendments to the City's development ordinances, Comprehensive Plan, and Capital Improvement Program.

Reviews development plans, land use applications, and architectural drawings as required.  

Reviews site plans for conformity with technical requirements; conducts inspections during construction to ensure conformity with approved plans and preferred rezoning.

Investigates and resolves the more complex complaints related to zoning violations; ensures that violation notices are issued to property owners, agents, or tenants; recommends legal actions concerning noncompliance.

Communicates with the public, property owners, developers, and attorneys on a variety of planning and zoning matters, explaining problems and procedures.

Acts as technical advisor, within field of specialization, to other city planners, within the department. 

Provides liaison to various public bodies and agencies; represents the City on various committees; attends public hearings, work sessions, and planning conferences.

Utilizes computer to resolve problems by statistical methods and for maintenance of databases.

Prepares special reports, including recommendations and supporting graphic display materials; prepares technical manuals.

Performs related work as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture or related field.

Requires three years’ experience in planning, urban design, zoning or closely related experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or closely related field.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of modern theories, principles, and techniques of urban planning and development.

Considerable knowledge of legal provisions and standards applicable to zoning, planning, land use, and community development.

Considerable knowledge of urban design fundamentals, development ordinances, and historic preservation.

Considerable knowledge of urban and development economics.

Knowledge of computer software.

Ability to identify and evaluate community needs and to assess the correctness of land use and other data and to work from maps and property descriptions.

Ability to read and interpret site plans and blueprints.

Ability to firmly and tactfully enforce codes and regulations.

Ability to plan, organize, and present reports effectively, both orally and in writing. 

Ability to make pertinent use of maps and graphics in reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the development community, and the general public.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred.