Associate Planner

Under general supervision, performs professional-level current and/or long-range planning work involving the review, analysis, and processing of planning and development applications; conducts planning studies and research; provides information and assistance to applicants, developers, residents, and the general public regarding planning regulations, policies, and procedures; prepares staff reports and presentations; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Associate Planner: This is the journey-level classification in the professional planning series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner classification by the performance of the full range of professional planning duties with greater independence and responsibility.

Planners are expected to exercise sound professional judgment and apply well-developed knowledge of planning principles, practices, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Employees at this level generally receive limited supervision and are expected to independently manage assigned projects and planning applications, seeking guidance when particularly complex, sensitive, or unusual situations arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of Building and Planning or other assigned management or supervisory staff.

May provide technical and functional guidance to lower-level planning staff, interns, consultants, or other assigned personnel. This classification does not typically exercise direct supervisory responsibility.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Prepare monthly agenda and packets for Planning Commission meetings.
• Transcribe Planning Commission minutes, set up meetings, and notify media of Planning Commission meetings. 
• Participates in the review, development, amendment, or revision of various elements of the City’s General Plan, specific plans, municipal codes, annexations, and other policies and procedures. 
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic, and housing trends, community needs, and zoning problems; prepares maps, graphs, charts, and other visual aids to illustrate planning studies. 
• Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations regarding conditional use permits, home occupancy permits, variances, zone changes, lot line adjustments, lot mergers, certificates of compliance, temporary use permits, sign permits, and business license applications. 
• Attends meetings and public hearings; participates in various special projects to ensure planning and review activities are meeting the needs of the city. 
• Prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, correspondence, and drafts of revisions to local ordinances and planning policies and procedures. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.  Conducts assignments involving current and long-range planning projects; confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems; evaluates data and proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues of plan implementation, zoning requirements, and environmental impact. 
• Evaluates current development projects by detailed review of plans for architectural, zoning and general plan requirements; performs field surveys to identify problems and upon completion of projects to ensure conformance with applicable requirements, discusses recommendations with builders, developers, architects, and real estate professionals. 
• Contributes to the review and revision of local ordinances; conducts research; prepares planning reports including staff reports, EIR’S, negative declarations and special studies.
• Confers and advises architects, engineers, attorneys, developers, and the general public regarding City development procedures and processes. 
• Responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing; applies planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, or explains procedures; provides assistance to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other committees and commissions; attends Planning Commission meetings; prepares staff reports including graphic presentations; make presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council and other committees.
• Coordinates planning activities, special studies, and reports with consultants, other departments, state, county, and federal agencies; schedules project review committee meetings to solicit preliminary review comments from affected departments. 
• Reviews business licenses for compliance with zoning; negotiates contracts and prepares agreements; monitors contract provisions; coordinates financing provisions with the Finance Department; ensures compliance with applicable laws. 
• May have lead supervision over interns, professionals, and technicians.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions:

• Assist other staff and provide technical direction and training on planning and building related information.
• Assists in purchasing functions and duties.
• Keeps track of work orders, service reports, payments and departmental budget
• Provides support to the Front Counter customer service representatives including the building counter.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES: Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, architecture, environmental studies or design, landscape architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field; and

Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience involving current and/or long-range planning, development review, environmental review, or a closely related area.

License/Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record, as required for the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS

The following are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of current and long-range municipal planning.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to land use and development.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, and other applicable state planning and land use laws.
• General plans, zoning ordinances, specific plans, development standards, and entitlement processes.
• Principles and practices of site planning, architectural and design review, and development review.
• Basic principles and terminology related to building, engineering, grading, and public infrastructure as they relate to land use planning.
• Methods and techniques used to research, analyze, and interpret planning and development information.
• Public meeting processes and preparation of staff reports, findings, resolutions, and presentations.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer applications used in professional planning work.

Ability to:

• Independently perform professional-level planning assignments and manage planning applications and projects through completion.
• Review and analyze development proposals, site plans, architectural plans, maps, grading plans, and other technical documents.
• Interpret, explain, and consistently apply applicable laws, regulations, zoning requirements, policies, procedures, and development standards.
• Conduct research, analyze data and information, identify issues, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive staff reports, correspondence, findings, conditions of approval, and other written materials.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Make effective presentations before the Planning Commission, City Council, community groups, and other public bodies, as assigned.
• Provide professional and courteous assistance to applicants, developers, consultants, residents, City staff, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain accurate records, files, and project documentation.
• Prepare maps, graphics, exhibits, and presentations using appropriate software and technology.
• Perform mathematical calculations associated with planning and development review.
• Conduct site visits and field inspections to evaluate proposed development and verify compliance with applicable planning requirements and conditions of approval.
• Organize and prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently within established policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Using computers and standard business software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and related applications.
• Using planning-related mapping, permitting, geographic information system (GIS), or other specialized software, as appropriate to assigned duties.
• Preparing professional written reports, correspondence, maps, exhibits, and presentations.

The physical demands and working conditions described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional work in the field, at development sites, and at various locations throughout the City. Duties may require prolonged periods of sitting and the regular use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The position may also involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, or stooping while performing assigned duties.

Employees must be able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, virtually, and in writing; review and interpret plans, maps, reports, correspondence, and other work-related documents; and operate a motor vehicle when required to travel to project sites, meetings, or other City locations.

Field assignments may involve walking over uneven terrain and exposure to traffic, construction activity, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Employees may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, or move files, plans, equipment, and other work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

The position may require attendance at Planning Commission, City Council, community, or other meetings outside of regular business hours, including evenings, as assigned.