Planner I

Performs professional work in the Planning Department including providing coordinated guidance and aiding and assisting citizens, contractors, developer and other professionals by interpreting and enforcing the ordinances of the Town of Huntersville. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of a Assistant Planning Director. 

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position.  This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project. 

• Reviews, approves and signs off on major, minor, and exempt subdivision plats.
• May review, approve, and sign off on zoning use permits.
• Reviews, approves, and may inspect building permits.
• Performs and coordinates final plat review with zoning and Register of Deeds to ensure compliance.
• Receives and responds to questions regarding land use, subdivisions, planning and zoning issues, programs and services via phone, email, walk-in requests, and feasibility meetings.
• Prepares amendments and draft language for the Town’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.
• Reviews commercial up fits and building permits for approved land development plans under the supervision of the Commercial Principal Planner.
• Assists Senior and Principal Planners with the process of rezoning and other major subdivisions.
• Takes complaints and forwards them to appropriate personnel; provides conflict resolution, enforces ordinances with tact and firmness.
• Serves as staff for Board of Adjustments.
• Occasionally presents cases to Town Board and Planning Board.
• Administers watershed/impervious regulations.
• Guides citizens through planning and development process; prepares legal ads, staff reports, and documentation of decisions as needed.
• Coordinates Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance hard copy updates.
• Collaborates on GIS mapping projects and conducts research to support planning department.

Knowledge of the Town's zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes; knowledge of principles and practices of community and economic development and public sector planning; governmental laws, programs, and services pertinent to the community and economic development and planning processes; and environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process; skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations; skill in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and public presentations; ability to enforce codes with firmness and tact; ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies; ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, Town officials, and the general public.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in planning, or related field, and at least two years of experience in public sector planning. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position. Master’s degree in Planning or related field may be substituted for some experience.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.

This position’s physical requirements involve sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: hearing, mental acuity, speaking, and/or visual acuity.

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderate noisy location (i.e. office setting). 

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.