Planner I

Pay Grade:                 112

Job Code:                  TBD

FLSA Status:             Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This person in this position is responsible for assisting in zoning and development and annexation functions for the city. The incumbent’s responsibilities require an ability to independently work and complete projects as directed. This positon conducts short-range planning, research, and analyses. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Zoning Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                          

• Assists in coordinating with other departments and city staff on the Community Development Department updates of zoning and maps, , zoning and development ordinances,  comprehensive plans, flood plain maps and other studies;
• Receives and reviews applications for rezoning, special land use permits, variances, zoning appeals, development plans, preliminary and final and revised subdivision plats, annexations, future land use plan amendments, and proposed  development agreements;
• Receives and reviews hydrology plans, sign plans, parking plans, civil design and construction plans, site plans, landscaping plans, erosion and sedimentation and pollution control plans, grading plans, floodplain management/flood damage prevention plans, tree conservation plans and all other plans required or allowed by the zoning and development ordinances;   
• Assures the accuracy of application materials, including the accuracy of legal descriptions of the subject property, requests additional materials from applicants when needed, and rejects incomplete or inaccurate applications;
• Prepares accurate and complete zoning verifications in accordance with established standard operating procedure;
• Facilitates the Zoning Board and the Planning and Development Committee, prepares their agendas and minutes, and assures their compliance with the Open Meetings Act;
• Prepares and administers legal advertisements and notice postings for zoning matters;
• Prepares and submits proposed agenda items related to short-range planning, zoning and development for the meetings of the Mayor and City Council, using established forms;

Receives, reviews and submits petitions for annexation promptly to the Chief Assistant City Attorney for legal review, rejects defective applications, maintains records of annexation petitions;                      

• Requests information from and project assistance to federal, state, regional, county, city and other agencies regarding planning, zoning and development issues;
• Answers inquiries and provides information to the general public regarding short-range planning and zoning and development ordinances;
• Provides staff assistance to task forces, committees, councils, commissions and boards;
• Conducts field work and site reviews as required;
• Develops and prepares comprehensive analytical and technical studies and reports for the Zoning Administrator and or Planning Manager;
• Reviews business license applications and building permit applications for zoning compliance;
• Financial Responsibilities: Accept, receive, and/or collect payments;
• Conducts plan reviews for new construction to insure zoning and development compliance;
• Provides administrative support to Planning and Development Committee and other boards as necessary;
• Attends evening meetings and occasional weekend events;
• Maintains and updates professional knowledge, attends training programs, workshops and meetings; and
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field (Master’s degree preferred); and one (1) year of work experience in planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to analyze and understand city, county, regional, state and federal codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to planning, including transportation planning.
• Ability to read and understand deeds, surveys and legal descriptions, and determine whether such records relate to the same property;       
• Knowledge of comprehensive and current planning principles, procedures, techniques and their implications;
• Knowledge of development regulations concerning land use and environmental matters;
• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering and physical design as related to city planning;
• Knowledge of socio-economic and demographic research techniques;
• Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices;
• Skilled in operating a personal computer utilizing graphics, word processing, spreadsheet and database software programs.

• Knowledge of the operation GIS and GPS software applications;

• Knowledge of Historic Preservation Practices;
• Ability to conduct technical planning research.
• Ability to understand and interpret maps, drawings, specifications and documents.
• Ability to present verbal and written recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Ability to prepare reports, plans and studies and to accurately interpret ordinances and codes;
• Ability to write reports clearly and in an interesting manner while conveying technical information to the general public;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, City personnel, developers, and the public;
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public;
• Ability to operate City vehicles.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a valid State of Georgia Driver’s license; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary work and requires mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, and talking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT       

The incumbent works in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.