Description
Participates in the operations of the Community Development department and performs tasks related to a variety of planning and zoning activities; serves as a team lead on various projects; assists in the mentoring of the planner 1 and planner II. A Planner III is a senior level position, it does not require the same level of responsibility, technical knowledge, or professional judgment in the practical application of planning tasks as the Planner IV level. Work is performed under the direction of the Planner IV, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and occasional trips to various construction or development sites throughout the city in inclement weather.
Responsibilities
- Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to land use and development controls, to include the development, updating, and maintenance of zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, special area plans, comprehensive plans, design review guidelines, and/or other master plans.
- Provides recommendations to the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission regarding long-range planning issues.
- Assists in prioritizing and scheduling planning reviews and hearings for development projects; reviews and revises legal notices; and prepares the department’s agenda docket for City Council meetings.
- Monitors the review of development proposals; assists applicants with pre-application and pre-development processes; advises applicants regarding early stage due diligence issues related to planning, development, and land development codes; evaluates proposals and facilitates the resolution of conflicts between plan implementation, zoning requirements, and subdivision requirements.
- Reviews and processes a variety of land use and site plan applications for conformity with established plans and ordinances, including floodplain designation, and composes appropriate correspondence.
- Reviews commercial building permit applications to determine compliance with the zoning and subdivision ordinances.
- Serves as a project leader and coordinates projects from permit application through the completion of the project.
- Conducts research and collects and analyzes data to produce complete, accurate, and logical staff reports, findings, development agreements, maps, documentation, and presentations on current and long-range planning projects (including comprehensive plan amendments, zoning ordinance amendments, master plans, downtown studies, annexation studies, etc.) and development applications (including special use permits, variances, subdivisions, planned unit developments, annexation and zoning requests, and other planning projects).
- Makes presentations and facilitates workshops to the Hearing Examiner, Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, other committees and boards, and community groups on a variety of community planning topics and issues.
- Performs inspections to gather data on development projects to ensure compliance with landscaping, parking, design review, signage, dimensional standards, and other planning and zoning improvements.
- Reads, interprets, and reviews architectural and civil site designs, topographic plans, landscape plans, plats, survey records, and architectural plans and advises applicants on needed changes and adjustments on these documents.
- Responds to inquiries from City employees, appointed/elected officials, governmental entities, and the general public in a courteous and timely manner.
- Meets, communicates, and assists developers, consultants, design professionals, landowners, agents, and the general public through the City's land use entitlement and development process.
- Serves as a lead technical advisor and mentor for planning technician, planner I, and planner II staff in the completion of assigned tasks and management of workflow; reviews staff reports for consistency and conformance; assists planning staff as needed.
- Serves as a liaison on other assigned committees and/or boards.
- Attends public hearings and workshops as assigned.
- Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
- Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress and project status, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new and improved ways of addressing such problems.
- Communicates and coordinates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities to help keep a positive work environment and working relationships with other departments.
- Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with employees, supervisors, and others.
- Acts as a lead contact to plans examiners, inspectors, contractors, and the general public.
- Accepts and performs changes in work assignments and how work is performed in a timely and effective manner.
- Exhibits a strong commitment and a leadership role in customer service, problem solving, and interactive team participation.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Experience Required:
- Minimum of eight years’ experience in planning, community development, economic development, or a closely related field; or
- Minimum of six years' experience in planning, community development, economic development, or a closely related field and AICP certification; or
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, community development, architecture, or a closely related field plus four years' experience (three with AICP certification) in planning profession or a closely related field; or
- Master's degree in planning, landscape architecture, community development, architecture, or a closely related field with two years' experience in the planning profession or a closely related field; or
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
- Possession of a current and valid driver's license.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Ability to work varied work hours and days, including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Certifications:
- AICP certification is desired but not required.