Planner
City of Dunn
Dunn, NC United States
Perform intermediate technical work with applicable zoning and land use development regulations, coordinate review of land development proposals for compliance with zoning regulations, investigate complaints of possible zoning violations, participate in the subdivision review process, provide general support assistance to activities of the Planning and Inspections Department, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Technical Review Committee, and related work as required. Work is performed under the supervision of the Planning Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks
- Issue zoning permits; process applications; review applications for accuracy and completeness.
- Review site plans and zoning permit applications to ensure compliance with Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and other technical requirements.
- Respond to inquiries from citizens, contractors, and builders concerning permitting procedures, planning policies, and schedules; interpret applicable ordinances, rules, and regulations; assist other departments and associates with planning related issues, as needed.
- Provide technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning-related programs and ordinances.
- Use Arc GIS Pro to produce maps, charts, and tables for staff reports and other such reports.
- Gain familiarity with and maintain automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and records.
- Research and compile information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources for elected and appointed officials and City administration, as needed.
- Process applications and assist with staff reports for rezonings, conditional rezonings, and special use permits.
- Participate in review of variance applications to the Board of Adjustment.
- Prepare public notices and property owner letters for rezoning requests.
- Research and prepare zoning verifications.
- Investigate violations of planning and zoning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
- Assist with preparation of presentations for Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and other citizen-based boards and committees, as needed.
- Review plats for accuracy prior to recording.
- Respond to and investigate citizen complaints regarding zoning violations, issue zoning violation notices.
- Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, answer telephone, respond to e-mails, and issue permits.
- Attend public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
- Perform other related work, as assigned.
Minimum training and experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- General knowledge of zoning and subdivision ordinances.
- General understanding of planning principles and practices and the basic governmental and administrative framework in which planning operates.
- General understanding of the principles and practices of research and data collection.
- Ability to express ideas clearly, tailored to specific audiences, orally and in writing, in front of a group and one-on-one.
- Familiarity with computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Office, Arc GIS Pro, permitting software, database management, and Internet applications.
- Ability to review site plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance and apply that understanding to field conditions.
- Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment, as needed.
- Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
- Ability to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public, orally and in writing.
- Ability to gather relevant information to solve practical problems, and to address citizen inquiries and concerns.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree with coursework in urban planning, architecture, geography, social sciences, or related work experience that provides comparable skill sets.
Experience in site plan review and zoning administration in a municipal setting. Familiarity with Arc GIS required.
Ability to obtain Zoning Official Certification (CZO) within one (1) year of hire.
Ability to obtain AICP within two (2) years of hire.
Ability to write and administer grants OR Grant writing and grant administration experience and knowledge.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Ability to perform under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
Preference will be given to applicants that have a current AICP designation.
Physical Demands
An employee in this position must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. The employee must be able to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force routinely and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift objects.
May Require Driving
This position may require driving, whether driving a City-owned or personal vehicle to conduct city business such as but not limited to attending meetings, recording documents, or any other city-related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the city’s driving criteria.
Note: This position requires attendance at night meetings.