Performs journey-level current and long range planning activities for the Planning and Development Services Department.

Performs journey-level professional planning work in current and long range areas.  Work includes assisting with the coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the City, and administering ordinances related to zoning, subdivision regulations, appearance, floodplain signage, minimum housing, historic district and other growth and development issues.  Work involves detailed analysis of applications for rezoning; site and subdivision plat review; preparation of staff reports; and preparation of ordinances and text amendments.  The employee investigates and resolves ordinance violations; performs complex research on planning and development issues; reports findings to Director and elected officials; and performs a variety of duties to support the activities of Boards and Committees.  Work involves considerable public contact often in sensitive or emotional issues requiring judgment, firmness, and tact.   Work is performed under general supervision of the Planning and Development Services Director and is evaluated through conferences, review of work results obtained, and overall acceptance of the programs by the City’s citizens.

Essential Duties

1. Answers a variety of questions from develops, architects and the general public in obtaining information and coordinating planning matters.
2. Research writes, recommends and administers ordinances related to current and long range planning and development issues such as zoning, subdivision regulations, appearance, floodplain, signage, minimum housing, historic district, and other growth and development issues.
3. Reviews projects for compliance with ordinances; reviews site and subdivision plats and resolves any problems/deficiencies found during the review process.
4. Conducts in depth original research on assigned planning, development and land use issues; briefs Director and elected officials regarding research through periodic written and/or oral presentations as needed.
5. Confers with property owners, developers, realtors and consultants regarding development proposals in person, by telephone or e-mail; visits development sites as needed.
6. Prepares detailed site and area analysis reports and staff reports for rezoning petitions; drafts recommendations.
7. Makes presentations to Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other committees on rezoning petitions, conditional use permits, map amendments, text amendments and special projects.
8. Uses a variety of computer programs to generate reports and data and to prepare presentations, charts, maps, graphs, and other illustrative materials for presentation to elected officials, appointed boards, and citizens.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in planning, geography, public administration, community development or related field,  and considerable professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the basic physical life operational functions of stooping, kneeling, reaching, crouching, walking, pushing, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to examine and work with maps, use measurement devices, operate a computer, inspect sites regarding planning issues, and do extensive reading.