Planner I

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of entry level professional and technical duties related to implementing department work plans and programs and monitoring community compliance with established planning, zoning and development ordinances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values and expectations.
• Provide primary support in answering questions over the phone, in person, and in email regarding planning, zoning, and development issues. Respond to various requests regarding property and compliance with zoning code.
• Reviews business licenses for compliance with municipal code.
• Reviews sign permits for compliance with municipal code.
• Conducts research on issues, policies, and concepts pertaining to planning, zoning, and community development; presents findings to the planning commission and/or city council; prepares written reports in response to public requests for zoning applications and various ordinance changes.
• Prepares proposals in draft form for amendments to zoning ordinance or policy governing local planning, zoning, and development.
• Conducts feasibility studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signage, traffic, development and related departmental areas; assist in coordination of projects with other departments or governmental agencies.
• Prepare and update various land use and planning maps; conduct various research and solve planning problems; assists in maintaining effective software.
• Meets with the general public to discuss planning, zoning, and development issues; assists the public to define concerns and presents public questions to management; follows up with public to apprise of city policy and decisions.
• Reviews commercial and residential building permits, plans and specifications to assure compliance with city zoning ordinances; provides signature approval for compliance, denies issuance of permits for non‑compliance; cooperates with builders and developers and assists by identifying actions needed to secure compliance.
• Conducts field inspections of completed commercial, multi‑family and residential construction to further verify compliance; issues signature approval for final certificates of occupancy; initiates sanctions for non‑compliance.
• Participates in project review meetings with various city department and developer representatives and identifies problem areas related to zoning and negotiates options for compliance.
• Prepares staff input for planning commission meetings and Board of Adjustment; presents findings and answers questions regarding agenda items.
• Administers issuance of sign permits and manages city wide inventory of signs.
• Review and approve landscape plans and development plans for compliance with city landscape ordinance; monitors building setbacks, signage requirements, driveways, parking lots, dumpster utilization and placement and related site compliance concerns.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or a closely related field

One (1) year of responsible experience performing above or related duties

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Must posses a valid Drivers License