Job Description
Job Description
Department: Development Services Department
Pay Grade: A16
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Planner performs professional-level planning work involving current and long-range planning, development review, zoning administration, permit processing support, research, analysis, and customer service activities within the Development Services Department. Responsibilities include conducting preliminary and final plat review; reviewing development proposals for consistency with adopted plans, ordinances, policies, and development standards; providing staff support and preparing reports and presentations for boards, commissions, and City Council; conducting technical research and analysis; evaluating findings and developing recommendations; and coordinating with engineers, developers, architects, contractors, business owners, City staff, outside agencies, and the general public to ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and adopted plans.
This position assists with planning, permitting, economic development, housing, community development, and special projects. Duties may include reviewing site plans, subdivisions, rezones, conditional use permits, variances, building permit referrals, and other development applications; preparing staff reports, resolutions, and presentations; coordinating public hearings, neighborhood meetings, and public outreach activities; providing technical assistance to residents, developers, contractors, and business owners; conducting site visits and field inspections related to development proposals and planning projects; maintaining planning records and development tracking systems; assisting with implementation of the General Plan and other adopted plans; utilizing GIS and mapping resources to support planning and development review activities; and participating in professional training, conferences, and continuing education opportunities to maintain current knowledge of planning principles, laws, regulations, and best practices. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Provides information and technical assistance to applicants, contractors, developers, property owners, business owners, design professionals, and the public regarding zoning regulations, development standards, subdivision requirements, permitting processes, adopted plans, and applicable state statutes.
• Explains code requirements, City policies, development standards, public hearing procedures, and application processes to residents, applicants, and stakeholders.
• Reviews development applications, site plans, plats, subdivisions, rezones, conditional use permits, variances, building permit referrals, and related requests for compliance with adopted plans, ordinances, regulations, and development standards.
• Recommends modifications to proposed developments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and professional planning practices.
• Prepares staff reports, resolutions, presentations, correspondence, and other written materials for boards, commissions, City Council, and the public.
• Reads and interprets site plans, plats, civil engineering drawings, architectural plans, land surveys, landscape plans, legal descriptions, development agreements, and policy documents.
• Conducts site visits and field inspections related to development applications, planning projects, code compliance matters, and other assigned activities.
• Coordinates with Building Safety, Engineering, Public Works, Utilities, Fire, and other departments to facilitate development review and implementation of municipal regulations and policies.
• Reviews building permit applications and construction plans for compliance with zoning, land use, and development regulations.
• Assists with the preparation, revision, and implementation of ordinances, development standards, policies, and planning procedures.
• Assists with General Plan implementation, plan amendments, housing initiatives, economic development activities, annexations, capital improvement planning, special projects, and other community development efforts.
• Coordinates and participates in public hearings, neighborhood meetings, stakeholder meetings, and public outreach activities.
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes demographic, economic, housing, tourism, land use, and development data, and prepares reports and recommendations.
• Utilizes GIS, mapping resources, databases, and other technology tools to support planning, permitting, development review, and public information activities.
• Creates maps, exhibits, charts, graphics, and presentation materials to support planning projects, public meetings, and development review activities.
• Maintains planning records, case files, databases, and development tracking systems.
• Attends professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and training programs to maintain current knowledge of planning principles, laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Economic Development or related field; and
- At least three (3) years of professional experience in planning, zoning administration, development review, permitting, economic development, community development, or related municipal government activities.
- Experience in rural, small community or municipal planning is desirable.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
Licenses or Certifications:
- Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
- Membership in the American Planning Association (APA) is desirable. Participation in the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association is encouraged following hire.
Special Requirements:
- Experience reviewing development proposals and land use applications is desirable.
- Experience working in municipal government, planning, community development, economic development, development services, permitting, or building safety functions is desirable.
- Experience utilizing GIS, permitting software, databases, and related technology applications is desirable.
- Valid Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of municipal planning principles, zoning administration, land use regulations, subdivision regulations, development review processes, and applicable Arizona statutes.
• Knowledge of current planning practices, research methods, community development principles, and public participation techniques.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, development services functions, permitting processes, and customer service principles.
• Knowledge of adopted plans, development standards, ordinances, policies, and procedures related to land use and community development.
• Knowledge of GIS, mapping resources, databases, permitting software, and other technology applications used to support planning and development review activities.
• Skill in exercising independent judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Skill in researching, analyzing, and interpreting technical information, regulations, plans, reports, and development proposals.
• Skill in preparing clear, concise, and professional reports, correspondence, presentations, and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with residents, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, business owners, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to explain technical information, development regulations, and planning concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to facilitate public meetings, public hearings, neighborhood meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ability to review and interpret site plans, plats, surveys, construction drawings, legal descriptions, and development-related documents.
• Ability to coordinate projects and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public agencies, consultants, elected officials, and the general public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and assignments in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The work requires the ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and review plans, maps, reports, and other technical documents.
The position requires extended periods of computer work, sitting, reading, research, development review, and report preparation. Occasional travel to project sites, public meetings, community events, conferences, and training programs may be required, including limited outdoor work in varying weather conditions
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires flexibility, adaptability, sound judgment, professionalism, collaboration, and responsiveness to changing priorities, deadlines, projects, and community needs.
Page has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.