Planning & Zoning Technician

JOB SUMMARY

This person in this position is responsible for assisting in Planning, Zoning, and Development functions for the city. This position conducts short-range planning, research, and analyses. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Planning & Development Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the Department’s first point of contact by engaging with customers across all communication channels including walk-in, phone, email, chat, etc.

• Assists in coordinating with other departments and city staff on the Planning and Development Department updates of zoning maps, zoning and development ordinances, comprehensive plans, zoning permits and applications, flood plain maps and other studies.

• Receives and reviews applications for rezoning, special land use permits, site plans, landscape plans, variances, zoning appeals, conceptual and preliminary subdivision plats, and future land use plan amendments.

• Assist in the assurance of application accuracy, including the accuracy of legal descriptions of the subject property, requests additional materials from applicants when needed, and rejects incomplete or inaccurate applications.

• Receives and reviews hydrology plans, sign plans, parking plans, civil design and construction plans, site plans, landscaping plans, erosion and sedimentation and pollution control plans, grading plans, floodplain management/flood damage prevention plans, tree conservation plans, and all other plans required or allowed by the zoning and development ordinances.

• Assist in the preparation of accurate and complete zoning verifications in accordance with established standard operating procedure.

• Requests information from and project assistance to federal, state, regional, county, city and other agencies regarding planning, zoning and development issues.

• Conducts field work and site reviews as required.

• Develops and prepares comprehensive analytical and technical studies and reports for the Senior Planner and/or Planning & Development Director.

• Reviews business license applications and building permit applications for zoning compliance.

• Financial Responsibilities: Accept, receive, and/or collect payments.

• Conducts plan reviews for new construction to insure zoning and development compliance.

• Maintains and updates professional knowledge, attends training programs, workshops and meetings; and

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.

• Knowledge of land management principles.

• Knowledge of City and department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of city, county, regional, state and federal codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to planning, including transportation planning.

• Knowledge of architectural and urban design principles.

• Knowledge of landscape architecture principles.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Knowledge of permit processing and plan review requirements in the State of Georgia.

• Knowledge of planning requirements in the State of Georgia.

• Knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

• Skill in reading plans and interpreting technical reports.

• Ability to conduct technical planning research.

• Ability to understand and interpret maps, drawings, specifications and documents.

• Ability to present verbal and written recommendations in a clear and concise manner.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Ability to read and understand deeds, surveys and legal descriptions, and determine whether such records relate to the same property.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering and physical design as related to city planning.

• Ability to prepare reports, plans and studies and to accurately interpret ordinances and codes.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, City personnel, developers, and the public.

• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.

• Ability to operate City vehicles.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Through the direction of the Planning and Development Director, assignments are provided in terms of general instructions. The Director spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City codes and ordinances, state planning law, state zoning procedures law, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to coordinate the updating and enforcement of City ordinances. Successful performance contributes to the planned and positive development of the city.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, real estate professionals, business leaders, property owners, developers, surveyors, local and state elected officials, architects, engineers, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt and grease. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required, Associate’s degree or coursework in planning, geography, public administration, or a related field preferred.

• One to three years of professional experience in planning, zoning, community development, or a related field, with sufficient knowledge to oversee and support subordinate positions.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

The qualifications listed above represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.