Planner I

This position performs a variety of routine planning activities including technical reviews of development and land use applications and zoning matters; provides guidance and information to others on planning, community development, zoning and environmental review; prepares staff reports for plan review and site development; performs technical assessments; prepares written project analyses and makes written recommendations; assists in the administration and enforcement of the policies, plans, ordinances, zoning, and subdivision applications. The planner I serves as staff liaison to the various boards and commissions involved in the development process.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of comprehensive planning, urban design, zoning, software and other discipline topic areas.
• Reviews and analyzes subdivision, commercial and other development applications; prepares routine written project analysis including researching, analyzing findings and making recommendations.
• Prepares staff reports for land use and development plan permit; assists in the interpretation, implementation and administration of the city’s land use plans, codified ordinances and subdivision regulations; assembles and analyzes land use data and maps.
• Researches and responds to zoning complaints, questions, inquiries from customers to review and explain code requirements and violations or potential violations; conducts field investigations of potential violations by gathering evidence, taking photographs, speaking to and questioning residents and neighbors in a tactful manner; compares facts to code requirements and makes a finding of violation; determines code violation and all applicable code sections; records findings on complaint record; determines how to proceed, including issuing a warning detailing violation, applicable codes, corrective action necessary and establishes a compliance deadline; develops and implements a comprehensive, city-wide code enforcement program to ensure the quality of the community is maintained.
• Facilitates project review with in-house colleagues and outside agencies ensuring that plans and applications receive appropriate review and approvals.
• Assists in the coordination of the public review process which precedes the final adoption of land use plans and ordinances.
• Collects raw data from various sources; analyzes data to determine desired final product needs.
• Attends board and commission meetings as assigned and represents staff in permit/application discussions and decisions; presents information to public groups and/or boards and commissions.
• Assists with land use planning, leisure trail planning and other projects relating to community growth and development.
• Assists in the expediting of plan review and permit coordination for targeted private development projects.
• Assists in updating, preparing and implementing development plans including the strategic plan and focus area plans.
• Assists in the preparation and in the administration of local, state and federal assistance programs.
• Responds to telephone calls and visitors; responds to inquiries and complaints or directs non-routine matters to the appropriate authority for disposition.
• Contributes to monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports as requested.

Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field, is required. Coursework in urban and/or regional planning, public administration and/or design is preferred; graduate work in city planning or related field and/or public sector work preferred. Technical skills in software applications such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite applications, ArcGIS and SketchUp are preferred.

A Valid Ohio driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the city’s insurance policy is required. A background check and pre-employment drug screen are required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to: effectively represent the city with governmental agencies, community groups, business, professional and regulatory bodies and with property owners, developers, contractors and the general public; lift and carry materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.; use and understand engineering and architect scales; read printed materials and computer screens; to hear and speak in order to communicate in person and by telephone; use independent judgment, common sense and rational sequence in performance of tasks; adapt work schedule to meet needs of Community Development, including work during evening or weekend hours; add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, ratios, averages and related statistics; apply and advise on policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within established policies, procedures and standards; accurately record and deliver information. Knowledge of: principles, practices and procedures related to land use planning, design and zoning; applicable software specialized for planning and development. Skill in: writing, research and analysis; using Microsoft Office applications/programs, including PowerPoint, Excel and other planning & development specialized programs such as GIS software, CityView, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.; preparing reports, memos, correspondence and other job related documents using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style; scheduling, organizing, and prioritizing work assignments, project tasks and activities; presenting ideas and findings clearly and concisely; comprehending, analyzing and using a variety of documents such as site plans, topographical and landscape plans, applications, architectural drawings, renderings, specification details, reports and records related to community development.