Associate Planner

DEFINITION

Under direction, performs various professional field and office planning work related to current and long range planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents; provides project management and administration; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review; provides complex professional staff assistance to management, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the professional planner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and/or provides technical and functional direction over lower level staff.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews and analyzes proposed development projects for conformance with adopted City plans, design/architectural guidelines and standards, applicable codes and ordinances, and other regulations; prepares recommendations on approval of such projects.
• Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and compliance with current City codes and regulations; provides interpretations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, and local environmental guidelines; identifies corrective actions to be taken by owners; recommends improvement and rehabilitation programs; conducts follow-up and re-check and approves or denies submittals; reviews and signs off on plans submitted for building plan check and permits.
• Prepares or assists in preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports related to development projects or City projects.
• Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the City’s entitlement process; performs plan check functions for various projects; receives and reviews applications for building permits for completeness; receives and records zoning and code compliance complaints, establishes appropriate files, performs inspections of document violations, coordinates actions with those of other agencies, and implements appropriate procedures to correct or resolve each complaint and violation.
• Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, which includes application and plan review, coordination with project applicants and other City departments, preparation and posting of legal notices, background research, environmental review, preparation of staff reports, scheduling meetings and hearings; and monitors project implementation to verify substantial conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures; suggests revisions to site plans and architecture; inspects project development sites.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, land use data and trends, previous entitlements and City records; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and the City’s General Plan; participates in the implementation and administration of the City’s General Plan and development regulations; assists in preparing ordinances for review.
• Researches, collects, records, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; prepares spreadsheets and establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• Prepares and presents staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and various other committees and advisory commissions as directed; prepares research, reports, and maps; conducts briefings and meetings.
• Represents the department as liaison to outside agencies, organizations, and commissions.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, property owners, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, historical resource management, and other issues.
• Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions, as assigned.
• Refers to and applies numerous documents including, but not limited to, the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, Municipal Code, Specific Plans, County tax assessor’s maps and records, and architectural and civil plans.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services related to the area of assignment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operations and services of comprehensive municipal planning programs.
• Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, environmental planning and program management.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to municipal planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation as they relate to urban planning.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Interpret and communicate planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various City programs and services.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies.
• Oversee the work of contract consultants.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, regional planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.