Planner I

Under the supervision of the Planning Director, performs highly responsible professional and technical level work in the field of planning, zoning, and developmental plan review. Acts as a resource providing information and assistance to developers, the business community and the general public on all planning related matters. Serves as technical assistant for development services activity such as building permits and code enforcement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential functions satisfactorily.

1. Reviews basic development plans and subdivision plats for zoning compliance and adherence to Town standards; prepares appropriate response.
2. Assists the Planning Technician in review of building permits to assure compliance with applicable conditions and regulations.
3. Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations
4. Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
5. Assists in preparing detailed reports on development proposals to Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and Board of Appeals.
6. Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
7. Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
8. Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
9. Coordinates community review of public and private development projects
10. Provides information to the public regarding development regulations
11. Prepares department quarterly and yearly reports and other forms of public information
12. Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues
13. Conducts field evaluations and assessments
14. Assists with GIS tasks as needed
15. Attends evening and weekend meetings as needed
16. Performs other duties as required

(This listing is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

Education and Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in urban planning, geography, landscape architecture or a related field.
2. One year of experience in current planning environment
3. North Carolina Certified Zoning Official encouraged
4. Valid NC State Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, kneeling, walking, standing, fingering, grasping, talking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words), hearing (perceiving nature of sounds by ear), and perform repetitive motions.
2. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently.
3. Requires visual acuity to include the ability to see various colors, review material including maps, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices and determining the accuracy of documents submitted.
4. Work is subject to adverse environmental conditions.

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
2. Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired
3. Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
4. Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
5. GIS programs and applications

TYPICAL SKILLS

1. Working knowledge of planning principles and zoning code, municipal planning, Unified Development Ordinance and its applications.
2. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of ordinances and codes to determine compliance with regulations and ability to apply regulations to field conditions.
3. Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
4. Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns
5. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
6. Demonstrates effective writing techniques
7. Excellent ability with computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and database management
8. Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
9. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
10. Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
11. Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
12. Effective written and verbal communication skills
13. Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities