Planner

Planner

General Summary of Duties

Performs responsible professional and administrative work in coordinating current and long-range planning and development projects; enforces zoning, subdivision, and nuisance ordinances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class assists the Planning Director in planning, organizing and coordinating the City’s overall planning program which includes current and long-range planning, zoning and code enforcement, and development consultation and review. Work involves long and short-range planning and serving as staff support for planning related boards and commissions. The employee assists the Planning Director in administering the plan review process; reviewing, researching and analyzing deeds, site plans, subdivision plats, rezoning and other development activities and applications; issuing permits; serves as the first point of contact for interpreting, enforcing and providing assistance to the public on zoning, subdivision, and other ordinances; updating, revising and interpreting planning documents; assisting the public and developers with land development projects, questions and concerns; facilitating various public input processes; assisting the Planning Director with presentations and recommendations to the various boards and commissions; providing code enforcement for the City; and representing the City in intergovernmental activities. The position requires consistent interpretation of complex City codes and regulations and considerable knowledge of planning and governmental law. In addition, the employee is responsible for special projects administration, including serving as staff to the Lowell Community Committee. This employee will assist in creating or improving standard operating procedures and workflows associated with planning, zoning, and code enforcement processes. Employee will also assist the Planning Director in budget preparation/monitoring and financial processes. Work involves significant public contact and coordination with other departments, developers, and boards and commissions, requiring tact, courtesy, and skill in facilitating public and intergovernmental processes. Judgment and initiative are required in conducting research projects, compiling reports, making presentations, and making recommendations for various programs and functions of the City. Work is performed under the direction of the Planning Director and is evaluated through conferences, review of work, performance evaluations, and overall acceptance of the programs by the City’s citizens.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Assists the Planning Director in planning, organizing, and coordinating current and long-range plans, services and programs; implements zoning, subdivision and code enforcement.
• Researches and prepares recommendations for revisions of development ordinances and land use plans; facilitates public input and development of consensus.
• Develops and maintains zoning, subdivision, and other planning ordinances and amendments to implement provisions of the land use plan; performs various special studies with the Planning Director regarding annexations, sidewalks, greenways and open space, transportation planning, landscape regulations and standards, walking trails and parks and other urban planning issues.
• Provides staff assistance to various boards and committees including Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals. Engages in the preparation of agendas, minutes, and other staff reports for board activities.
• Assists the Planning Director with site plan review for compliance with City code regulations, technical documents, and adopted plans; prepares comment letters and issues permits to development professionals and the general public.
• Provides assistance to development professionals, City staff, and the general public to answer development-related questions and assists development professionals and the general public with various
  forms and applications pertaining to development review.
• Meets with developers and property owners for interpretation and application of ordinances and codes to ensure compliance during development.
• Receives and investigates complaints from the general public and City staff and enforces City development and public nuisance code regulations; prepares code enforcement documentation and notifications; conducts periodic and routine inspections to ensure compliance; initiates the appropriate enforcement process as necessary to ensure appropriate mitigation.
• Conducts inspections for development compliance and nuisance code complaints/violations.
• Represents the City on regional committees, commissions or boards related to planning activities.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of local and regional planning including current and long-range, community and economic development, natural resources, and the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process.
• Considerable knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws pertaining to planning and development.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to municipal work programs including knowledge of hardware, software and peripherals, planning, presentations, GIS, and mapping.
• Knowledge of the City’s budgeting and purchasing policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices and applicable laws regarding zoning, subdivision plats, building permits, and development regulation.
• Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, meeting facilitation and public presentations of technical information and recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with developers, City officials and the community regarding development.
• Ability to express ideas effectively in oral and written forms and write and present comprehensive and professional planning reports and papers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, municipal and county officials, staff and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, perform visual inspections, and operate a computer.

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in planning or a related field, and experience in professional municipal and/or regional planning; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
Possession of a valid NC driver’s license; prefer AICP certification or willingness and ability to obtain; prefer completion of Certified Zoning Official course; prefer completion of North Carolina Association of Housing Code Officials or willingness to obtain.

Job Open Date

04/05/2024

Earliest Close Date

Until Filled

Salary Grade 17: Salary Range $52,392 – $81,208 annually, commensurate with qualifications.
City of Lowell offers a comprehensive benefits program. Applications can be found and submitted online at www.lowellnc.com or at City Hall. Email resume and cover letter to: cramsey@lowellnc.com. Mail applications to: City of Lowell, Attn: Cheryl Ramsey, Human Resource Officer, 101 W. First Street, Lowell, NC 28098. The City of Lowell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.