City Planner

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The City Planner is responsible for planning, research, analysis, and directing administrative work for the Planning & Development Department. This role involves preparing reports and presenting recommendations during public hearings to Planning & Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments members. Tasks include reviewing and evaluating developmental guides, code of ordinances, project plans, subdivisions, site plans, rezoning requests, special use permits, and zoning variances. The role encompasses addressing compilation for residential and commercial structures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Planning & Development Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

• Reviews plats for solutions and compliance with codes, ordinances and technical completeness.

• Ensures that plats are sufficiently complete and have appropriate reference information.

• Schedule plat reviews in a timely manner and coordinates reviews with other staff and other review bodies.

• Represents the Department in interactions with other departments.

• Prepares reports for review by engineers and other reviewing bodies.

• Attends and makes oral presentations to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

• Assists in the preparation of amendments to the zoning and subdivision ordinances.

• Assists the Assistant Planning & Development Director in performing site plan reviews for zoning code compliance; interpreting zoning codes; processing petitions for zoning changes; examining documents for technical completeness; and scheduling public hearings, as required.

• May temporarily assume the duties of the Assistant Planning & Development Director by assignment, delegation, or in the absence of the incumbent.

• Conducts research and analysis of land use data.

• Assists citizens by providing information and answering inquiries related to property use, setbacks, zoning regulations, and property-specific questions.

• Manages addressing and address verification for properties within the city.

• Reviews and assesses commercial and residential construction plans.

• Provides support to Building Inspections by addressing questions and calls related to construction and development issues.

• Prepares legal notices and mailouts for rezoning, zoning variance, and special use permit cases.

• Regularly updates and maintains the zoning map, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility on the City Website.

• Reviews vendor applications for mobile vendors to ensure compliance with city ordinances and regulations.

• Assesses sign permit applications to confirm that business signs adhere to city ordinances.

• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles for City Business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely and possess a valid driver’s license and must have an acceptable driving record.

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED

• Works under the general direction of the Assistant Planning & Development Director.

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of rural and urban planning.

• The Texas Local Government Code, governmental programs, laws, grants and services pertinent to the planning process.

• Environmental and socio-economic implications of the planning process.

• Public speaking and presenting experience.

• Proficiency with spreadsheet, database manipulation, and word processing software and presentation development software (preferably Microsoft products: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Digitizing and data manipulation procedures for geographic information systems; Database design.

• Collection, analysis and interpretation methods and of technical data and planning recommendations.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret legal descriptions.

• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, layouts or other visual aids.

• Analyze complex legal descriptions, resolving any conflicts, and produce accurate graphic representations.

• Communicate orally with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings or using a telephone.

• Interpret Subdivision and Zoning ordinances.

• Read and use zoning maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps aerial maps, and engineering plans.

• Work cooperatively with other City employees.

• Present facts clearly and accurately in graphic form.

• Write memos and planning reports.

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in the English language.

• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university; or five (5) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

• CNU-A (Congress for the New Urbanism-Accredited) required

• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Certification preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVITY

This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.