City Planner

Administer the duties of the City Planner for the City of Pass Christian. Responsible for enforcing the Pass Christian Development Code, comprehensive development plan, implementing new development regulations and strategies, enforcing current land use and zoning regulations and implementation of environmental policies as needed. Also, may require input to the department budget and city grant programs.

Essential Job Functions (Planning)

• Perform a variety of professional planning functions in support of the Development Code and comprehensive plan which includes land use regulations and community development. Develop, propose and administer planning programs to include criteria and policies for program administration.

• Review and process planning permit applications, specifically those requiring Development Code compliance, major and minor subdivisions, zone changes, growth management, environmental and other laws.

• Develop and manage procedures for the timely review and approval of applications.

• Administer and manage the Short-Term Rental program and process applications for short term rental properties.

• Develop and direct work programs to include priorities and goals, budget and implementation strategies.

• Coordinate and manage interdepartmental and interjurisdictional issues such as development plans, permit applications, zoning requirements, annexations, subdivisions, variances, Development Code and other land use regulations.

• Act as Community Department representative to the Mayor and Board of Alderpersons, Planning Commission, prepare meeting minutes and other assignments as designated by the Department Director.

• Draft or revise Development Code, Comprehensive Plan and ordinances as necessary to implement or update planning concepts, state legislation or local policies.

• Interpret and support the enforcement of land use regulations such as zoning and subdivision codes, including sign and fence provisions.

• Prepare, review and analyze applications for building permits, plats, subdivisions, special permits, and variances to ensure administration and enforcement of existing Development Code, zoning ordinance and code.

• Develop department reports and recommendations regarding applications. Collect data and develop information to support recommendations. Present information to Planning Commission. Assist in preparation of legal notifications, as needed.

• Plan and attend or facilitate public meetings and hearings with individuals and groups; make presentations regarding department activities and decisions, as needed.

• Respond to questions from the public regarding land use regulations. Interpret land use ordinance and recommend appropriate applications and actions to resolve problems and proposals.

• Participate in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and associated land use ordinance. Coordinate and supervise assigned portions of the Plan.

• Plan, research, and develop regular and special reports and summaries regarding assigned projects. Supervise updates of all planning and zoning maps, as necessary.

• Performs site review and field investigations to analyze applications, proposals, or complaints. Take photos for presentations.

• Respond to public inquiries regarding the Development Code, planning and zoning regulations within assigned planning area of responsibility.

• Provide guidance in resolving problems and complaints from the public, developers, planners and builders regarding land use, zoning or planning regulations.

• Establish funding guidelines and priorities for planning and community development programs; develop grants and oversee the application process, if directed by the administration.

• Present permit applications and staff recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Alderpersons.

• Prepare and present oral and visual reports to public and private committees, hearing bodies, community groups and other organizations to explain City policies and community impacts within assigned planning area; represent the City at regional forums.

• Explain, justify and defend programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned field of urban planning.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of land use planning related legislation, regulations, standards and policies.

• Knowledge of currently accepted urban land use planning practices (current and long range), zoning principles, development regulations and codes, and municipal government procedures and laws.

• Knowledge of the Development Code development plan brand

• Knowledge of the Special Flood Hazard Areas and Regulations.

• Knowledge of real estate principles.

• Skilled in the development of proposals and administration of grants.

• Skilled in developing and administering budgets.

• Ability to operate a computer including having a working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

• Ability to exercise initiative, tact and judgment relative to work activity.

• Ability to think conceptually, analyze data, draw conclusions and write reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, exercise judgment and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of zoning and related land use codes.

• Knowledge of City and Community planning, specifically the Development Code.

• Ability to read and interpret residential building plans, specifications, blueprints, and compare them with construction in progress.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to prepare technical and administrative reports.

• Ability to create and retain effective working relationships with the general public, the development community, city employees, city officials, and other municipal and agency officials.

Education and Experience

• High School or equivalent degree required.

• Undergraduate degree preferred or related field preferred, or

• A combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge will be accepted.

Licenses and/or Certifications

• Mississippi Driver’s License
• Certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is required or able to obtain said certification within thirty six months of employment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 10 pounds; visual acuity, speech, and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are primarily inside an office environment.

Other

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Pass Christian, MS 39571: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $47,000