Assistant Planner or Associate Planner

City of Homer Alaska•Homer, AK

About The Position

The Assistant Planner or Associate Planner enforces City zoning and land use ordinances and assists the City Planner in carrying out the work of the Planning and Zoning Division. The role provides technical information to the public and professionals on zoning, subdivisions, permitting, addressing, the Bridge Creek Watershed Protection District, and other planning matters. The position works under the specific supervision of the City Planner and uses independent judgment when addressing specific zoning issues. It may develop division-level procedures and has budget expenditure authority at a level that varies by classification: minor for Assistant Planner and moderate for Associate Planner. The work carries a high potential liability to the City. The position reviews development proposals, plans, applications, and building plans for zoning clearance, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and policies. It processes and maintains records for zoning and land-use applications, supports public meetings and the Planning Commission, conducts site plan reviews and field inspections, investigates potential violations, and advises applicants and professionals on City development standards. Work is performed mostly in an office, with field work and outdoor inspections also required. Evening meeting attendance may be required; the position must be able to operate a motor vehicle and may require lifting up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

Assistant Planner: Three years of experience in planning or equivalent experience.
Associate Planner: Four years of experience in planning, land development, or equivalent experience.
Three years of experience in duties requiring public contact.
Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, political science, or another applicable field; the Associate Planner description states a four-year degree is required.
Valid Alaska driver's license.
Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations and ability to read and interpret regulations, maps, and written agreements.
Computer proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, as well as accounting/database programs and principles; the Assistant Planner description also specifies Geographic Information Systems proficiency.
Accurate keyboarding skills and ability to independently compose correspondence and transcribe minutes.
Ability to analyze complex situations, problems, and data; use sound judgment; write clearly and concisely; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish effective working relationships; and handle stressful situations and difficult or angry people.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle; work may involve lifting up to 20 pounds.
Assistant Planner: Working knowledge of code-enforcement principles, practices, and methods in a municipal setting; applicable land-use and nuisance laws, standards, and regulations; and inspection techniques.
Associate Planner: Extensive knowledge of code-enforcement principles, practices, and methods in a municipal setting; working knowledge of applicable land-use and nuisance laws, standards, and regulations; and inspection techniques.

Nice To Haves

Assistant Planner: Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles preferred.
Associate Planner: Working knowledge of planning and zoning principles and Geographic Information Systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Enforce City zoning and land use ordinances and assist the City Planner with Planning and Zoning Division duties.
Provide information to the public and professionals about zoning regulations, land uses, permits, variances, conditional use permits, flood hazard areas, compliance matters, and other planning functions; screen calls and refer inquiries appropriately.
Provide administrative and technical support, including composing and proofreading correspondence, distributing and copying documents, and preparing public-notice mailings.
Manage planning and zoning records by establishing and maintaining files, scanning and organizing electronic documents, and tracking recurring requirements and deadlines.
Maintain the division calendar and web page; assist colleagues in meeting deadlines.
Prepare meeting agendas, public notices, and Planning Commission packets, and provide support to commissions and committees, including meeting attendance and minute-taking as assigned.
Coordinate with the Kenai Peninsula Borough regarding addressing updates and with Public Works personnel regarding permitting, driveways, rights-of-way, easements, wetlands, and related planning issues.
Prepare and process purchase orders, control inventory of division equipment and supplies, and monitor budget expenditures using the City's financial software.
Conduct research, compose correspondence, draft ordinances and resolutions, and prepare staff and other reports as directed by the City Planner; support Comprehensive Plan research, review, and implementation as applicable.
Process applications for zoning, sign, and conditional use permits, variances, rezoning, appeals, and planned unit developments, including public notice and historical research; maintain related permit, violation, and subdivision files.
Review development proposals, applications, site plans, and building plans for completeness and compliance; conduct follow-up reviews and rechecks and approve or deny submittals.
Perform site plan reviews for compliance with applicable codes, including setbacks, uses, surrounding zones, landscaping, parking, layout, and development plans.
Investigate potential zoning or other land-use violations by conducting field investigations, documenting and photographing conditions, gathering evidence, interviewing complainants, comparing facts with code and plan requirements, and recommending action to the City Planner.
Inspect completed construction projects for compliance with approval conditions concerning landscaping, screening, signage, parking, and conditional use permits; identify deficiencies and discuss or seek corrective action and compliance.
Assist in obtaining, preparing, enhancing, or presenting evidence in court and, if required, support cases being prepared for trial.
Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public about development policies, standards, zoning, general plan compliance, signage, and related issues.
Manage or support planning software platforms: adoption, use, and maintenance for the Assistant Planner role, and application-processing use for the Associate Planner role.
Perform other duties as directed by the City Planner.