Associate Planner

City of Bell•Bell City Hall, CA

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Bell is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Planner to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build their career in planning while contributing to a dynamic and collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in planning principles, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving and community engagement. Whether you're early in your career or bringing experience from a similar role, we welcome individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact through thoughtful planning and development.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, or a related field.
Three (3) years of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities.
Knowledge of operations, services and activities of a comprehensive urban planning and development program.
Knowledge of principles, practices, policies and procedures related to urban planning and development and zoning administration.
Knowledge of State land use, development, and environmental law, comprehensive planning and zoning, including their formation, adoption, and enforcement.
Knowledge of techniques and application of statistical analysis as applied to land use, transportation, zoning and master plan studies.
Knowledge of site planning and architectural design principles.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of conducting research.
Knowledge of principles and practices used to apply geographic information systems.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of developing complex planning reports and displays, and presentation of same.
Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning and zoning.
Knowledge of environmental laws and related regulations as they apply to planning and zoning.
Knowledge of practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping and database management.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of providing quality customer service to City staff and members of the public.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to assigned area of responsibility.
Ability to perform the full range of professional urban planning duties.
Ability to effectively respond to issues and concerns of the public, Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Ability to interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
Ability to analyze site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities and other urban services.
Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations effectively and tactfully.
Ability to prepare clear and concise technical and staff reports, display maps, plans, charts and tables, and business correspondence.
Ability to assist in the development of planning related policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain continuous learning on current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning.
Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner.
Ability to use sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of professional urban planning duties and provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning and zoning regulations.
Develops short and long range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Confers with, and advises, architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to zoning, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
Provides technical and professional advice; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, and the general public.
Provides information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans, and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community groups, and interested persons.
Responds to local citizens inquiring about local planning, zoning, building codes enforcement, regulations, and ordinances.
Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision making purposes.
Conducts technical research on studies and prepares statistical reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans, projecting trends, monitoring socio-economic data, etc.
Reviews Architectural Review Board applications/proposals and works with developers/owners to reach agreement on zoning code conforming site plans, including a review of the building plans, parcel maps, subdivisions, and lot line adjustments; prepares a staff recommendation report for review and approval.
Processes commercial, industrial and residential development plans for issuance of zoning clearances and/or permit applications.
Prepares agendas, staff reports and displays for the Planning Commission, City Council, various committees and advisory boards.
Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, facilities, solid waste or other plans and codes to meet the City’s needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.
Prepares studies for General Plan review and zoning/code amendments/updates and ordinances; assists with the implementation and administration of the City’s General Plan and development regulations.
Evaluates environmental information and prepares appropriate documents according to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on behalf of the City as lead agency.
Prepares responses on behalf of the City as a responsible agency.
Reviews and processes applications for Temporary Use Permits, Special Use Permits and other entitlement applications for zoning clearance.
Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
Updates a variety of maps.
Prepares graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings.
Prepares and writes grant application components relating to geographics, maps, plats, site plans or other planning processes.
Assists in maintaining the City’s planning and economic database.
Manages vendor contracts in the planning division.
Maintains comprehensive, complex and accurate planning related records and files.
Performs related duties as assigned.