PLANNER I

City Of Douglasville•Douglasville, GA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Planner I position assists in zoning and development and annexation functions for the city. This role involves conducting short-range planning, research, and analyses. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Zoning Administrator.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field
One (1) year of work experience in planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Valid Georgia Driver’s license
Knowledge of city, county, regional, state, and federal planning codes, ordinances, and regulations, including land use, environmental, transportation, and historic preservation requirements
Knowledge of comprehensive and current planning principles, development regulations, and the relationship between planning policy, engineering concepts, and physical design
Knowledge of socio-economic and demographic research techniques as applied to planning analysis and decision-making
Skill to operate a personal computer and related software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics applications, and GIS/GPS systems
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret deeds, surveys, legal descriptions, maps, drawings, specifications, and technical planning documents to determine property relationships and zoning compliance
Ability to conduct technical planning research and prepare clear, accurate reports, plans, and studies that interpret ordinances and codes
Ability to communicate technical information effectively through clear verbal and written recommendations tailored to both professional audiences and the general public
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, developers, agencies, and the public while exercising tact and professionalism
Ability to operate City vehicles in the performance of assigned duties

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification

Responsibilities

Assists in coordinating with other departments and city staff on the Community Development Department updates of zoning and maps, zoning and development ordinances, comprehensive plans, floodplain maps, and related studies, including distributing development plans for interdepartmental and Development Review Team review as required
Receives and reviews applications for rezoning, special land use permits, variances, zoning appeals, development plans, preliminary and final and revised subdivision plats, annexations, future land use plan amendments, and proposed development agreements; processes associated applications and invoices; and tracks submissions using established departmental software systems
Receives and reviews hydrology plans, sign plans, parking plans, civil design and construction plans, site plans, landscaping plans, erosion and sedimentation and pollution control plans, grading plans, floodplain management/flood damage prevention plans, tree conservation plans and all other plans required or allowed by the zoning and development ordinances
Assures the accuracy of application materials, including the accuracy of legal descriptions, conducts site visits as needed to clarify property information, requests additional materials from applicants when needed, and rejects incomplete or inaccurate applications
Prepares accurate and complete zoning verifications in accordance with established standard operating procedure, including processing, invoicing, and ensuring completion of Zoning Verification Letters
Facilitates the Zoning Board and Planning and Development Committee, prepares agendas and minutes, assures compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and attends evening meetings as required to support Planning Commission and City Council proceedings
Prepares and administers legal advertisements, notice postings, and required zoning signage for zoning matters, including installation of required signs at subject properties
Prepares and submits proposed agenda items related to short-range planning, zoning, and development for Mayor and City Council meetings, including drafting council approval letters and notices of public hearings using established forms and procedures
Receives, reviews and submits petitions for annexation promptly to the Chief Assistant City Attorney for legal review, rejects defective applications, and maintains records of annexation petitions
Requests information from and project assistance to federal, state, regional, county, city, and other agencies regarding planning, zoning, and development issues
Answers inquiries and provides information to the general public regarding short-range planning and zoning and development ordinances, responds to inquiries via phone, email, and in person, and directs customers to appropriate departments or external jurisdictions when matters fall outside City authority
Provides staff assistance to task forces, committees, councils, commissions, and boards, including scheduling and facilitating pre-application meetings, distributing advance correspondence to review teams, and documenting meeting notes and follow-up communications to applicants
Conducts field work and site reviews as required
Develops and prepares analytical and technical studies and reports for the Zoning Administrator and/or Planning Manager, including research for long-term projects and complex, multi-layered zoning inquiries
Reviews business license applications and building permit applications for zoning compliance
Accepts, receives, and collects payments related to zoning, permitting, and application processes, including preparation and issuance of invoices in accordance with established procedures
Conducts plan reviews for new construction to ensure zoning and development compliance
Provides administrative support to Planning and Development Committee and other boards as necessary
Attends evening meetings and occasional weekend events
Maintains and updates professional knowledge by attending training programs, workshops, and meetings
Performs other related duties as required