Planner

CITY OF DECATUR • Decatur, GA

2d • $53,435 - $63,502 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a professional planning position with the City of Decatur’s Community and Economic Development Department (CED). This position is responsible for the review of plans and development proposals, creation and presentation of reports, field inspections and assessments, interpreting and applying a variety of codes and ordinances, assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive plan, identifies issues and suggests solutions achieved through community planning, promotes economic and community development, serves as a primary staff liaison to a City board or commission focused on zoning and land use, and implements local plans and coordinates on regional planning efforts.

Requirements

• Knowledge of general planning principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable City, State and Federal rules, regulations, and ordinances that impact transportation, zoning and land use.
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from rules, regulations, and ordinances and apply them to issue decisions and make recommendations on public and private land development proposals.
• Ability to understand organizational implications of decisions.
• Ability to work with residents from all economic, cultural, and diverse backgrounds.
• Aptitude and ability to utilize architect’s and engineer’s scales to review building and site plans, as well as computer resources required by the City including word processing, web-based platforms, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Independent judgment and discretion in setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, public administration or a related field AND two years of experience involving interpretation and application of planning and zoning codes and regulations in a government setting (local, regional, state or federal) are required; or Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
• Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver).

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of transportation planning and walk-friendly/bike-friendly concepts
• Experience in community development
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops
• AICP Certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary staff to a City board or commission, as assigned, which may include tasks such as preparing monthly agendas, public notices, review of application materials, preparation of staff reports, participating in evening meetings, minutes of the meetings, and related correspondence with applicants.
• Serves as secondary staff to the Planning Commission to assist the Planning and Zoning Manager.
• Interprets and applies applicable local, state, and federal, codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, specifications, policies and procedures pertaining to planning, zoning, land development, and land use; initiates any actions necessary to correct non-compliance.
• Conducts residential and commercial zoning plan review for land disturbance and building permit issuance as assigned.
• Receives and responds in a timely manner to customer inquiries regarding zoning issues; researches zoning issues regarding non-conforming land uses, zoning interpretations, and previous development and zoning history.
• Drafts letters, memos, and zoning compliance reports as needed in the performance of plan reviews.
• Assists with long-range planning initiatives including analytical research, civic engagement, and policy development.
• Performs any other daily duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Planning and Zoning Manager or Planning and Economic Development Director.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level