Planning Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of professional, managerial, and technical duties as needed to expedite the work related to the Current Planning Division; coordinates, reviews and reports on current planning applications; and assists with the preparation of planning studies, policies, and ordinances as assigned; supervises other planners in the Current Planning Division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of the Community Development Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides general supervision to Senior Planner, Planner III, Planner II, and Planner I in the Current Planning Division.

essential functions

Performs a variety of general and specialized professional planning functions which include predominately current planning and development; managing staff and activities relating to assigned projects; providing information and assisting developers, the business community and the public on land use, planning and development related matters.

Oversees the review of subdivision, site plan, rezone, master development plan, general plan amendment, and other development applications for conformity to City ordinances; provides zoning, land-use and other code information to developers, property owners, contractors and the general public; processes land-use applications and submissions and coordinates reviews in accordance with City regulations, ordinances and codes while in the office, or on site, or by other communication methods; assists in the coordination of development proposals with other City departments & governmental agencies to assure that all applicable development standards are met; works with developers through the City's development process; communicates with applicants, particularly in the transmittal of Development Review Committee (DRC) comments and in the scheduling of DRC meetings.

Assists in the development and preparation of Planning Commission and City Council Staff Reports, agendas, and other information; analyzes general plan, policies, ordinance compliance, negotiated development exactions, performance standards, and recommends approval or denial of requests; prepares written reports in response to public requests for zoning applications and various ordinance changes; supervises the implementation of land development ordinances; maintains records, logs, and pertinent reports.

Acts as staff to the Development Review Committee, Planning Commission, and manages agenda items, hearing times, field trips, etc.; conducts feasibility studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signage, traffic, development and related departmental areas; attends meetings and makes public presentations as required; conducts field inspections of projects under construction for compliance with City ordinances and conditions of approval imposed by the City. Participates in project review meetings with various city departments and developer representatives and identifies problem areas related to zoning and negotiates options for compliance.

Facilitates the citizen participation process; meets with the general public to discuss planning, zoning, and development issues; assists the public to define concerns and presents public questions to management; follows up with public to apprise of city policy and decisions; coordinates the preparation of meeting agenda as required; publishes notice of public meetings and posts notices as required.

May assist to review and approve landscape plans for compliance with city landscape ordinance; monitors building setbacks, signage requirements, driveways, parking lots, and related site compliance concerns.

May participate in the development and use of a Geographic Information System (GIS); makes recommendations impacting GIS program; operates computer to generate computerized maps; utilizes computer to conduct various research and solve planning problems; assists in maintaining effective software.

Updates, revises, and drafts ordinances and resolutions relating to land use and growth management; revises or creates language which updates and/or clarifies interpretation and intent of the codes and ordinances; keeps zoning map and future land use map updated on a frequent basis; proposes and implements changes to improve the department, project tracking/processing, etc.

Assists in the preparation, solicitation, review and administration of contracts for various services funded by the City.

Resolves concerns with other planners related to customer service, job duties, development review, public presentations, dress and behavior standards, etc.; performs employee evaluations on a regular basis; ensures that appropriate training is provided to planners.

Represents the City at regional committees and with other government and non-governmental entities.

Attends and participates in professional functions, meetings and classes; researches and stays abreast of Federal, State and local laws, legislation, codes, regulations, environmental matters, and zoning and land-use issues pertinent to planning;

Performs related duties as required. Handles the duties of the Planning Director when the director is unavailable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:
2. Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or a closely related field; Master's degree in city planning, public administration, or a closely related field is preferred;

AND

1. Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience performing above or related duties; two (2) or three (3) years in a supervisory capacity is preferred;

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of community development, urban planning and design, local government operation and structures; map reading; principles of public relations; personal computers and applications; and GIS mapping systems; current and long range planning and site plan compliance; site development, zoning ordinances, urban design, environmental protection and architecture; economics, sociology and community organization as applied to urban planning models; relationship between factors affecting urban planning policy, such as economic, political, sociological, legal, etc.; research and statistical methods typically used in the analysis and the evaluation of research data; land use, zoning, federal, state, and local laws.

Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; the use of various computer programs; GIS mapping systems; calculator.

Ability to research relevant information and present the information to the public in a concise and clear manner; supervise daily work programs; supervise the compilation, analysis and preparation of planning related professional reports; coordinate a variety of major projects and programs; prepare and present technical reports; direct, motivate, develop, and evaluate subordinates; prepare budget estimates for division; enforce regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality; interpret codes accurately and effectively; operate personal computer and various software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, design, presentation, etc.); efficiently operate and maintain computer hardware and software, i.e. GIS and related; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; operate standard keyboard and perform data entry activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

1. Special Qualifications:

Must maintain membership in the American Planning Association. AICP certification desirable. Must possess a valid state driver's license.

1. Work Environment:

Tasks require a variety of physical activities not generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Occasional exposure to environmental hazards resulting from on-site project inspections. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in course of performing portions of job functions.