SUMMARY:

The Senior Planner position provides case management for a wide range of planning applications, including annexations, subdivision plats, zoning requests, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, site plans, and other related permits. The Senior Planner performs research and analysis of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances, and laws relevant to assigned cases, writes staff reports, and makes presentations of cases to elected and appointed officials. The Senior Planner also provides customer service to various customers, including residents of the City, property owners, developers, real estate professionals, and others.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Planning Manager or City Manager's designee

This is a non-supervisory position. The employee works closely with other Development Services staff and frequently contacts representatives of various governmental and business entities and the general public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances and regulations.
2. Acts as a primary point of contact for the case manager for development projects submitted to the City.
3. Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
4. Assists with updates and maintenance of the LHTX 2040 Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
5. Ensures compliance with the Unified Development Code and LHTX 2040 Comprehensive Plan and provides thorough, detail-oriented plan reviews of complex land applications, including annexations, zoning, platting, site plan, and other land development applications.
6. Assists with updates and maintenance of the LHTX 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code regulations.
7. Confers with and advises applicants, consultants, and developers to discuss proposed and current development applications and identify and resolve issues related to specific projects.
8. Prepares, drafts, and oversees the finalization of the Planning and Zoning Commission agendas and packets; participates in coordinating official meetings.
   • This position will be required to attend two (2) Planning and Zoning Commission meetings monthly.
9. Leads and coordinates comment review meetings and assists applicants with questions regarding their applications and any review(s).
10. Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
11. Works courteously and actively with customers, the public, and other City staff on problem-solving.
12. Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, and answering the telephone.
13. Maintains and supports a positive, collaborative culture within the City organization as a whole.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Required: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or related field from an accredited school or university AND a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a planner with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid Texas Class C driver's license

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES PREFERRED:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred
• Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) accreditation preferred