SUMMARY

The Planner/Senior Planner position provides case management for a wide range of planning applications, including subdivision plats, zoning, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, site development plans, and other related permits. The Planner/Senior Planner performs research and analysis of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances, as well as laws relevant to assigned cases, writes reports, and makes presentations of cases to elected and appointed officials. The Planner/Senior Planner also provides customer service to a variety of 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. Works closely with other Development Services staff and has frequent contact with 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
   1. 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

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Senior Planner: 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 four (4) years of experience as a planner with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Planner: Bachelor's Degree or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or related field from an accredited school or university AND two (2) years of experience in development services or planning at the local government level; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Education/Experience Substitution: Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years for both a Senior Planner or Planner level position. Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

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