SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for a wide range of day-to-day planning and zoning related activities, such as enforcing zoning rules and regulations, review of proposed development projects, and meeting with property owners, developers, attorneys and other professionals to discuss development proposals and the regulations and policies of the City. This position serves as the staff liaison to the Heritage and Architecture Committee and Plan and Zoning Commission, participates in long-range planning activities, review sign and new business permits and performs numerous other related tasks, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential duties & responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.

• Mentors and trains the Planning Permit Technician.
• Assists in the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinances.
• Prepares written reports on planning matters to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners relating to land development, rezoning, subdivision and special use permits and to the Heritage and Architecture Commission relating to improvements in the City's Historic Districts.
• Assists in reviewing and recommending revisions to zoning, subdivision and municipal codes as well as specific ordinances, and related control documents.
• Provides assistance in evaluating, creating and amending short and long-range plans of the City.
• The direct contact for developers during the due diligence and project approval phases.
• Explains, advises, and interprets planning and zoning policies and procedures with land developers, realtors and property owners regarding land development potential.
• Assists in the preparation of ordinances and resolutions related to zoning and subdivisions.
• Schedules and facilitates Pre-Application meetings.
• Reviews land use applications for planning and zoning conformance with the zoning and development codes.
• Coordinates site development activities with various internal and external departments and agencies.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding land development proposals, ordinances, future plans, and other requests for department information.
• Assists the Planning Permit Technician to prepare information packets and meeting agendas for distribution to the Plan and Zoning Commission and Heritage and Architecture Committee.
• Assists in coordinating special planning projects.
• Researches and provides background information for various studies and reports, both internally and for consultants.
• Responsible for coordinating with the Planning Permit Technician for the assignment of addresses in the City.
• Maintains the central filing system of the Planning Division and a continuous record of all correspondence and significant documentation.
• Coordinates the updating of mapping data; creating maps and graphics, including the annual Zoning Map update for Will County, as needed.
• Prepares reports for the Director of Community and Economic Development, Commissions and Committees, as requested.
• The duties listed above are illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job functions and requirements does not exclude them from the position if work is a logical extension of the position.
• Adherence to the City's policy on attendance and punctuality

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university in urban planning, land use planning, or related field.
• Possess a minimum of five (5) years of municipal experience working in planning, zoning, or community development.
• Master's degree and/or certification by the AICP, a plus.
• Knowledge of GIS, Bluebeam and other related computer programs, a plus
• Knowledge of architecture and historic preservation, a plus
• Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A proactive problem-solver.
• Efficient, accurate and timely work habits.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• A well-developed knowledge of urban planning including zoning, annexation, subdivision, planned unit developments and site development rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to manage and supervise projects.
• Excellent oral, written and public communication skills.
• Deal effectively with problems arising during the completion of assigned tasks.
• Handle multiple tasks and problems simultaneously.
• Assure sound organization practices and policies are initiated and followed.
• Conduct successful working relationships with both co-workers, elected officials, residents, committee members, developers and contractors.