Principal Planner

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Elbert County is a rural county poised for growth with a variety of commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and residential projects on the horizon. This rural county is seeing growth pressures from the Denver Metro area, as land use proposals have begun to reshape development patterns in certain areas. The Elbert County Community Development Services Department takes a leadership role in guiding development through the County process, creating plans and studies to better understand the changing land-use dynamics, and taking a proactive approach to resolving issues.

Principal Planner: $85,000 - $113,776 Annually

The position will be responsible for assisting in the management of all activities of the Community Development Services (CDS) Department, including the development, review, and implementation of land use activities. Performs technical review of land use applications. Works to identify and promote best practices for integrating land use and water planning. Prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC);

attends community meetings; provides customer service to citizens, landowners, and developers.

• Provides information regarding planning, zoning, and subdivision questions.
• Provides knowledge and guidance, facilitating the timely completion of applications.
• Provides assistance and consultation from pre-application meetings through construction, facilitating timely completion.
• Integrates Water into Comprehensive Planning, ensuring land use decisions and future development are water-conscious.
• Determines water impacts of land use to gauge how different land uses and development types impact water demand and water quality, helping to identify possible problems and create solutions.
• Works with DOLA and CWCB to obtain resources that will aid in implementing land and water planning strategies.
• Accepts, reviews, and evaluates various land use applications; prepares and presents staff reports, including analysis and recommendations.
• Evaluates and processes land use applications and plans for completeness and conformity to County land use regulations.
• Makes field visits and investigations pertaining to planning projects as needed.
• Prepares maps, tables, charts, and graphic presentations as needed.
• Presents appropriate staff findings, with recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission to the BOCC meetings.
• Provides a periodic review of County planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations and makes appropriate recommendations regarding amendments.
• Assists in the development and updating of the County Master Plan and Area Plans, including implementation strategies and action steps to achieve plan goals.
• Negotiates with developers and customers to protect environmental concerns, including natural resources, wetland, and wildlife habitats; reviews development proposals as needed to ensure compliance with County Environmental Regulations.
• Attends meetings and provides staff support to County-appointed boards, commissions, and authorities as necessary and at the Planning Manager’s direction.
• May attend professional group meetings to stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field as schedule and funding permits.
• May serve as the backup to the Planning Manager when the Manager is unavailable.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Assists the Director of Planning in the development of department procedures and organization.
• Assists with the professional development of less experienced planning technicians, planners, and/or interns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field and three years of experience in land use planning, or Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field and two years of experience in land use planning. (Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, abilities and certification will qualify. A typical…