Planner​/Senior Planner​/Principal Planner

PLANNER / SENIOR PLANNER / PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Join to apply for the PLANNER / SENIOR PLANNER / PRINCIPAL PLANNER role at City of Durham
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The purpose of the class is to perform professional and technical work in short‑range and long‑range planning programs related to the development and implementation of land use plans and policies, capital improvements, infrastructure development, and other county projects and programs; and to perform related work as assigned. The class works within broad policy and organizational guidelines, does independent planning and implementation, and reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.

It establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other county employees, municipalities, state and federal officials, representatives of historic and neighborhood organizations, business and community organizations and the public.

• Assists the Director of Planning & Zoning in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, infrastructure, and other plans and codes to meet the county’s needs.
• Provides technical direction, training, advice, and assistance of department staff in areas of responsibility.
• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the division’s policies, procedures and service delivery methods; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Advises the Planning Director, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Council, county officials and other entities on planning and development issues and projects; prepares and presents project information and staff recommendations to such groups as required.
• Confers with and advises engineers, developers, architects, surveyors, property owners and citizens in the coordination of planning and zoning issues, and in the interpretation and enforcement of county ordinances.
• Researches, gathers, interprets and prepares data for planning and zoning studies, prepares a variety of studies, briefs and reports for decision‑making and presentation purposes.
• Reviews existing regulations and plans; makes recommendations for modification to the Planning Commission as appropriate.
• Evaluates land use proposals, development designs, subdivision plans, etc., for compliance with county, state and federal laws, regulations, codes and ordinances; evaluates the impact of development proposals; evaluates environmental impact information; and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impact of development.
• Processes land use applications; coordinates process with applicants, technical consultants and other agencies; performs site evaluations for proposed land usage; interprets regulations; and informs applicants of required actions.
• Conducts field inspections for developments, requested variances, rezoning, unusual applications and site‑specific requirements.
• Coordinates sign review and approval.
• Reviews and approves business license applications.
• Participates in long‑range planning projects as assigned.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, and concerns pertaining to county planning projects, regulations and ordinances.
• Participates in department marketing and public relations efforts; makes public presentations to inform the public about planning projects and programs.
• Researches, analyzes and prepares information for the development of grants and related projects as directed.
• Maintains records pertinent to planning and development programs and projects.
• Assists in coordinating department activities and functions with those of other county departments, municipalities and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Represents the Director at meetings and other functions as required in his/her absence.
• Performs routine administrative/clerical work as required, including entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, assembling materials, typing reports and correspondence, ordering office supplies, etc.
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills; keeps abreast of federal, state and local case law and new trends…