Position Overview
Performs journey-level current and long range planning activities for the Planning and Development Services Department.

General Responsibilities
• Answers a variety of questions from developers, architects and the general public in obtaining information and coordinating planning matters.
• Researches, writes, recommends and administers ordinances related to current and long range planning and development issues such as zoning, subdivision regulations, appearance, floodplain, signage, minimum housing, historic district, and other growth and development issues.
• Reviews projects for compliance with ordinances; reviews site and subdivision plats and resolves any problems/deficiencies found during the review process.
• Conducts in depth original research on assigned planning, development and land use issues; briefs Director and elected officials regarding research through periodic written and/or oral presentations as needed.
• Confers with property owners, developers, realtors and consultants regarding development proposals in person, by telephone or e-mail; visits development sites as needed.
• Prepares detailed site and area analysis reports and staff reports for rezoning petitions; drafts recommendations.
• Enforces City code related to nuisances, zoning and other related ordinances.
• Makes presentations to Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other committees on rezoning petitions, conditional use permits, map amendments, text amendments and special projects.
• Administers the Historic Preservation Commission and enforces related City ordinances.
• Uses a variety of computer programs including GIS to generate reports and data and to prepare presentations, charts, maps, graphs, and other illustrative materials for presentation to elected officials, appointed boards, and citizens.

Qualifications
Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in planning, geography, public administration, community development or related field, and considerable professional experience in public sector planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina.
• Prefer certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (ACIP)

This class is the third level in a five-level Planning Series devoted to paraprofessional and professional support of municipal planning for a variety of operations and functions including strategic planning, comprehensive planning, land use, community development, departmental capital projects and operational planning. Incumbents provide advanced journey level professional planning work and are considered subject matter experts with the highest level of knowledge, providing consultation to other planning staff and to management. As assigned, incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning work and monitoring work completion or may supervise paraprofessional and/or support staff including conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures.

The Town of Dallas, NC is currently seeking applicants for the full-time position of Development Services Director. Dallas, a community of approximately 5,000 residents located 20 miles west of Charlotte, is known as the “Crossroads of Gaston County”. Its prime location conveniently situated near the intersection of I-85 and US-321 has sparked an increase in development interest in the past few years – a trend that is expected to continue. In response to this growth the Town recently began the creation of a Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, and will soon begin the development of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan to help guide the future of our community. This department-head-level professional serves as the one-person Office of Planning and Community Development, administering the Town’s zoning, development, and subdivision ordinances.

Position responsibilities include: implements the intake, review, processing and approval of zoning and sign permits, subdivision plats, re-zonings, variances, special use permits, annexations, and site plans; recommends and develops Ordinance amendments and development plans; coordinates efforts of consultants; assists with historic preservation efforts, as well as development and administration of economic development initiatives and incentive programs; acts as support for Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; and helps to maintain the Town’s website and Facebook page.

Other position responsibilities include grant writing; developing an effective relationship between the Town and business community; extensive public contact and involvement; coordination of code enforcement activities in conjunction with the Police Department; and other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate must exhibit the initiative to promote sound growth and development, and have the ability to balance the needs of a diverse community in the changing economic environment. Personal attributes should include: excellent oral and written communication skills; considerable tact and professionalism; and a positive and cooperative attitude.

Performs responsible professional work in the management of staff and associated assignments within the Planning Department, primarily in the areas of long/short range planning, development ordinances, minimum housing and code enforcement.

An employee in this class has broad responsibilities in guiding, directing and working with staff, public bodies, public official, development community and citizens to ensure proper long/short range planning for the City, effect proactive and effective minimum housing and code enforcement related efforts, and administering development ordinances and policies. Oversee and guides special planning efforts such as small area studies, growth analysis, corridor overlays, comprehensive plan and land use analysis/changes, neighborhood improvement programs/efforts, development ordinance amendments, and associated policies, etc. Employee exercises decision making regarding the allocation of time and resources to project management, initiatives and programs. Position requires the ability to coordinate with and provide support to boards and commissions, attend meetings as necessary or directed. Work performance is evaluated through daily discussions, interactions and observations under the regular supervision of the Director of Planning & Transportation. This classification is considered non-exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Employees in this class perform professional planning work in current and long-range planning projects for the County. Employees in this class perform responsible journey level planning work to provide coordinated guidance and regulation of the growth and development of the County and in contracted municipalities.

THE TOWN PLANNER WILL:
➢ Conduct comprehensive field studies of land use and development patterns throughout Local
Government jurisdiction;
➢ Conduct comprehensive review of adopted policies applicable to land use and development
throughout Local Government jurisdiction;
➢ Conduct comprehensive review of Local Government programs and policies to serve existing and
future development within Local Government jurisdiction;
➢ Prepare plans and policy documents to achieve stated goals of Local Government through
information gathering techniques to be determined and agreed upon with Local Government;
➢ Preparation of governing and/or advisory board/council/commission reporting materials;
➢ Presentations of governing and/or advisory board/council/commission reporting materials;
➢ Conduct review of applications for land development permits and approvals in accordance with
applicable policies and ordinances; and
➢ Coordinate with Local Government staff for the proper filing of records within the official record
of Local Government.

Renaissance Planning (www.citiesthatwork.com) is currently seeking curious, enthusiastic and motivated planning professionals for our Durham, Tampa and Miami offices. We work with local governments, departments of transportation, regional planning organizations and other public and private sector clients to develop integrated land use and multi-modal transportation policies and plans. We also work on behalf of departments of transportation to support planning process implementation and administration and federal government agencies to support research and capacity building nationwide. We deliver projects that reflect innovations in the use of GIS-based and computer science driven planning tools; contextualized urban design concepts; vision driven plans and policies; supporting performance metrics and meaningful community engagement.

Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) seeks an energetic, self-directed individual to assist in the coordination of land use, transportation, public engagement, and economic development projects related to outcomes from the CONNECT Our Future Regional Growth Framework. Projects will primarily focus on transportation choice, including transit, freight, and emerging transportation technologies, as well as the creation of land use plans, the development and update of local zoning and subdivision ordinances, and assisting local governments with a variety of planning related projects.

The successful applicant will understand the importance of positive relationships with local communities and agencies in the region and exhibit strong customer service and problem-solving skills. Position requires project management skills and internal drive.

The Planner I/Zoning Administrator position reports to the Planning Director and performs technical, administrative, investigative work as well as inspections for compliance with various ordinances including but not limited to zoning, subdivision, historic preservation, and sign regulations.

To be effective in this role, the ideal candidate will possess excellent oral and written communication skills including considerable tact and professionalism. The ideal candidate will have prior planning and zoning administration experience, preferably within a municipal setting. Additionally, all employees are responsible for upholding the core values of the organization including but not limited to exhibiting professional behavior, acting as a role model to others, displaying a positive and cooperative attitude, communicating effectively, as well as developing an expert knowledge with all job tasks. Being a team player within the organization is essential for this position.

Provides support to Park Planning within the Parks and Recreation Department. The planning intern will work in a team setting under the supervision of the Senior Parks Planner.

The intern will participate in system wide and park master plan development, and will assist with planning projects for parks, greenways and recreation facilities. Tasks include the development of planning and design documents, including site analysis, conceptual and final detailed designs, renderings, cost estimates and specifications.
Design documents may be provided through sketches, electronic models, diagrams, and other visual formats, along with team participation in project theming, schematic design and overall design
development. Interest and base knowledge of project documentation during all phases of design, such as; project graphics and exhibits, site grading, paving designs, walls, structures, site lighting, planting design, as well as layout of land uses for buildings and other facilities.