Planning Specialist

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)