Planning Technician

The City of Asheville is seeking a full-time, non-exempt Planning Technician to join the Planning and Urban Design Department. The purpose of this position is to combine administrative and technical tasks with special projects support while working closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning and zoning issues.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm/ Hybrid Schedule available

Starting Rate of Pay: $21.13

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs customer service functions in person, by telephone, and by email: provides information and assistance related to department services, activities, procedures, fees, forms, or other issues; assists the public in completing applications and other forms as needed; responds to and researches questions, complaints, and problems and initiates problem resolution.

Receives and processes submissions from developers for projects that qualify for technical and administrative review: reviews documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance to established rules; distributes documents to appropriate staff; maintains files and plans in department database; updates and maintains related website content and ensures public access to files; schedules, facilitates, and/or attends early assistance, pre-application and technical reviews meetings; takes notes; coordinates administrative aspects of meetings, including follow-up if necessary; manages and distributes related records; and coordinates pre-construction meetings and final inspections for developments.

Receives and coordinates financial surety requests: reviews information for completeness and accuracy; maintains records of active bonds; and coordinates with applicants, developers, and financial institutions to accept and release bonds.

Coordinates and administers logistics, and agendas, meeting minutes, and web site information related to the boards and commissions administered by Urban Planning and Design Department, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Resources Commission, and Urban Forestry Commission, Design Review Committee or other similar boards.

Conducts simple zoning compliance and permit reviews. May review development applications related to minor works in local historic districts or similar development-related applications

Provides on-call assistance to the general public and staff to answer permitting questions and assists with various forms and applications pertaining to land use, land disturbance, and zoning.

Provides administrative support to assigned boards and commissions in support of the designated staff liaison; updates website, public meeting notice, meeting agenda and documentation, and maintains board records and other documentation.

Communicates and provides technical assistance to homeowners, engineers, architects, designers, site inspectors, planning and zoning personnel, City officials and the general public; responds to inquiries about individual projects and provides general information about city zoning codes.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, developers, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, development applications and plans, plan revisions, bond and financial surety requests, meeting agenda and notes, GIS data and maps, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Provides complex administrative support to the Planning and Urban Design Department for developing, tracking, coordinating various mailing documents, data, plans and reports. Manages database for compliance information and assists in development of reports. Provides feedback and process improvements.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Conducts division specific administrative work on an as needed basis.

Performs other related duties as required.