SENIOR PLANNER

General Description

This classification conducts the specified work within the planning division.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Follows and promotes policy and procedures of the City of South Fulton.
• Informs and advises the Department Director on all department issues affecting the city; provides advice, support, and information to other department heads, elected officials, and the public.
• Performs current planning and building and site plan review duties as necessary; meets with developers to review plans and plats for compliance with City’s Land Development Ordinance and zoning codes; and reviews and makes recommendations for approval of preliminary and final plats.
• Researches and prepares special projects as required including impact analysis studies, data compilation, and program organization.
• Assists in developing the City-wide Capital Improvement Program associated with the Comprehensive Plan; coordinates meetings with other departments.
• Assists with preparation of planning and council meetings. 
• Assists with preparing documents for the collection and release of bonds.
• Assists with impact fee calculations. 
• Provides assistance and information to the public regarding ordinance interpretation. subdivision plats land-use issues, site plans, applications, procedures. documentation, aerial photographs, and other issues; responds to routine questions and complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
• Prepares  requests for rezoning, modification of zoning, use permits, and variance requests; interprets zoning laws,  gathers background information regarding the submittal and analyzes application based on previous Board action in the area, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map and Plan policies; offers guidance and makes recommendations to applicants; gathers information to include in zoning/variance application write ups; prepares zoning agenda and tracks zoning items to ensure deadlines for public hearing, advertising, sign posting, and other requirements are met; analyzes requests and makes recommendations to the Board of Community Zoning Board, Council, and Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration; updates any action taken by the Boards during the process and writes up all final decisions; and posts actions on Department's website.    
• Prepares continuous updates to City maps.
• Prepares and resolves resolution forms, zoning certifications, and general correspondence.
• Prepares agenda items for the department on zoning, annexation, and variance related matters.
• Prepares permits; performs zoning compliance, including responding to complaints; issuing compliance letters; maintaining records of letters sent; and filing charges in Municipal Court; attends court pre-trials and trials.
• Notifies general public and adjoining property owners regarding rezoning and variances, posts signs in conspicuous locations on property.
• Evaluates land use proposals to ensure compliance with applicable City, state, or federal laws. 
• Reviews business license applications for appropriate zoning district, use, and parking.
• Reviews residential and commercial building permits, sign permits, administrative, and fence permits.
• Reviews site plans for compliance with the conditions of zoning, building setback and subdivision regulations for issuance of construction permits.
• Reviews and oversees the work of consultants.
• Represents the City at public hearing and meetings; conducts public meetings to aid in resolution of planning issues among parties with divergent interests, to disseminate information regarding future planning regulations, or to gather information and input from the public; represents City at public hearings regarding zoning matters; acts as City liaison between City of South Fulton and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)/ Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) for Development of Regional Impact (DRI) projects; and serves on committees when they propose a   revision to their regulations.
• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in local government planning.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Performs all other duties that are necessary for the day-to-day operations of the department.  

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, architecture, planning, engineering, or a related field.
• Requires three (3) years of experience in planning/zoning or permitting; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  
• Never been convicted of a felony related to wage or identity theft, cybercrime, forgery, embezzlement, or similar conviction.
• A citizen of the United States or has obtained legal work status. 
• Must meet the city’s background requirements.
• Work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving history.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred

• Obtain American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends in Community Development and Land Disturbance operations.
• Knowledge of methods, equipment and procedures for scheduling meetings and special events.
• Knowledge of the permitting process.
• Knowledge of obtaining required bonds for various developments. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of city planning ordinances and development standards.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and site plans.
• Ability to use city software as intended.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct complex, multi-phase projects and programs.
• Ability to perform a full range of general clerical, and routine administrative and programmatic work.
• Ability to prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Ability to proof documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, professionals, and the public.
• Ability to use standard city software as intended. 
• Ability to prepare and post agendas in accordance with specified timeframes.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment (i.e. phones, fax, printers, computer, etc.).
• Ability to complete projects within designated timeframes.
• Ability to take accurate notes during meetings.
• Ability to retrieve documents from filing system.
• Ability to prepare and review financial documents.
• Ability to prepare and review contracts.
• Ability to plan and conduct effective and informative public meetings.
• Ability to maintain and retrieve documents and records.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups with varying educational, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
• Ability to promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to recognize and resolve organizational conflict.
• Ability to work routinely under highly stressful conditions. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to remain impartial.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work as part of a team. 
• Ability to follow the chain of command.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to pass drug testing as noted in policy.
• Ability to meet all physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to sit for an extended period while working in an office environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, nights, holidays, and weekends to accommodate City needs.
• Ability to maintain a neat and clean appearance.
• Ability to maintain a neat and orderly workspace.
• Ability to wear protective equipment.
• Ability to refrain from using all tobacco products while on-duty.
• Skill in presenting clearly, cogently, and credibly in meetings.
• Skill in understanding and following oral and/or written instructions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relations and resolving conflicts with tact and diplomacy.

ADA Compliance/ Physical Requirements

Working Conditions: This position works primarily in an indoor office environment. On occasion this position may travel to view and inspect outdoor sites/activities. While performing duties of the job, the employee works in an environment under constant deadlines and will interact with city employees, elected official, vendors, and the public. 

Physical Ability: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in writing and verbally. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, and use the computer keyboard and mouse. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and physically place signs on properties. Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds for distances greater than of fifty (50’) feet. 

Visual Sensory Requirements: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Able to hear in-person; as well as, distinguish radio and telephone conversations, recognize differences or changes in sound patterns and loudness or pitch.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, uneven terrain, water hazards.

Attendance:  Regular, predictable, consistent, and timely attendance is an essential function of the position, in that the failure of such attendance undermines the City’s ability to provide critical services to employees, the department and the public.   This position requires attending meeting beyond normal business hours and on holidays and weekends.

Communications: Requires the ability of clearly speaking and/or conversing in order to exchange information in a manner that can be professionally understood by others. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to assigned staff, coworkers, or supervisors.

Travel

Frequent travel will be required to manage and inspect operations within the city as well as attended regional meetings/training.  Overnight travel is infrequent and limited to job training. 

Substance Abuse Testing 

Individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance and random testing as outlined in city policy and/or procedures.

Competencies

This position will be evaluated annually based on job performance and other criteria established through policy.