Associate Planner

Definition

Under general direction, to perform complex professional City planning functions and assignments; to develop planning studies, environmental reviews, community design, and general plan preparation and amendments; to assist with planning goals and policies formulation and implementation; to perform zoning enforcement; to explain Planning and Zoning ordinances, regulations, and policies to the public; and to do related work as required. Serves as Disaster Service Worker.

FLSA Status:
Non-exempt. Bargaining Group:
Miscellaneous Unit.

This is the fully experienced journey level in the professional Planner class series. Incumbents are expected to perform a broad range of complex planning and zoning enforcement assignments. Incumbents perform the full scope of current and advanced planning work.

Community Development Director, or as assigned.

• All essential functions listed in the Assistant Planner classification.
• Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Performs a variety of difficult and complex professional planning work.
• Gathers data and information for planning studies and policy development.
• Performs a variety of professional planning work including both current planning and preparation of general plan elements, as assigned; prepares project reports.
• Conducts research and performs data analysis.
• Processes applications for land use projects, such as special use permits, zoning changes, and site development.
• Coordinates application reviews with other City departments, as necessary.
• Performs projects related to annexations, consolidations, and district changes.
• Assists zoning enforcement officer to conduct site inspections and ensure compliance with City’s General Plan and zoning codes.
• Develops and prepares environmental studies.
• Conducts public presentations.
• Participates in the environmental review of proposed land use projects.
• Revises and updates planning ordinances and general plan elements.
• Interprets ordinances, and regulations.
• Performs reviews of site development plans.
• May prepare and present staff reports to elected officials or appointed boards and commissions which hear and act upon land use planning issues and matters.
• Prepares and assists with preparation of maps, graphs, and information summaries.
• Receives and responds to zoning violation complaints.
• Answers public inquiries regarding zoning and planning issues, permit procedures and requirements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• May be required to attend night and weekend meetings.

• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• General theory, principles, and practices of land use planning and their application to a variety of planning problems.
• Purposes and procedures of public planning agencies, boards, and governing bodies.
• Laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting land use and zoning.
• Research methods and statistical analysis.
• Environmental impacts of changes in land use.
• Graphic illustration and presentation.
• Computers and software used in professional planning work.
• Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Site and building plan review to ensure compliance with planning regulations.

• Perform complex professional planning studies, environmental reviews, and zoning enforcement.
• Provide some guidance, training and direction for other professional planning and technical support staff.
• Read and interpret laws, ordinances, general plan elements, environmental impact statements, and other documents related to community planning and land use.
• Collect, compile, and analyze technical, statistical, and other information related to public planning and land use.
• Read and interpret maps.
• Apply good judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepare a variety of planning and zoning reports.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional planning work.
• Make effective oral and written presentations.
• Effectively represent the City Planning functions in responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with public and community organization concerns regarding…