Planner Zoning Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director and Planning and Zoning Manager, performs professional, technical, and administrative planning duties within the City's Planning & Zoning Division. This position serves in a Planner capacity, providing support for zoning administration, development review, platting, and long-range planning activities, while also assisting with code enforcement functions.

The Planner serves as a staff reviewer on planning and zoning matters including, but not limited to, business conformance, zoning verification, single-family and commercial plan reviews, annexations, rezonings, variances, special use permits, certificates of appropriateness, text amendments, and special planning studies. The position provides staff support for cases before the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council.

This position regularly interacts with developers, design professionals, contractors, property owners, other City departments, and the general public to educate, provide assistance, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Assists the Planning and Zoning Director, Zoning Manager, City Planner, and senior staff with zoning reviews, development applications, plat reviews, inspections, and planning projects.
• Reviews zoning permits, site plans, plats, variances, special use permits, rezonings, subdivisions, and other development requests for compliance with applicable ordinances and policies, under supervision.
• Prepares staff reports, technical analyses, presentations, and recommendations for boards, commissions, and City Council; presents items as assigned.
• Attends Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council, and other meetings; provides staff support and serves as a technical resource.
• Coordinates development review comments and planning efforts with other City departments, commissions, and outside agencies.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public regarding zoning, land use regulations, permitted uses, development standards, plats, application procedures, and general community information.
• Interprets and explains zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, development standards, and codes to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, attorneys, and property owners.
• Conducts site visits and field investigations to verify existing conditions related to zoning, development applications, and code compliance; posts public hearing signs as required.
• Prepares and manages zoning case materials, including public notices, staff packets, agendas, and related documentation.
• Assists with updates to zoning and subdivision ordinances, development regulations, zoning maps, and long-range planning documents.
• Assists with land use and planning studies, technical reports, and analyses; drafts ordinances, policy statements, and recommendations for review.
• Provides support for Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) and coordinates City responses with State agencies and the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission.
• Assists with data collection, mapping, and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as assigned.
• Maintains accurate planning and zoning records, correspondence, approvals, decisions, and reports using various software systems.
• May serve as Planning staff liaison to City boards, commissions, advisory committees, and community groups.

• Assists with enforcement of City ordinances related to zoning, land use, property maintenance, business conformance, housing, health, and safety.
• Performs field and office work in support of the City's code enforcement program, working alongside Conducts proactive patrols of assigned areas to identify ordinance violations; performs property inspections and determines appropriate corrective actions.
• Issues correction notices and citations as necessary
• Researches complaints related to zoning, development, and code compliance; prepares analyses and recommendations.
• Assists in resolving citizen complaints in person, by…