Principal Planner - Planning

City Planner

Under general direction, performs advanced and complex professional work in planning and development for the city, including current and/or long-range planning. Provides supervision to assigned staff.

Essential functions include assisting in development and implementation of division goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work plan; managing, supervising, and directing the activities of assigned staff and functions; coordinating internal development review comments between divisions and other city departments; writing ordinances and resolutions for development applications; preparing reports explaining proposed projects, problem areas, and proposed solutions; providing assistance to developers, architects, land planners, attorneys, and the public regarding the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters;

researching and defining code requirements pertinent to development applications; negotiating with applicants, developers, and other City departments regarding development requirements to obtain quality projects; preparing technical staff reports and giving presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and City Council and correspondence related to planning issues and projects; coordinating outreach programs associated with long range planning projects; coordinating and attending neighborhood meetings with residents to review development applications;

facilitating resolutions to conflicting views on projects; organizing and facilitating meetings with developers, residents, and community groups to introduce and discuss new development proposals and planning projects; answering planning, zoning and development process questions from residents, developers, and other agencies; researching and writing Development Code Amendments, including text amendments and the creation of new zoning districts; researching, preparing, and implementing elements of the Comprehensive Plan, master plans, long-range planning studies, special studies, ordinance amendments, and reports on other planning issues;

preparing recommendations as appropriate; researching and providing recommendations where necessary on local, regional, and national planning issues; participating in regional planning and other efforts where necessary; maintaining case files to ensure files are clean and contain the required information; assisting in the preparation and administration of the division budget; forecasting the necessary funds for staffing, equipment, training, materials, and supplies;

submitting budget recommendations and justifications; monitoring expenditures against approved budget as appropriate; researching and advising department on use of federal programs and funds; administering federal and other programs; updating job knowledge continuously regarding planning methods, design criteria, city zoning and land use regulations, and the Comprehensive Plan; remaining aware of and being sensitive to community issues impacting the long-range planning process;

and performing other duties as assigned.

Education/

Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university; five years' progressively responsible experience in urban planning; and one-year supervisory or lead responsibility. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Master's degree in Planning is highly desirable.

Licensing/Certification Requirements: AICP certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department. Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to land use, zoning, subdivisions, and annexations. Knowledge of the city of Thornton Comprehensive Plan, master plans, and neighborhood plans. Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of current and/or long-range municipal planning.

Knowledge of materials and equipment used in municipal planning. Skill in supervisory practices including employee training and development and performance management. Skill in preparing comprehensive plans, master plans and area plans; and in developing planning policy and program proposals. Skill in researching and analyzing planning issues, and developing strategies to address them. Skill in conducting productive meetings with developers, land use planners, architects and the public.

Ability to perform advanced current and/or long-range planning functions. Ability to appropriately review and analyze development proposals and applications including annexations, zoning requests, subdivisions, and development permits. Ability to research and define code requirements pertinent to development applications. Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various…