Planner III - Urban Design

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Planning or Principal Planner, the Planner III is a senior staff, this role is responsible for project managing complex planning applications, reviewing, circulating, and providing professional planning opinions on development proposals and strategic land use studies with respect to City requirements in conformity with City Codes, City and County Comprehensive Plans and relevant State Statutes. The Planner III – Urban Design, is a key member of the planning team responsible for advancing urban design initiatives and enhancing the public realm within the municipality.

This role focuses on translating urban design principles into tangible projects that promote placemaking, walkability, and quality of life.

An employee in this class is responsible for the study, evaluation, compilation, and presentation of data attendant to a municipal urban design program. Work involves individual or team participation in the development of major planning reports deliverables. Functional supervision is received from an administrative superior through consultation and review of completed work.

• Leads the review of development projects to ensure compliance with urban design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates streetscape plans and proposals to enhance the aesthetic quality and functionality of public spaces, promoting pedestrian-friendly environments and vibrant streetscapes.
• Leads the design and review of public realm projects, including streetscapes, parks, plazas, and other public spaces, ensuring alignment with urban design objectives and community needs.
• Prepares conceptual designs, renderings, and visualizations to communicate urban design concepts and proposals to stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public.
• Coordinates with internal departments, external consultants, and community groups to gather input, solicit feedback, and incorporate diverse perspectives into urban design projects.
• Conducts site assessments and analysis to evaluate existing conditions, identify opportunities, and develop design solutions that enhance the urban environment.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance on urban design principles, best practices, and emerging trends to support planning initiatives and development projects.
• Collects, compiles, tabulates and analyzes data and factual materials fundamental to a comprehensive planning program.
• Assists in the formulation and administration of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Master Plans, and Land Development Regulations.
• Researches and prepares zoning and land development regulations consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and presents to the Planning and Development Board and the City Commission for consideration.
• Manages complex planning applications. Reviews, and circulates applications, prepares and coordinates comments with respect to City requirements, conformity to the Zoning and Land Development Regulations, City and County Comprehensive Plans on complex development applications including Comprehensive Plan amendments, re-zonings, site plans.
• Consults with stakeholders such as:
  Internal city departments, developers, planning consultants, property owners, legal counsel, the public, the State, and other agencies in these reviews.
• Reviews and prepares expert opinions on interpreting and preparing policy with respect to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepares written and oral reports/briefings and makes recommendations to City Commission, Boards, as well as giving presentations to or responding to questions from members of the public.
• Prepares and processes Comprehensive Plan amendments through the appropriate State, Regional, County and City entities.
• Conducts planning and zoning studies.
• Reviews site and permit plans for compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Responds to email, telephone, or in-person inquiries; greets general public, and development industry; disseminates information on planning, zoning and development regulations; and provides information on departmental services and functions.
• Supervises technical personnel in the gathering of raw data for use in various land-use and…