Chief Planner

Primary purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Planning & Development and the Deputy Director of Planning & Development.

Oversees the Current Planning staff

Works under the policy and general direction of the Director of Planning and Development and Deputy Director; and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies, priorities and standards. Maintains a strong sense of urgency in order to meet deadlines and respond to inquiries in a timely and efficient manner

At the direction and assignment of the Director and Deputy Director, will oversee, direct and administer the performance and review of all Current Planning staff.

• Manages of the Current Planning Division:
  Assists Director and Deputy Director in day-to-day operations of the Current Planning Division and oversees operations of all current planning and support staff (currently three land use planners, and chief zoning code official).

• Assigns work amongst current planning staff including but not limited to land use committee petitions, building permit reviews, occupancy permit reviews, inquiries from residents, developers and other interested parties regarding development review and the Newton Zoning Ordinance.

• Oversees all development review processes and staff related to special permits, comprehensive permits, and site plan reviews.

• Facilitates Current Planning staff meetings as necessary to ensure that all deadlines (statutory and internal) are met.

• Facilitates development review meetings with the Chief Zoning Code Official, Engineering Division, City Traffic Engineer, Director of Utilities, Assistant Fire Chief, Associate City Solicitor, Inspectional Services Department and Planning Department as necessary.

• Coordinates updates to the City’s comprehensive plan and other master planning and vision documents.

• Works to ensure that development projects, particularly those representing public /private partnerships are consistent with implementation of the City’s adopted plans and policies.

• Collaborates with Long Range Planning on various planning initiatives as well as amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

• Provides technical support to the Mayor, City Council, developers, and residents on development proposals, and provides direct and/or oversees designated staff support to the Land Use Committee of the City Council and the Zoning Board of Appeals for comprehensive permit applications. Acts as a liaison between the developers, the city development review staff, residents, and the Council for development proposals. Reviews all development review memos and provides guidance to land use planners on reviews of development proposals.
  
  Directly responsible for the coordination of technical reviews of all large scale development projects. Oversees and reviews the preparation of the draft Council Orders, on all land use petitions, for the City Council. Collaborates with the Housing Division staff when related to affordable housing proposals.

• Offers technical advice and staffing to the Real Property Reuse Committee on an as needed basis.

• Coordinates data tracking relative to permitting.

• Works with Outreach Coordinator on community engagement around certain development projects.

• Seeks to continuously improve and modernize processes such as development review, New Gov (the online permitting system), and other workflow processes.

• Assists the Director in development of Current Planning Division budget.

• Attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.

• Handles and processes complaints, inquiries and questions. Follows up as may be required to maintain excellence in customer service.

• Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Detects and reports improper operations(s), faulty equipment, defective materials and unusual conditions to supervision. Ensures work area(s) and equipment are maintained in a clean, orderly and safe condition, that prescribed safety measures are followed, that established City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to.

• Performs other duties as required by the Director…