Planning Associate

Job Description Primary purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Planner and Chief of Long Range.

Supervision Scope
:
None

Supervision Received
:
Director, Deputy Director, Chief Planner, Chief of Long Range

Supervision Given
:
None

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

The Planning Associate is part of the current planning team and provides zoning information, reviews and analyzes development proposals. This position primarily focuses on development review and provides staff support in the special permit process as development projects undergo the permitting process through the Land Use Committee of the City Council. The Associate may also aid in Comprehensive Permits before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Planning Associate is responsible for understanding and applying regulations; reviewing requests for special permits, comprehensive permits, administrative site plan reviews, Section 5-58 reviews of public building projects, and wireless telecommunications reviews; and coordinating with other City departments and City Councilors. Additional tasks include conducting research and participating in public meetings for updating the City’s comprehensive plan and zoning, as well as neighborhood planning studies and corridor plans.

• Responsible for all aspects of development review, including providing zoning information, reviewing plans and studies as part of development requests, conducting site visits, writing recommendation reports and making oral presentations to decision makers such as City Council, Planning and Development Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals, and reviewing constructed projects. The Associate will also collaborate across City Departments to obtain information needed to aid in project review.

• Reviews development proposals for consistency with regulations, adopted City policies, and good planning practices and principles. Provides feedback to applicants on proposals.

• Provides customer service by responding to questions and requests for information from applicants, the public, City Councilors, and other City departments.

• Conducts studies and prepares reports in developing land use, housing, transportation, economic development, and other strategies related to long- and short-range planning studies. Prepares analytical research reports and makes recommendations regarding policy, regulation and ordinance changes.

• Collaborates with City development review staff regarding development proposals, land use and zoning policy and regulations.

• Provides staff and technical support to City Council, as needed, including the Land Use Committee, Zoning and Planning Committee, Real Property Reuse Committee.

• Provides staff and technical support to the Land Use Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning and Development Board.

• Responds to public inquiries regarding zoning, development proposals, and land use issues.

• Assists in research for and preparation of writing grant proposals for the City of Newton.

• Represents the Planning and Development Department at public meetings and events.

• Collaborates with other planning staff to plan and implement community or economic development services that meet the needs of the community.

• Attends and participates in staff, department or other meetings, some of which may be before or after normal business hours.
  
  Serve on assigned committees, task forces. Coordinates and participates in special events. Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest, liaison with community or other groups. Assists in responding to customer service inquiries. Performs other related duties as required or directed.

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable…