Planning Technician

Under general supervision and/or direction, performs a variety of entry-level professional planning roles for the Planning Division. Assists with research on prior land use actions, advises applicants and citizens on current zoning procedures, and reviews and processes minor building permits for remodeling, decks, pools, driveways, and other accessory structures. Interacts with the public, landowners, developers, staff, boards and commissions. Customer service and solution-oriented approaches to help to de-escalate and resolve conflict is required.

Generally, work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion.

Work is primarily performed on-site.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Responds to telephone, written and in-person requests from the public for information and interpretation related to the city's Development Code, rules, policies, procedures and regulations.
• Provides research assistance to the public and planners regarding prior land use actions on land within the city of Thornton.
• Advises applicants and citizens on the current zoning of property.
• Assists the professional planners with the intake and sufficiency review of land use applications.
• Reviews and processes minor development plans and temporary use applications under supervision and/or direction.
• Reviews and processes minor building permits for remodeling, decks, pools, and other accessory structures under supervision and/or direction.
• Reviews and processes non-allocated building permits under supervision and/or direction.
• Provides general research assistance to planners through the use of the computer, telephone and mail.
• Gathers data from other communities and organizations, and updates records.
• May analyze and review development proposals or applications generally minor in nature such as, subdivisions, architectural reviews, development plans, variance applications, building permits, and temporary use permits for compliance with appropriate planning principles, regulations, and policies.
• May advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public on the city's development policies, procedures, and standards and other land use matters including the current zoning of property. May assist in research of these matters.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and conditions. Reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance.
• May design and prepare illustrative and graphic presentation materials for public hearings and meetings; utilizes the city's mapping programs.
• May retrieve, manipulate, and summarize information for planning reports.
• Prepares articles and correspondence related to planning issues or projects.
• May prepare technical staff reports.
• Researches local, regional and national planning issues.
• May give presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or other boards and commissions.
• May facilitate resolution of conflicting views on projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of city of Thornton Development Codes.

Knowledge and experience in the use of several software programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and GIS.

Knowledge of basic long-range planning principles.

Knowledge of land use policies and development.

Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of municipal planning.

Skill in interpreting plats and site plans.

Skill in using computer mapping systems.

Skill in performing routine and moderately complex current planning tasks.

Skill in reviewing and analyzing site plans, subdivisions, architectural reviews, development plans, variances, building permits and temporary use permits.

Ability to analyze data, issue findings, and develop recommendations.

Ability to exercise discretion or independent judgment.

Ability to conduct research by utilizing…