Associate Planner

Performs professional level work in the field of current or advance planning; conducts special studies and research as assigned; prepares reports and recommendations and other related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the professional planning series.  Employees within this class are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned which require the application of professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning, zoning and environmental problems and the preparation of specific reports and plans with opportunity for independent judgment in planning work details and making technical determinations.  Work in this class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner class by the greater complexity of the assignments received including preparing zoning code and general plan amendment studies, and by the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level with a minimum of two years professional planning experience and the demonstrated ability to perform the more complex professional responsibilities in area of assignment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Planning Services Manager and Community Development Director.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspect properties to determine compliance with specific conditions of planned unit development permits, variances, and conditional use permits.
• Review commercial, industrial and residential development plans for code compliance; process permit applications
• Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Review development proposals and work with developers to reach agreement on acceptable project design; review building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for compliance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports of recommendations.
• May perform zoning enforcement duties, inspections, and related field work.
• Assist in the review and processing of applications of planned unit development permits, conditional use permits, rezoning, variances and other permits.
• Research economic, population and land use data and trends.
• Prepare initial studies and prepare or review environmental reports, including negative declarations and Environment Impact Reports.
• Compile information and make recommendations on special studies and prepare planning reports.
• Prepare zoning code and general plan amendment studies.
• Prepare staff reports and make presentations to the Development Review Board, Planning Commission, City Council, various committees and advisory boards as directed.
• Recommend needed changes in zoning regulations and related policies and procedures.
• Answer questions and provide zoning regulation information to business representatives, property owners and the public.
• Research and prepare technical and official reports on planning topics. Conduct special studies, surveys and projects, as assigned.
• Perform related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of and Ability to:  The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required to enter the job and/or to be learned within a defined short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of zoning and urban planning. 
• Site planning and architectural design.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment. 
• Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning.
• General building and engineering practices as they relate to planning review.
• Laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations. 
• Current case law, literature, and information sources.
• Research techniques and investigation procedures in the field of planning.

• Learn laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Learn applicable environmental laws and regulations, and methods of assessment.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
• Learn computer system in relation to planning functions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Perform complex professional planning work with a minimum of supervision. 
• Demonstrate tact, good judgment, and diplomacy with the public, developers, City Council and committees.
• Perform independent technical research and give reliable advice on the full range of planning or housing issues.
• Act as a lead or project manager on significant development proposals.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer, including word processing and permitting software, calculator, pencil, ruler, copy and fax machine, phone, mobile or portable.  Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments,

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Some outdoor work is required.  Hand to eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, and smell, and frequently sign legal documents and/or plans.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENT ELEMENTS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment and occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.