Planner (Development Review)

 

• Serves as initial planning point of contact for zoning inquiries, development inquiries, and walk-in customers during assigned office hours. 
• Responds to complaints, questions, and requests for information pertaining to zoning, development plans, and documents as well as zoning districts, permitted uses, and plan reviews.
• Assists with planning, organizing, and coordinating the Town's overall land use and development programs to include current planning activities, including site plan and subdivision review, rezoning and text amendment requests, annexations, and construction improvement permits. 
• Assists in administering the Development Review Process, including meetings with developers, reviewing and approving plans, and performing field inspections as necessary.
• Prepares Zoning Verification Letters (ZVL) for development projects and other real estate transactions.
• Reviews plats including final plats, minor subdivision plats, recombination plats, and other exempt subdivisions. 
• Assists and works with various boards and community groups.
  • Attends regular monthly meetings of the Town Council and Land Use Review Board. 
  • Attends occasional meetings of community groups.
  • Presents to various boards and community groups as needed. 
  • Gathers information if requested by a board or community group.
  • Prepares and presents staff reports, recommendations, advice, and technical information to the Town Council, the Land Use Review Board (LURB), and the Board of Adjustment (BOA).
  • Coordinates activities of the BOA by administering Variance and Administrative Appeal applications, preparing staff reports, and presenting before the BOA.
• Meets with potential developers to discuss the approval process for development in the Town of Knightdale. 
• Works with contractors and developers to deliver quality infrastructure to the Town.
  • Assists with Development Plan Review process including Sketch Plan, Master Plan, and Construction Drawing review processes.
  • Reviews progress and quality of work and recommends when payment and bond releases should be made and when completed projects should be accepted by the Town.
  • Responsible for holding bonds and letters of credit and ensuring terms are met before expiration.
  • Ensures that as-builts are submitted upon completion of project.
• Makes recommendations to departmental staff concerning changes and amendments to zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and the zoning map. 
• Assists in identifying grants and other non-municipal funding sources, preparing grant applications and proposals, and assisting in the administration of grants.
• Maintains accurate records of development project statuses, including databases and on the departmental webpages.
• Coordinates reviews and meetings with the Development Review Committee (DRC).
  • Prepares agendas and minutes for the DRC.
• Calculates development fees based on the current fiscal year fee schedule.
• Writes legal advertisements for upcoming public hearings based on the guidelines set forth in the relevant General Statutes.
• Maintains departmental submittal schedule and expiration dates for fees and permits. 
• Performs other duties as required.

• Employee subject to the hazards associated with field work in site surveys performing planning and zoning activities including both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to loud noises, vibrations, traffic construction site safety issues, electricity and elevated places, chemical fumes, and close confined quarters both above and below ground. 
• Must be able to perform all basic life operational functions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, visually inspect, read blueprints, use measuring devices, and read extensively.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in business, city/urban planning, geography, construction management, criminal justice, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in urban planning, geography, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Certification as a North Carolina Zoning Official (CZO) preferred and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of urban planning principles and zoning code.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public both orally and written.

• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner.

• Ability to administer regulations in a fair and firm manner.

• Understanding of the philosophy underlying the laws and regulations pertaining to urban planning.

• Understanding of urban planning purposes, principles, and techniques.

• Understanding of urban planning and zoning legislation.

• Understanding of the framework of municipal government.

• Understanding of statutes and rules and regulations relating to community development.

• Understanding of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of urban planning.

• Ability to prepare and present, in a clear and concise manner, oral and written reports.

• Ability to analyze complex planning problems and to present viable recommendations for their solution.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Town officials, and various groups and agencies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Knowledge of ArcGIS, Work order software, and Bluebeam Plan Review software preferred; Possession of a valid North Carolina driver license required.

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