Planner II

The purpose of this classification is to utilize discretionary authority in the review various development applications for compliance with County codes and ordinances, and to perform the preparation of and revisions to the comprehensive plan and related long-range planning documents. Employees in this class are expected to be fully functional in the review of permit applications and other matters under the jurisdiction of the division. Work is distinguished from the Planner I classification by the level of independence and direct supervision received. 

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Contributes to the maintenance and update of the County's comprehensive planning documents in conformance with the Minimum Planning Standards of the State of Georgia.

Performs research, data collection and analysis pertaining to long range planning; including but not limited to the comprehensive plan, the greenspace plan, the short-term work program, sub-area plans, historic preservation, capital improvement programming, environmental protection, and economic development.

Utilizes discretionary authority to interpret and apply County codes, comprehensive plan, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to zoning, land use, and site development; researches code-related issues in code books as needed; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations.

Provides information and technical assistance to citizens, property owners, land developers, contractors, architects, staff members, County officials, or other individuals/agencies regarding planning/zoning issues, land use issues, codes/ordinances, land development review procedures, site plan reviews, permits, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions or complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution; assists the public at front counter with various issues.

Determines whether proposed development complies with County codes/ordinances; recommends approval or denial of rezoning, home occupation, conditional use permit and sketch plat applications; prepares staff technical reviews, technical analyses, recommendations, and comments regarding proposed projects for submission to Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, applicants, or other personnel as appropriate; approves major and minor subdivision plats for recording as legal document.

Conducts/attends various meetings; attends Board of Commissioner meetings, Planning Commission meetings, Appeals Board meetings, and public meetings related to current and long range planning issues; attends plan review meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and the public; prepares visual graphics materials for presentations at meetings.

Inspects properties as needed; performs visual inspections and takes photographs of property and surrounding areas for staff reports to boards/commissions.

Assists in developing, editing, or updating division policies, procedures, Unified Development Code, or other documents; assists in writing ordinances.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, checklists, and staff technical reviews, permits, street address reports, grant applications, diagrams/layouts, flow charts, presentation materials, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, checklists, permit applications, staff technical reviews, architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, plats, legal descriptions, surveys, photographs, trade journals, technical reports/articles, census data, land use maps, street maps, zoning maps, topographical maps, comprehensive plan, codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Conducts research of geographical information system (GIS) mapping system, computer databases, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, geographical information system (GIS), e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, digital camera, and calculator, general office equipment, engineering scale, measuring devices, artist's instruments, or drafting instruments.

Receives moneys in payment of permit application fees or other departmental fees/services; records transactions, issues receipts, and forwards revenues as appropriate.

Coordinates work activities with those of other divisions, other departments, outside agencies, or others as needed.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other   departments, County officials, local/state/federal agencies, applicants, property owners, architects, developers, surveyors, attorneys, consultants, utility companies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards; reviews new codes and changes to existing codes; maintains an awareness of new methods, materials, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends seminars, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general clerical or customer service tasks, which may include assisting people at the counter, answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail; receives moneys in payment of permit application fees or other departmental fees/services; records transactions, issues receipts, and forwards revenues as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving urban planning, local/regional land use, zoning, land development plan review, site plan review, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.  A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is encouraged.

Internal Promotion Track: As of the date of application must fully meet the minimum qualifications above or must have at least two (2) years of experience as a Planner I and documented approval from the department director that they have demonstrated the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.