Job Summary:

Perform complex current and long-range land use planning, review development proposals and plats, assists with code enforcement, and other related work. Work is performed under the policy and administrative guidance of the Community Development Director and Deputy. Serves as a key assistant to the Director in administering the County’s development regulations and land use planning. Position supports and assists the Director and Deputy Director in the overall administration, management, planning, organizing, and staffing of the planning section and is involved in the development, enforcement, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for the planning division. Areas of responsibility include report management, permit processing, land use project review, leading meetings, presenting at public hearings and meetings, public outreach, floodplain administration, site development reviews, long-range planning, environmental review, and natural resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervision of Associate and Assistant Planners, Planning Technicians, and planning interns in the absence of the Director and Deputy.

Essential Functions:

  • Completes land use, environmental, and development proposal review, serving as lead for complex current planning and permitting projects and providing advice and recommendations to the Director and Deputy.
  • Assigns, reviews, and evaluates work of other county planners and other department staff.
  • Compiles, analyzes, modifies, and illustrates a variety of economic, social, and physical factors consistent with state and county laws, ordinances, and the county comprehensive plan.
  • Serves as the lead technical responsibility, under the policy and administrative guidance of the Community Development Director and Deputy Director, for work on assigned planning and permitting projects and for coordinating efforts with other county departments, the Planning Commission, the Hearing Examiner, the Board of County Commissioners, and the general public.
  • Functions as a member of the Planning and Community Development team, working closely with the Director, Deputy Director, and the building and code compliance divisions to guide and help coordinate current and long-range planning projects, and day-to-day activities in accordance with the County’s and Department’s goals and policies.
  • Coordinates and performs technical planning functions, including meetings with property owners and development professionals on building permits, land use applications, environmental policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations; ensures that projects and planning programs are administered in a manner consistent with the County and Department goals, policies, and regulations; prepares reports and recommendations.
  • Provides technical and procedural assistance in a clear, concise, and professional manner to the general public and development professionals for all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations involved in the permit process; assistance may be given at the front counter, in small groups, by phone or video conference, or by email.
  • Coordinates land use applications through review, recommendation, documentation, decision preparation, review by other departments and agencies, and permit issuance.
  • Performs zoning and critical area review of building permits and development of code interpretations.
  • Advise Director and Deputy on executing county policy and codes to be consistent with local, state, and federal laws.
  • Director and/or Deputy may delegate planning-related administrative determinations to the Senior Planner when they are unavailable.
  • Oversee resolution of inquiries, problems, complaints, or emergencies affecting the delivery or quality of planning services.
  • Support and model the identified vision, values, and behaviors of the Department.
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations in land use planning.

Example of Duties:

  • Provides technical and procedural assistance in a clear, concise, and professional manner to the general public and development professionals for all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations involved in the permit process; assistance may be given at the front counter, in small groups, in public meetings, by phone or video conference, or by email.
  • Coordinates complex land use applications through review, recommendation, documentation, decision preparation, review by other departments and agencies, and permit issuance.
  • Reviews building permits.
  • Assists and/or leads land use code compliance investigations and cases.
  • Recommends county ordinances and regulations to control and guide development and land use policy in the county.
  • Provides leadership and supervision for assigned research and planning projects, which may include grant writing and administration.
  • Coordinates and provides liaison with federal, state, and local agencies, advisory and special interest groups, and the public.
  • Represents the County and this department before various agencies and citizen groups.
  • Prepare well-written and technically accurate staff reports and related documents that explain the policy and regulatory basis for land use decisions and effectively present complex technical concepts for the understanding of lay persons and a variety of stakeholders/customers.
  • Develop improved, efficient, and standardized procedures.
  • Read and interpret maps, plans, construction drawings, and property descriptions, and utilize architectural and/or engineering scales.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Equipment to be Used:

Various types of materials and equipment are used: local, county, state, and federal codes, digital and paper records, building and area maps, statistical and legal documents and information, construction documents and specifications, professional literature, architectural drawings, mass communications, audiovisual aids, graphics, telecommunications, computer, and GIS.

Working Environment/Physical Abilities:

Work typically performed in office setting; however, field inspection and site visits are necessary as well as travel for meetings, etc. Required to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. Require sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally. Require manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate a computer, telephone, and peripherals.

Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex codes and documents. Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public and private officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to speak before groups expressing ideas effectively and ability to listen effectively and to represent the county in a professional manner at public meetings and on controversial issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of planning, project management, public outreach, and community development with knowledge in related planning areas sufficient to coordinate with other planners, building division and code compliance staff and other departments, as well as external agencies.
  • Proficient with personal computers, particularly word processing, permit tracking software, website management, GIS, data management, and computer-generated presentations.
  • Extensive knowledge of land use concepts and impact of sociological, demographic, and other factors influencing land use.
  • Knowledge of statistical methods.
  • Must be able to use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and County regulations and policies and have the ability to supervise and direct others and to work independently with other agencies, citizen groups, etc.
  • Detailed knowledge of federal and state laws including the Growth Management Act, Land Use Petition Act, Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Regulatory Reform Act, the National Flood Insurance Program, and other related laws.

Licenses & Other Requirements:

AICP certification and CFM certification preferred. Must successfully pass a background check and a driving record check. Valid driver’s license required. Must have the ability to attend meetings, training workshops outside of regular work hours.

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