This is the entry level position within the Planning Team. Candidates possess a general understanding of the principles of planning and land use review and apply this knowledge in the performance of a wide range of planning related activities. Assistant planners are responsible for daily current planning activities and general customer support. Employees at this level receive regular instruction and assistance to guide the fulfilment of their duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following essential job functions and examples of duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.  Duties may be modified, added, or deleted at the discretion of the supervisor.

• Assists the public and customers with zoning and land use inquiries: answers technical questions related to land use and zoning ordinances; meets with property owners, architects, developers, realtors, appraisers, and members of the public to provide information on land use and zoning laws and regulations.
• Provides information related to City master plans, City Codes and Design Standards and Guidelines, and other City policies and regulations to the public, other City staff, and various outside professionals in a clear, concise manner.
• Conducts consultations with potential applicants to identify appropriate planning processes for proposed development, provides site-specific information, explains formal application requirements and procedures, and answers questions the applicant may have.
• Responsible for the review of development proposals for compliance with City codes, guidelines and policies and best planning practices; works with applicants to refine their plans to ensure maximum conformance with City regulations and guidelines, negotiating development solutions where possible.
• Responsible for processing land use applications of limited complexity through the development review process, which may include, but not be limited to, communicating with referral agencies and community members, developing information packets for Planning Commission and City Council, and presenting in public forums.
• Reviews building/grading permit applications for conformance with approved development plans and land use regulations.
• Assists the Associate Planner in reviewing sign permits.
• Conducts on-site inspections of developments to ensure exterior site and building plans comply with site plans prior to issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy.
• Prepares graphics, maps, charts and tables of limited complexity.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of issues from multiple sources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the candidate possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities is qualifying. The ideal candidate is someone who:

1. 1. Has attended an accredited college or university and has completed coursework in planning or a related field, such as, but not limited to, urban design, land use planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, and/or construction management; AND 
   2. Has completed some work or internship experience in a planning, building or engineering office, or related industry that provided direct professional experience applicable to the essential duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Planner position.