Administers the City’s Zoning Ordinances, including text interpretation to citizens. Accepts and processes public hearing applications for planning and zoning matters; assembles public hearing packets; prepares written reports for the Planning Commission and/or City Council in response to applications; attends and presents at Planning Commission and City Council meetings serving as the staff liaison for all matters related to land use, zoning, building and development.

Performs complex planning and development review of all subdivisions, right-of-way and easement vacations, annexations, and all other development review to ensure compliance with all City requirements.  Coordinates review directly with the City Attorney, City Engineer and Public Works department as necessary; tracks detailed development agreements between the City and developer/owner.  Prepares written reports and public hearing packets for all development proposals; provides recommendations on all development proposals to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.  Assists developers to ensure all requirements are compiled within established time frames; coordinates and inspects development sites to ensure compliance.

Keeps Director abreast of all development proposals, community outreach plans, long range planning, etc.  Carries out policy and procedures to accomplish departmental long-range goals.  Presents his/her self in a positive, approachable way to both constituents and staff.  Is a team player, and keeps a positive, respectful outlook toward the public during stressful situations.

Assesses and manages long-range plans and special planning studies, including City-wide master planning efforts and specific area master planning; coordinates with the public throughout the planning process; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; facilitates and/or participates in a variety of meetings and workshops with the Planning Commission and/or City Council.

Prepares meeting agendas; coordinates public notice requirements; attends all meetings, which are typically after regular working hours; serves as the staff liaison to all members; organizes trainings, reference materials, onboarding and workshops in coordination with the Community and Economic Development Director.

Participates in the development of strategies to enhance the quality of life for City residents; engages in various operational responsibilities in cooperation with City staff to achieve goals and objectives; assists in coordination of projects with other departments or agencies.

Serves as staff representative on a variety of boards, commissions and committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and policies; participates in regional and statewide planning efforts; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence and provides recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council or other City committees.

Provides regular and detailed assistance to City staff, the public, consultants, developers, and builders regarding City plans, current planning projects, zoning matters, subdivision and development requirements, other City regulations, and state and federal regulations; conducts pre-application meetings with engineers, developers, architects, general public and City staff regarding the development process and requirements.

Performs advanced professional level duties in the recommendation, development, and modification of City regulations.  Conducts research of applicable statutes/regulations and other planning examples; develops text amendments and related ordinances; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signing, traffic, building, infrastructure, and related departmental areas; recommends policy and guideline changes; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; presents findings to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.

Evaluates employee performance including the maintenance of credentials and certification; advances decisions affecting employee selection, retention, advancement, discipline and termination; writes and/or reviews letters of recommendation or reprimand; manages grievances and disciplinary matters related to work assignments, interpersonal relationships and general behavior.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Ability to: Interpret, apply and explain pertinent federal, state and local laws, grant programs, codes and regulations.

Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards and procedures; enforce regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present technical data in verbal, written, graph and map form; prepare and present technical reports; operate personal computer and various applications, including at a minimum: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, GIS and Adobe Acrobat; perform advanced mathematical calculations.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, co-workers, colleagues, subordinates, and the public.

Keep current with changing regulations and good practices; communicate clearly and effectively with City employees, the general public, contractors, designers/architects, engineers, developers, and other industry professionals; problem-solve and function in a collective, team environment with other City employees; represent the City in a professional manner at all times.

Manage and prioritize a constantly changing workload; focus on details and think strategically.

Must have Considerable knowledge of: Federal, state, and local laws affecting planning, zoning and related operations of the City. Planning and zoning and subdivision law, theory and application.

Principles and practices related to local government planning and zoning, economics, sociology and community organization as applied to urban planning.

Local government structure and operations, including the budgetary procedures and fiscal management; research methodology, statistical analysis and evaluation of research data; interpersonal communication skills.

Working knowledge of principles of supervision, workflow management, and leadership.

Must be skilled in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.

Valid Colorado driver’s license.

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, and 6 years of responsible experience performing the qualifications listed or related duties. Master’s degree preferred.  Must have AICP certification or ability to earn certification within one year of hire.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, may be acceptable.