Associate Planner-Design Review

About the role

The City of Boise is seeking an Associate Planner – Design Review to support well-designed commercial, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use development throughout the community. This role is a strong fit for a planning or design professional with experience in design review and a background in planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture or a related field. In this position, you will have a direct role in shaping the built environment of one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.

Responsibilities

• Researches, reviews and issues decisions for administrative level applications such as changes to existing buildings and sites, landscape modifications and change in use requests.
• Provides assistance to the public through answering telephone calls, emails, in-person meetings and assisting walk-in customers with questions, interpreting zoning regulations, following city code processes and procedures, approving walk-in building permits, etc.
• Conducts general parcel research through the archived city records, GIS system, subdivision plats and assessor’s records.
• Reviews and provides feedback for development permits.
• Prepares and presents project reports to the design review committee, planning and zoning commission and city council, including researching previous entitlements, setbacks, uses, compliance with design guidelines, neighborhood plans, zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.
• Reviews building plans to ensure compliance with design review and zoning requirements.
• Researches plat approval and zoning requirements, including previous entitlements, setbacks, height, parking and location within a floodplain or foothills.
• Performs site inspections for projects to ensure compliance with all design review and planning approvals prior to the issuance of occupancy permits through the building department.
• Affords assistance in the research, drafting, document layout and public processing of planning studies, including master plans, design guidelines, overlay zones and similar items.
• Prepares reports (at the staff and hearing levels) that analyze the project's compliance with the city's goals, policies and ordinances.
• Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Requirements

• Knowledge Of The principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas.
• Theories, principles, standards and practices of architectural design, including the ability to differentiate architectural styles and concepts.
• Planning, research, zoning and community renewal activities.
• Pertinent ordinances, codes and regulations and city goals for future development.
• Current literature and developments in planning methods used in developing information for general plan modifications.
• Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process.
• Community trends and market analysis techniques.
• Math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process.
• Planning terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning.
• Construction methods and commonly used building materials.
• Plant species, planting practices and growth habits of landscape materials commonly used in the region.
• Research techniques, report writing and computer software applications related to the work.
• Analyzing planning issues related to the entitlement process, subdivision of land, site planning and architectural design.
• Interpret policies and develop operating guidance related to urban planning laws, regulations, executive orders and other technical material.
• Provide customer service assistance and formal recommendations relating to urban planning policies, procedures, guidelines and/or regulations.
• Plan and implement new initiatives and promote technological advances relating to urban planning.
• Analyze development plans and review building architecture in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations.
• Effectively read and analyze architectural floor plans, perspective renderings, elevations, building sections, site plans and landscaping plans.
• Analyze landscaping and site design in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations.
• Work independently in the preparation of plans and special studies.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Interpret the intent of a policy and apply it.
• Perform basic math.
• Use word processing and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance.
• Organize and make oral presentations in public situations.
• Read and interpret plans and blueprints.
• Communicate effectively in the English Language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field.
• Two years of experience in urban planning, urban design, architecture or a similar field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas.
• Theories, principles, standards and practices of architectural design, including the ability to differentiate architectural styles and concepts.
• Planning, research, zoning and community renewal activities.
• Pertinent ordinances, codes and regulations and city goals for future development.
• Current literature and developments in planning methods used in developing information for general plan modifications.
• Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process.
• Community trends and market analysis techniques.
• Math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process.
• Planning terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning.
• Construction methods and commonly used building materials.
• Plant species, planting practices and growth habits of landscape materials commonly used in the region.
• Research techniques, report writing and computer software applications related to the work.
• Analyzing planning issues related to the entitlement process, subdivision of land, site planning and architectural design.
• Interpret policies and develop operating guidance related to urban planning laws, regulations, executive orders and other technical material.
• Provide customer service assistance and formal recommendations relating to urban planning policies, procedures, guidelines and/or regulations.
• Plan and implement new initiatives and promote technological advances relating to urban planning.
• Analyze development plans and review building architecture in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations.
• Effectively read and analyze architectural floor plans, perspective renderings, elevations, building sections, site plans and landscaping plans.
• Analyze landscaping and site design in relation to adopted guidelines and regulations.
• Work independently in the preparation of plans and special studies.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Interpret the intent of a policy and apply it.
• Perform basic math.
• Use word processing and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance.
• Organize and make oral presentations in public situations.
• Read and interpret plans and blueprints.
• Communicate effectively in the English Language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise. The benefits include:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family.
• PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b.
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month.
• 10 weeks paid parental leave.
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive.
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass.
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost.

Pay

To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise. The pay is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise. The schedule is flexible and accommodates the needs of the position and the employee.