City Planner

About the role

The incumbent manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs;
• Recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels;
• Recommend and administer policies and procedures;
• Review development proposals and land use applications including site plans, subdivisions, zoning requests, and sign permits for compliance with city regulations, including the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations Code, and other planning objectives;
• Meet with and assist developers, architects, engineers, attorneys, businesses, and property owners to discuss proposed development projects, zoning compliance, and other regulatory requirements;
• Guide applicants through the zoning entitlement and development review process from pre-application through final approval;
• Prepare staff reports, agendas, correspondence, recommendations, supporting documentation, and public presentations related to development proposals and planning cases for the City Council, Committees, Commissions, and the general public;
• Attend meetings and provides professional planning support to the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and other assigned Boards or Commissions;
• Aid in the preparation of sub-area plans, comprehensive plan updates, and amendments to the Zoning Code, and City Code;
• Manage the interdepartmental review process for development applications to ensure efficient and consistent evaluation;
• Respond to inquiries from residents, businesses, and outside organizations regarding zoning, development standards, land use regulations, and city procedures;
• Present planning analyses and recommendations at public meetings and hearings;
• Maintain accurate planning records, reports, and development files in accordance with city policies and retention requirements;
• Evaluate existing policies and procedures and recommend new approaches, ordinances, or updates to support planning initiatives and City Council objectives;
• Collect, compile, analyze and interpret planning data; prepare reports and related documentation of findings and present to the appropriate boards, commission or superiors;
• Update existing land use and development files and maps with changes while analyzing the implications of these changes;
• Ensure compliance with the City’s Zoning Code, Subdivision Regulations Code, and stormwater ordinances;
• Assist the Director of Community Development in reviewing, administering and updating all of the City zoning related land use regulations including the Zoning Code and the Subdivision Regulations Code;
• Cookordinate relevant planning and development activities with other City departments and with outside agencies as required;
• Recommends goals and objectives; assists in the development of and implements policies and procedures;
• Use and maintain planning data for GIS as it relates to planning and physical development;
• Cookordinate the preparation and revision of the handouts for developers and citizens outlining and explaining the City’s development process and requirements;
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required;
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required;
• Participate in the departmental review of building permit applications for compliance with applicable zoning, sign, and fence codes.

Requirements

• A minimum of three years in municipal planning and/or community development is required;
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or a related degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in municipal planning and/or community development;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or a related degree;
• A valid driver's license, or ability to obtain one within six months of hire is required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including medical, prescription, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance;
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), deferred compensation plans (457b), supplemental life insurance for the employee and dependents, specialty insurance plan options, paid time off (e.g. sick, vacation, and personal time), health and wellness offerings, among other benefits;
• The City of West Chicago offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees.