PLANNER

About the Role

This classification conducts specialized planning activities for the City of South Fulton, including current planning, building, and site plan review, as well as advising department leadership and the public on planning-related matters.

Responsibilities

• Follow and promote city policies and procedures.
• Advise the Department Director on issues affecting the city and provide support to other department heads, elected officials, and the public.
• Review and make recommendations on preliminary and final plats, site plans, and development proposals for compliance with the City’s Land Development Ordinance and zoning codes.
• Meet with developers to review plans and plats.
• Conduct research and prepare special projects, including impact analysis studies, data compilation, and program organization.
• Assist in developing the City-wide Capital Improvement Program associated with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Coordinate meetings with other departments and assist with planning and council meetings.
• Provide information to the public on ordinance interpretation, subdivision plats, land-use issues, site plans, applications, procedures, and documentation.
• Respond to routine questions and complaints, research problems, and initiate resolutions.
• Prepare updates to City maps, resolution forms, zoning certifications, and general correspondence.
• Prepare agenda items for zoning, annexation, and variance-related matters.
• Notify the public and adjoining property owners regarding rezoning and variances; post signs on properties as needed.
• Evaluate land use proposals for compliance with City, state, or federal laws.
• Review business license applications, building permits, sign permits, and fence permits for zoning compliance.
• Review site plans for compliance with zoning, building setback, and subdivision regulations.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on trends in local government planning.
• Perform special projects and other duties necessary for day-to-day department operations.
• Travel within the city for inspections and attend regional meetings/training; occasional overnight travel for job training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, architecture, planning, engineering, or a related field.
• One year of experience in planning/zoning or permitting.
• No felony convictions related to wage or identity theft, cybercrime, forgery, embezzlement, or similar offenses.
• U.S. citizenship or legal work status.
• Must meet the city’s background requirements.
• Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing per city policy.

Skills

• Knowledge of community development principles, land disturbance operations, and permitting processes.
• Knowledge of city planning ordinances, development standards, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, site plans, and legal documents.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct complex, multi-phase projects.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, memoranda, and financial documents.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Ability to plan and conduct public meetings and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and under stressful conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate office equipment (phones, fax, printers, computers).
• Skill in presenting information clearly and resolving conflicts with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions and maintaining effective interpersonal relations.

Physical Requirements

• Medium work: occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds for distances greater than 50 feet.
• Regularly required to use hands, reach with arms, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Frequently required to use a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and place signs on properties.
• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear in the normal audio range, including distinguishing radio and telephone conversations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods in an office environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Regular, predictable, and timely attendance is required.
• Ability to maintain a neat appearance and orderly workspace.
• Ability to wear protective equipment and refrain from using tobacco products while on duty.