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 for approval of 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.
• 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 preparation of planning and council meetings.
• Provide information to the public regarding 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 and update 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 applicable City, state, or federal laws.
• Review business license applications, building permits, sign permits, administrative permits, and fence permits for 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; infrequent overnight travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, architecture, planning, engineering, or a related field.
• One (1) 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 acceptable driving history.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing per city policy.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and trends in community development and land disturbance operations.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, required bonds for developments, and city planning ordinances.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to use city software as intended.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and site plans.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct complex, multi-phase projects and programs.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, memoranda, and proof documents for accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, professionals, and the public.
• Ability to prepare and post agendas within specified timeframes.
• Ability to operate office equipment (phones, fax, printers, computers).
• Ability to complete projects within designated timeframes and take accurate notes during meetings.
• Ability to retrieve documents from filing systems and prepare/review financial documents and contracts.
• Ability to plan and conduct effective and informative public meetings.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals of varying educational, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards, confidentiality, and impartiality.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and under stressful conditions.
• Strong communication skills in English, including clear verbal and written exchanges.
• Skill in presenting clearly and credibly in meetings and following oral/written instructions.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relations and resolving conflicts with tact and diplomacy.

Physical Requirements

• Medium work: occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds for distances greater than 50 feet.
• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, and use a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and physically place signs on properties.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction, including distinguishing radio and telephone conversations.
• Regular, predictable, and timely attendance is essential.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends to accommodate city needs.
• Ability to maintain a neat and clean appearance and workspace.
• Ability to wear protective equipment and refrain from using tobacco products while on duty.