Planning Technician - City of Birmingham

Target close date: 08/21/2026. Full-time position.

About the role

The City of Birmingham is seeking a Planning Technician to support community planning and development activities. This position conducts research, surveys, and studies involving land use, demographics, housing, employment, and other planning matters to support planning and zoning decisions. The Planning Technician reviews plans, permit applications, and related submittals for compliance with applicable requirements. This position also provides information and technical assistance regarding zoning, permits, and planning processes while serving as a liaison to community members, contractors, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Receives applications for licenses and permits and processes them by reviewing drawings, maps and surveys, researching historical data, collecting fees and ensuring compliance with departmental requirements and land development ordinances.
• Communicates with various individuals (e.g., contractors, realtors, engineers, developers, general public) on the phone and in person in order to answer questions and explain ordinances relating to flood plain, zoning, signage, and subdivision.
• Performs various administrative functions including coordinating communication between parties, and preparing and compiling information and documentation in order to prepare for meetings (e.g., Board of Zoning Adjustment, Planning Commission), to record and dictate board meetings, and to notify agencies and citizens of hearings, approvals, and recommendations to ensure information is communicated appropriately.
• Assists the Planners in the day-to-day activities relating to land development.
• Receives and reviews plans/drawings for compliance with the ordinances (e.g., zoning, subdivision, etc.).
• Makes preliminary decisions on permit approval (e.g., fence, new home construction, floodplain, etc.) based upon information presented.
• Prepares and sends memos/letters of results from BZA and Planning Commission meetings to various departments, the City Council and applicants.

Requirements

• Driver’s license.
• Experience working with the public (e.g., explaining rules and regulations, handling customer complaints).
• Experience utilizing GIS (e.g., reading maps, researching property information).
• Experience performing clerical duties including filing, record keeping, and scheduling.

Physical Demands

• Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.
• May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

• Work is conducted mostly indoors in an office setting, with periodic field visits to external indoor or outdoor locations.
• Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.

Pay

17.85 - 27.69 USD hourly.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance.
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension).
• Generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave.