Principal Planner

About the role

This position performs professional work in town planning and urban design, under the supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional planning support for City programs, including neighborhood plans, zoning overlays, transportation studies, park design, city buildings, and related studies.
• Contributes creative and innovative professional guidance in the implementation of planning and zoning policies and programs.
• Analyzes town planning and urban design problems, identifies consequences, and implements recommendations in support of goals.
• Develops strategies and recommendations related to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community.
• Assists in the re-write and preparation of amendments and updates to the elements of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Zoning Code, and the City Code.
• Participates in the review of Planning and Zoning Division applications, including Development Review Committee (DRC), comprehensive land use plan amendments, re-zonings, developments of regional impact, notice of proposed change applications, annexations, site plans, plats, abandonments, and conditional uses.
• Prepares staff reports for Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission meetings.
• Presents findings and staff recommendations to supervisors, neighborhood groups, applicable Boards and Committees, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the City Commission.
• Provides information to applicants, property owners, and the public on the comprehensive land use plan, zoning codes, and city codes.
• Assists applicants, citizens, and City employees throughout the development review process.
• Represents the Planning and Zoning Division at various public meetings, including civic and homeowner association meetings.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding planning and zoning activities.
• Reviews and analyzes plans for proposed construction covering residential, mixed use projects, and commercial projects to determine conformity to applicable Zoning Codes, regulations, and maps.
• Consults and coordinates with City staff in other Departments, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field, preferred.
• AICP certification, preferred.
• Five (5) years of professional planning, architecture, urban design or landscape architecture experience.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.
• A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.