REGIONAL PLANNER

About the role

The position involves participating in planning and zoning studies, analyzing and researching; communicating with the public concerning planning issues and engaging in other planning and zoning activities.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the research, writing, and public engagement and discussion regarding the adoption of the County's general plan, area, coastal, community, and neighborhood plan policies, and other specialized plans and studies such as the County’s Sustainability Plan.
• Participates in the research and drafting of zoning, subdivision, and other land use regulations.
• Participates in the analysis of complex planning problems, the preparation of population and other planning projections, housing needs, and parking studies.
• Responds in writing or orally to inquiries from the public on General Plan policy, and subdivision and zoning regulations.
• Processes applications for subdivisions, zone changes, variances, and conditional use permits.
• Evaluates applications for consistency with General Plan policy, and compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Conducts field inspections, prepares staff reports and public notices, coordinates with other public agencies, and follows all other necessary procedures for public hearings.
• Analyzes, reviews and prepares environmental documents including Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and both the draft and final versions of the Environmental Impact Reports in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Explains County and State environmental regulations to the general public and project applicants.
• Investigates and analyzes property ownership, recorded property ownership and zoning histories; gathers and consolidates data from public records and other sources to assist in the development of written staff reports in support of recommendations for official action.
• Investigates violations of zoning regulations, and discusses alleged violations with property owners, complainants, community groups, the Board of Supervisors, County Counsel, the District Attorney, and other enforcement agencies, and may make court appearances.
• Prepares and makes oral presentations of planning development applications, zoning and other planning related information to the Regional Planning Commission, and civic, community, governmental, professional, and other interest groups.
• Prepares graphics, exhibits, maps, and other audio-visual illustrations to present findings and critical issues of planning studies in support of the department's recommendations.
• Uses computer programs or planning applications to accept applications and process fees and prepare reports, maps, spreadsheets, data bases and/or graphics in carrying out planning activities.
• Works collaboratively with other Sections and Divisions within Regional Planning, other County departments, and public and private organizations in coordinating project activities and resolving problems pertaining to planning matters related to the department such as homelessness, sustainability, climate change, and equity.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning from an accredited college or university.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with specialization in Environmental Studies, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Public Policy, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or Urban Design with 15 semester or 22.5 quarter units of upper division courses in Urban or Regional Planning, Cartography, Urban Geography and/or Environmental Planning.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of professional urban or regional planning experience applying land use planning principles by interpreting and implementing zoning regulations, advising the public on land use and development requirements, resolving zoning and code compliance issues, and developing or implementing long-range planning policies, General Plans, or other legislative land use initiatives.

License

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Physical Class

Physical Class II – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.