SENIOR PLANNER

About the role

This classification conducts planning division work for the City of South Fulton, including current planning, building and site plan review, and compliance with the City’s Land Development Ordinance and zoning codes.

Responsibilities

• Follows and promotes city policies and procedures.
• Advises the Department Director on issues affecting the city; provides support and information to other department heads, elected officials, and the public.
• Performs current planning and building/site plan review; meets with developers to review plans and plats for compliance with land development and zoning codes; makes recommendations for approval of preliminary and final plats.
• Researches and prepares special projects, including impact analysis studies, data compilation, and program organization.
• Assists in developing the City-wide Capital Improvement Program associated with the Comprehensive Plan; coordinates meetings with other departments.
• Assists with preparation of planning and council meetings, bond collection/release documents, and impact fee calculations.
• Provides public assistance and information on ordinance interpretation, subdivision plats, land-use issues, site plans, applications, procedures, and documentation.
• Prepares requests for rezoning, zoning modifications, use permits, and variance requests; interprets zoning laws, analyzes applications, and makes recommendations to boards and councils.
• Updates City maps and prepares resolution forms, zoning certifications, and general correspondence.
• Prepares agenda items for zoning, annexation, and variance-related matters; issues permits and performs zoning compliance, including responding to complaints and attending court proceedings.
• Notifies the public and adjoining property owners regarding rezoning and variances; posts signs on properties.
• Evaluates land use proposals for compliance with City, state, or federal laws.
• Reviews business license applications, building permits, sign permits, and site plans for compliance with zoning, setback, and subdivision regulations.
• Oversees the work of consultants and represents the City at public hearings and meetings.
• Conducts public meetings to resolve planning issues, disseminate information, or gather public input.
• Serves as City liaison with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) for Development of Regional Impact (DRI) projects.
• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on local government planning trends.
• Performs special projects and other duties necessary for day-to-day department operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, architecture, planning, engineering, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in planning/zoning or permitting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of community development principles, practices, and trends, as well as land disturbance operations.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, bond requirements, and city planning ordinances.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to use city software as intended.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct complex, multi-phase projects and programs.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, memoranda, and financial documents; 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 (e.g., phones, fax, printers, computers).
• Ability to complete projects within designated timeframes and take accurate meeting notes.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• 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, including presenting clearly and resolving conflicts with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain a neat, orderly workspace.

Working Conditions

This position primarily works in an indoor office environment but may require travel to outdoor sites for inspections. Work involves constant deadlines, interaction with city employees, elected officials, vendors, and the public, and may include exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, dust, pollen, odors, weather extremes, traffic hazards).

Physical Requirements

• Regularly uses hands to handle, finger, or feel; reaches with hands and arms; and communicates effectively in writing and verbally.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits for extended periods, and uses a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, and places signs on properties; lifts/moves up to 25 pounds for distances over 50 feet.
• Requires close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception; ability to adjust focus.
• Must hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; distinguish radio/telephone conversations and sound patterns.
• May be exposed to uneven terrain, bright/dim lights, water hazards, and noise extremes.
• Regular, predictable attendance is essential; may require working beyond normal business hours, including holidays and weekends.

Individuals may be subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing as outlined in city policy.