Planner/Zoning Development Specialist

General Definition and Conditions of Work:

Performs intermediate professional and administrative work interpreting and enforcing the zoning ordinance and town codes and participating in current planning activities and mid-range planning activities; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Development Review Administrator.

Essential Functions:

• Administering and interpreting a complicated set of land use regulations as well as occasional administration of town code provisions; reviewing and evaluating land use and building permit applications; advising the public on zoning and development issues; maintaining appropriate records and files through an online development application platform; preparing reports, and other miscellaneous assignments related to the use of land and town policies.
• Reviews and evaluates land use and building permit application materials, subdivision plats and construction plans.
• Compiles review comments from multiple reviewing agencies and works closely with employees of other agencies to facilitate successful processing of applications with regard to regulations and rules that apply outside of Carrboro’s jurisdiction (e.g. environmental health, State roads).
• Researches, analyzes and interprets land use data project materials, permits and plans; determines effects of constraints and regulations on development opportunities.
• Discusses, explains, and interprets zoning regulations and permitted land uses with the public and designers, permit applicants, and other interested parties.
• Evaluates permits, plats and plans for accuracy, completeness and compliance with Land Use Ordinance.
• Issues zoning permits when application is complete; coordinates permit review and scheduling processes.
• Discusses results of evaluations of complex zoning permit applications, special use applications, variance applications, and special exception applications with the Development Review Administrator.
• Serves as liaison with department directors, county and State agencies, and private consultants during review process.
• Compiles and assesses all comments and communicates items to applicant.
• Responds to inquiries concerning^- permissible uses, procedures, and schedules; interprets applicable ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Inspects development projects for compliance with Land Use Ordinance and permit requirements, and coordinates with others on approvals of completeness and occupancy.
• Informs party of violation; issues "stop work" orders when necessary.
• Provides staff support to advisory boards, including the Board of Adjustment, and/or Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee and Appearance Commission; ensures applications are complete and accurate; prepares staff reports.
• Prepares agenda items including staff reports and compiling associated materials for Town Council. Also involves presenting development related items to Town Council on occasion.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of ordinances governing zoning and related codes; general knowledge of legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of planning theory and principles; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, building contractors, government officials and the general public; ability to interpret and enforce ordinances and regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.

Special Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and / or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing data, visual inspection involving small defects and / or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, engineering or related field and considerable experience in zoning enforcement and urban planning. Experience with online development application platforms and GIS strongly preferred.