Planning and Zoning Technician

Supervised By: Community Development Director

Supervises: No supervisory responsibility

Position Summary:

An entry-level planning and zoning/public administration position that works under the direction of the Community Development Director. Devotes a significant amount of time on routine administrative tasks. Works closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning issues. Administers the City’s rental housing program, coordinates community events, and assists tenants, landlords, residents and non-residents with housing, zoning enforcement and community development concerns. Provides support to the Community Development Director and staff.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning programs areas or ordinances.

2. Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying and answering telephone.

3. Reviews zoning permit applications to assure compliance with requirements such as use, bulk, placement, and parking ratios.

4. Prepares public notices. Prepares maps, charts, tables of limited complexity.

5. Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity, such as special use permits and variances.

6. Researches and complies information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.

7. Investigates violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.

8. Works with City Rental inspector to administers the City’s rental housing inspection program. Identifies rental property owners and educates them about the rental certification process and requirements. Maintains BS&A Rental Database and alerts landlords of annual inspection, certification fees, violations, and delinquencies. Schedules rental inspections with landlords/managers and coordinates with the Building Inspector. Maintains and recommends revisions to the rental housing ordinance.

9. Investigates complaints from tenants against their landlords for rental housing code violations. Works with tenants, landlords, the Rental Inspector and Zoning Administrator to develop solutions to bring rental property into compliance.

10. Reviews marihuana applications and licensing for compliance with the City Ordinances.  Works with inspector to review/inspect complaints.

11. Review request for sidewalk permits.

12. Promotes positive neighborhood relations. Assists residents with concerns and complaints.  Provides planning, zoning, housing and development information and assists with permitting.

13. Represents the City on various committees. Ensures the City’s interests are represented and coordinates efforts with other committee members to best serve the community.

14. Attends public meetings. Completes special departmental projects as well as projects for other departments, as assigned.  Develops promotional and/or informational materials for various projects.

15. Serves as the secretary to the Planning Commission, Property Maintenance Board of Appeals and Zoning Board of Appeals secretary.

16. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory changes affecting planning, zoning and rental housing in Michigan.

17. Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, social sciences or related field is desired.

• Two years of experience in plans review, zoning administration, marketing, development, office management or related experience, preferably in a municipal setting.

• The City, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience. 

• A Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices, including pertinent specialties.

• Knowledge of rental housing codes and regulations.

• Knowledge of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Code of Ordinance.

• Knowledge of municipal operations, with an emphasis on community development.

• Skill in developing promotional materials and working with community-based groups to successfully promote public participation events.

• Demonstrated skill and experience in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, Internet applications, GIS and the ability to master particular software programs utilized by the City.

• Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally and in writing with an emphasis on persuasive writing.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with the public, grantors, landlords, tenants and other employees.

• Ability to make decisions using initiative to aid in office functions, interpret policies and deal tactfully with the public and potential funders.

• Ability to organize and prioritize continually changing tasks, follow through on assignments, and work effectively under stress and changes in work priorities.

• Ability to manage workload to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work without direct or with limited supervision.

• Ability to quickly learn new areas of knowledge as various new projects are assigned.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to review and produce written and electronic documents and drawings. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items of light weight. The employee is frequently required to travel to other locations within and outside of the City. The employee is frequently required to attend meetings and make public presentations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee occasionally works in other areas of the City and may be exposed to outside weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles and other outdoor conditions.