Planner I
The City of Solon
Solon, OH
AICP Certification: AICP Not required
Salary: Min $55,055.98 - Mid $66,067.17
JOB SUMMARY
Performs entry level professional urban planning and regulatory work. The Planner I, under supervision of the Department Director, participates in many aspects of community planning, including: (i) creating detailed plans, reports, and studies relevant to land use; (ii) creating and drawing maps or presentations that depict zoning and land use issues; (iii) studying development proposals with conformity to applicable development standards, and; (iv) taking part in research studies and projects.
As it pertains to development review, the Planner I position will play a role in the review of residential site plans and commercial development plans to determine compliance with the provisions for the City Zoning Code and issues Certificates of Zoning Compliance for construction. This position answers the planning, zoning and building questions of the general public, and assists applicants through the site plan review and building permit application process. Under the direction of Director, the Planner I also assist in Zoning Inspector activities such as zoning enforcement and compliance.
PRIMARY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under the direction of the Director, assists in the review of residential and commercial site plans, including new construction, additions, accessory structures, signage, cell towers, driveways, lot splits, etc., and issues Certificates of Zoning Compliance as required;
- Under the direction of the Director, assists in the review of non-residential building permit applications for compliance with both the Zoning Code and City Council approved site plans and ensures that as-built conditions comply with the City approved plans through regular on-site monitoring;
- Under the direction of the Director, assists in Zoning Inspector responsibilities such as the inspection of properties, structures and uses to determine compliance with city zoning codes and other relevant codified ordinances;
- Conducts field evaluations and assessments related to zoning and land use issues;
- Investigates complaints from residents, stakeholders, the Administration, elected officials, etc., relating to potential zoning code violations and/or violations of other relevant codified ordinances, on an as needed basis;
- Answers planning, zoning and building related questions from residents, contractors, architects, businesses, property owners etc.;
- Assists applicants through the site plan review and permit application processes as required;
- Attends administrative pre-application work sessions for both non-residential and residential projects and provides input on applicable planning and zoning regulations as needed;
- Performs GIS analysis and prepares maps using on an as needed basis;
- Assists in preparation of general plans and the writing of planning reports, as required.
- Creates surveys, analyzes data, and prepares recommendations on social, economic, and environmental issues;
- Reviews applications for Certificates of Occupancy for new businesses, performs background research regarding compliance with the relevant City Codes, and provides recommendations to the Director of Planning and Community Development;
- Performs research of past City actions relating to ordinances, variances, building permits, properties, site plan approvals, and provides reports as required, etc;
OTHER TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- May be asked to serve on Committees as requested by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
- Performs on site inspections related to planning and zoning issues as needed.
- Performs other technical and administrative duties as required as required by the Director of Planning and Community Development
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of the Director of the Planning and Community Development.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None
LEVEL AND TYPE OF EDUCATION REQUIRED
Requires a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a degree in urban and regional planning, land-use planning, economic development, public administration, or a closely related field.
RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
One (1) year of experience with a government planning agency preferred.
NECESSARY SPECIALIZED TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of zoning laws, including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement.
- Knowledge of planning and economic development programs and processes.
- Experience and skill with dispute resolution.
- Ability to gather and interpret data relating to demographics and the physical environment of the City;
- Ability to read and interpret site plans, blueprints and utility drawings.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, property owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
- Knowledge of, or training in basic computer applications used within department including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and GIS Computer Systems.
- Knowledge of and ability to use/operate tools and equipment listed.
- Integrity, sense of responsibility, independent judgement and the ability to delegate tasks and duties.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (Certifications, licenses, etc.)
Must have valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain AICP designation upon eligibility.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
The employee is expected to freely operate the following tools and equipment: personal computer (including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases software), , telephone, fax machine, photocopier, printers, testing equipment, motor vehicle, mobile or portable radio, calculator, tape measure, drafting tools, various hand tools, ladder, measuring wheel and metal detector.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both in a normal office environment and outside in wet, cold, hot and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, precarious places and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud when outdoors and quiet to moderate while in the office.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this 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 use hands to finger, handle, feel, carry or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; talk or hear; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may frequently be required to lift and move tools and equipment.
Posted January 29, 2025, 2:35 PM PST
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