Assistant City Planner
Assists with the design, promotion and administration of long range, short range and current city planning activities. Assists with coordinating public and private policies to meet the future needs of the City. Elicits active citizen participation in planning for the City's future by identifying achievable and cost efficient goals objectives and forecasts for future governmental decision making. Maintains an effective public relations approach to increase acceptance of comprehensive city planning. Provides technical expertise and control of work to assure timely performance. Adheres to professional planning standards, zoning and land subdivision codes.
This list may not include all of the tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all of the specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Develops and prepares background and impact reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Historic Preservation Commission on zoning, land subdivisions, planned unit development cases, annexation, variances, site plans, special use permits, historic landmark designations, certificates of appropriateness, and historic preservation grants providing the information necessary to assist the boards and commission in making decisions.
- Provides staff assistance for department boards and commissions including but not limited to preparing agendas, minutes, running meetings, and presentations.
- Uses ArcGIS and design tools (e.g. SketchUp) for planning research and assessment of appropriateness of various developments or modifications.
- Identifies community problems, issues and opportunities in particular neighborhoods and corridors that could be mitigated through better community planning. Works cooperatively with City Planner and other city staff towards solutions, if directed.
- Assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, other city plans, and various land development regulations. Assists with writing a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to planning, land use, and development.
- Works with ad hoc commissions, committees, City staff and community groups on specific planning and community development related issues.
- Reviews site plans of moderate complexity for conformance with codes, polices and various regulations.
- Assists with the review of complex and difficult site plans for conformance with codes, policies and various regulations.
- Reviews commercial sign applications, for permanent and temporary signs. Advises businesses and developers on sign requirements, provides verbal and written comments to customers and sign company representatives, works frequently with the Electrical Inspector and other staff as needed on elements of the sign review.. Conducts occasional site visits to determine compliance with the sign ordinance.
- Responds in a timely basis to inquiries f rom developers, attorneys, engineers, architects, fellow employees and citizens regarding planning, zoning and housing issues.
- Attends a substantial number of meetings outside of normal business hours and occasional evening and weekend meetings.
- Coordinate special projects as assigned by Director of Community Development. Works closely with and under the direction of the City Planner.
- Updates City zoning maps and ensures their completeness and accuracy.
Education/Experience:
- Required - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree (B.A/B.S) with major course work in urban planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, history, political science or closely related field. At least one (1) year of professional planning experience.
- Preferred - Master's Degree in urban planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, history, political science or closely related field.
Certificate or Licenses:
- Required - Valid Illinois Driver's License