SENIOR PLANNER

DEFINITION

Under general direction, of the City Manager, the Senior Planner performs a wide variety of complex and highly responsible and varied professional, programmatic, administrative, and technical work in support of current and long-range planning programs and projects, assists and coordinates public policy development and implementation including serving as a project manager for complex and special projects. The position creates and updates long-range planning documents such as the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance; conducts initial studies and coordinates activities of consultants in the preparation of reports required by the California Environmental Quality Act. The Senior Planner will exercise considerable judgment and initiative when independent action is required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The incumbent serves as project manager for assigned major projects, which includes responsibility for conceiving planning projects, developing analysis and work methods, and may include reviewing the daily work of professional and technical staff. Performance of work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. Incumbents are expected to independently complete the most complex and difficult professional planning assignments and are responsible for all departmental functions and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Class specifications are intended to present examples of the duties performed by employees in the classification. Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be performed by positions in this class.

• Coordinates and performs research and analyses pertaining to the General Plan, area plans, grant programs, related municipal ordinances and policy; prepares related reports and recommendations, and renders professional advice regarding planning issues.
• Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and long-range planning projects and special planning studies, including in-depth application and plan review, preparation of legal notices, posting notices on sites, background research, preparing staff reports, attending public hearings and making presentations.
• Reviews various plans and applications for complex subdivision, housing and commercial developments; determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives.
• Reviews and approves administrative discretionary current planning permits and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) related documents. Prepare staff studies and reports on more complex planning issues/applications.
• Review, approve, and calculate appropriate fees for residential improvements.
• Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations on applications such as Design Review Permits, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, and Tentative Parcel/Tract Maps; reviews drawings or blueprints for structural conformity, proposed uses and aesthetics; conducts site evaluations and analyses.
• Prepares and updates various planning documents such as the City's General Plan, specific plans, ordinances, resolutions, codes, and related planning studies and reports.
• Attends, coordinates and participates in committee, staff, City Council, Redevelopment Agency Board and other public agency meetings and conferences. Makes presentations to groups such as the City Council, Redevelopment Agency Board, boards and commissions, citizen groups and other public agencies.
• Conducts plan check of building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements.
• Participates in General Plan amendments and updates, making recommendations regarding policy development.
• Reviews projects and development proposals for conformance with the City's regulatory ordinances including Zoning, Design Review, LCP, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Acts as a project manager to secure the zoning entitlements and environmental clearances for significant current development projects and long-range planning programs.
• Prepares or supervises preparation of GIS maps, charts, diagrams and other documents for reports and public hearing notices.
• Provides work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants, prepares and manages consultant agreements and supervises consultant teams performing work for the City.
• Analyzes statistical data, such as long-range transportation, population characteristics, growth trends and other data.
• Provides front counter and phone support; provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, the public, other departments, and outside agencies regarding laws and regulations; investigates and answers the more complex questions from the public regarding planning and zoning; responds to complaints of zoning code violations.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with co-workers and the community utilizing accepted principles of effective customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For additional information, please see the City's website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/claytonca