Planning Technician bei City of New Albany, OH

About the Department

This entry-level position performs a variety of technical support tasks for the Planning Division, with a primary focus of managing and organizing the intake, processing, flow, and tracking of planning and zoning applications at the front counter. This position performs technical evaluations for zoning permit applications, ensures that planning applications are complete at the time of intake, and assists with code enforcement. Performs routine field work including zoning inspections and other duties as assigned. 

Position Duties

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Researches and responds to zoning complaints, questions, inquiries from customers to review and explain code requirements and violations or potential violations; conducts field investigations of possible violations by gathering evidence, taking photographs, speaking to and tactfully questioning residents and neighbors; compares facts to code requirements to assess whether there is a code violation; records findings on complaint record; determines how to proceed, including issuing a warning detailing violation, applicable codes, corrective action necessary and establishes a compliance deadline; develops and implements a comprehensive, city-wide code enforcement program to ensure the quality of the community is maintained
• Manages and organizes the intake, processing, flow, and tracking of planning and zoning applications.
• Accepts, records, and processes fees.
• Delivers excellent customer service to inquiries from the general public, other City Departments, and public agencies regarding development application-related matters.
• Reviews and manages zoning verification letters; oversees intake, processing, review, and tracking of all certificates and letters produced by the planning division.
• Completes zoning reviews and zoning inspections, as assigned. 
• Collects raw data and information from various sources to assist with research projects within the planning division. 
• Assists Planning Division staff with the preliminary review and evaluation of planning cases (e.g. Variances, Final Development Plans, Final Plats, etc.).
• Responds to telephone calls, emails and office visitors; responds to inquires and complaints or directs non-routine matters to the appropriate authority for disposition.
• Contributes to monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports as requested.
• Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

At least a high school diploma or GED plus an associate’s Degree in City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Landscape Design, Real Estate, or other relevant field (Bachelor’s Degree in City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Geographic Information Systems, Landscape Design, Real Estate, is preferred); or, the experience and education that provides the candidate with the ability, knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. A Valid Ohio driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the city’s insurance policy is required; must pass a background check and drug screen.  Experience with software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and ArcGIS is preferred.

Other Qualifications

Ability to: effectively represent the city with governmental agencies, community groups, business, professional and regulatory bodies and with property owners, developers, contractors and the general public; move about an office to access file cabinets and equipment; use and understand engineering and architect scales; read printed materials and computer screens; to hear and speak to communicate in person and by telephone; use independent judgment, common sense and rational sequence in performance of tasks; adapt work schedule to meet needs of the Community Development department, including work during evening or weekend hours; add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, ratios, averages and related statistics; remain at a workstation throughout the day; occasionally lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs.; apply and advice on policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within established policies, procedures, and standards; accurately record and deliver information.

Knowledge of: principals, practices, codes, and procedures related to land use planning, design and zoning; applicable software specialized for planning and development. 

Skill in: writing, research and analysis; using Microsoft Office applications/programs, including PowerPoint, Excel, Teams and other planning & development specialized programs such as GIS software, CityView, ProjectDox, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.; preparing reports, memos, correspondence and other job related documents using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style; scheduling, organizing, and prioritizing work assignments, project tasks and activities; presenting ideas and findings clearly and concisely; comprehending,  analyzing and using a variety of documents such as site plans, topographical and landscape plans, applications, architectural drawings, renderings, specification details, reports and records related to community development.