Planner

COUNTY OF LOUISA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PLANNER

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Community Development, with minimal supervision, the Planner performs professional work assisting with the coordination of the zoning and planning activities of the Community Development Department. The Planner is responsible for reviewing applications submitted to the Community Development Department, providing code interpretation, and making field inspections, as appropriate. Provides high-quality service, direction and assistance to customers, visitors, developers, and the general public by efficiently answering questions, and providing information in a timely manner regarding department policies and procedures. Receives applications; and reviews for correctness and completeness; and initiates processing of each. The Planner is responsible for accurate and informative presentations to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors that includes department recommendations and/or alternative paths for zoning and development.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Provides a variety of public relations duties such as explaining department policies and procedures by working on a daily basis with the general public to provide them with information and assistance.
• Provides professional consultation specific to the application of the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance requirements and advises the public on review procedures of proposed development.
• Makes zoning and subdivision ordinance interpretations within the general parameters established by the Director of Community Development.
• Processes plats, plat applications and accompanying documentation for the creation of subdivisions and parcel divisions and/or adjustments. Reviews and/or approves plats in conformance with County zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Review occupancy permits issued by the department for compliance with any applicable zoning requirements.
• Provides land use control information in compliance with state and local ordinances, policies, regulations and previous interpretations.
• Provides public assistance with information and reviews Land Use Amendment, Erosion and Sediment Control, subdivision, site plan, Lake Anna shoreline, and development (zoning) permit applications filed for approval. Reviews each application for compliance with County policies and procedures and other regulatory agency regulations. Prepares and maintains files on each.
• Develops and processes security posted for development projects, maintains files and records and prepares documents for release at completion of project.
• Prepares and presents staff reports at public hearings of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Planning Commission and associated committees, and Board of Supervisors meetings, as needed.
• Prepares resolutions based on decisions by the Planning Commission that are forwarded to the County Administration for action by the Board of Supervisors.
• Works directly with members of the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to provide additional information and insight to planning issues.
• Coordinates the preparation and organizes materials and agendas for public meetings and acts as staff liaison to various committees, the Planning Commission, BZA, and the Board of Supervisors.
• Assists with the preparation of yearly and special reports for the Board and Planning Commission with statistical analysis of department activities; gathers information and analyzes data for budget consideration.
• Inputs, updates and retrieves information relating to the department’s needs, resources and assignments for a variety of purposes such as comprehensive analysis of zoning activities or permitting to identify shifting development dynamics.
• Interprets zoning maps to provide analysis of land uses and strategic planning and assists in the coordination of updating county land use maps.
• Performs field inspections, as required.
• Distributes a variety of information using multimedia such as census tracts, FEMA map, statistical, population and housing information.
• Reviews and certifies sign permits.
• Works with the County Geographic Information System and Real Estate Assessment records to retrieve data to prepare maps for use in presentations by various departments and county agencies.

Additional Functions:

• Maintains a variety of records and files pertaining to the department.
• Assist in coordinating permit approvals with other County departments.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships with all levels of County government and public officials.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles and practices of land use planning.
• Ability to produce written documents and graphic displays by being computer literate.
• Ability to gather and manipulate statistical information; to read, comprehend and interpret maps.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Ability to prioritize workload and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise solid time management skills
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate Initiative.
• Strong Organizational Skills.

• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills to communicate to groups concerning planning projects

and land use issues.

Education, Experience and Training:

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in planning or a related field and at least two years of direct work experience in local government.

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is typically performed in an indoor/outdoor setting

The department is currently open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This position will require a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the Department and the County to include evening, weekend and occasional holiday hours.

• Physical Effort: Light to moderate work, exerting up to 10-15 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.
• Hazards: Employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions: activities occur inside and outside in approximately equal amounts.

Special Conditions or Requirements:

• Must be willing to submit to a criminal background and Motor Vehicles check.
• Must consent to drug testing consistent with Louisa County’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must maintain a driving record consistent with insurance industry standards in order to drive a County vehicle.
• Twelve (12) month probationary period.

Disclaimer:

This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned.